Navigating Hutongs

While it isn't a typical tourist spot Mom and I (after careful research by Fi) decided to take a cooking class in the middle of a hutong in Beijing. The first challenge was finding the kitchen. After what seemed like a 7 hour long cab ride we arrived at the edge of the hutongs (taxis are too large to fit down the narrow streets). From there we were on our own. Somehow I managed to get us to the kitchen safely and early!

In our class at the Black Sesame Kitchen we learned how to cook homestyle dumplings. Not only did we learn how to prepare a vegetarian dumpling we also learned how to make a pork and pumpkin one. The recipes were delicious and we had a blast meeting new people and learning traditional Northern Chinese cooking techniques.

Not only did I learn how to cut with a cleaver, I also learned what "raw" tofu looks like, how to correctly fold a dumpling, and the difference between light and dark soy sauce. Fi and I both faced different challenges  throughout the class. I was horrible at making the dumpling dough while Fi excelled, and I mastered the dumpling fold while most of Fis looked like curly-Qs.

Bad dough

Good dough

Filling process

What one is mine, what one is Fi's? 

 

After a lot of dumpling eating we tackled the crowds of the very narrow hutongs. Not only did we have to battle the crowds, but we also had to avoid getting stuck with skewers that locals ate street food off of. We did a little shopping and then caught a cab back to the hotel.

The finished product!

They were all wearing horns...

Flower tea 

   

Apparently they sell SWAT outfits

Even the cab rides are entertaining in Beijing. Once you get the driver to understand where you need to be driven you then get to enjoy all the crazy sites of the city. Today that included seeing a child poop in the street. I kid you not. The pollution at this point had also gotten the better of both of us. My throat and nose were both extremely sore and itchy!

Back at the hotel for the night it was more western food for us (this time Pizza Hut) and some relaxation time which involved a nice shower and the same English speaking HBO movies I had seen in Thailand.

The experience so far has been fantastic. It is a little overwhelming being in a city where you are the minority by a long shot (even more so than what i've experienced in HK), but most people are willing to help. Our concierge, Stanley, tonight was fantastic!

Best part of my day!