Country Kitchen, Chef Shao Gang's "Family Banquet" Shines in Beijing

Country Kitchen at Rosewood Beijing
Twice a week, Chef Shao Gang's "Family Banquet"
A family banquet, in my understanding, is about a comfortable atmosphere, as everyone saw in yesterday's sharing. The private room is designed like a study, with calligraphy, decorative paintings representing Beijing's Third Ring landmarks, and artworks from Rosewood Hotel's ongoing charity projects. Beyond the dishes, a family banquet should also incorporate emotions—not just among the diners. For each banquet, the hotel donates 1% of the proceeds to charity, embodying great love.
If it's a family banquet, then surely the best must be offered—not necessarily the most luxurious or abundant ingredients, but sincerity is essential. The ultimate flavors of life, gathered around the stove, with Chef Shao Gang, a towel draped over his shoulder, serving the dishes and softly saying, "Enjoy it while it's hot"—that's the feeling of a family banquet.
The state banquet-level "Lotus Chicken Slices"—chicken without seeing chicken—involves a complex preparation process: minced chicken is fried, then blanched, perfectly blending with snow crab meat and chicken broth, resulting in a silky-smooth texture and a color like blooming lotus.
Sweet and sour Ussuri mandarin fish, deboned, golden and crispy—even when cooled, it remains crisp. The balance of sweet and sour is just right; when freshly served steaming hot, there's no overpowering vinegar aroma, allowing the tender freshness of the fish to shine through the sweet and sour flavors.
Chef Shao Gang's homegrown chives and the tenderest parts of bean sprouts are cooked tableside—a departure from typical tableside cooking. The ingredients may seem humble, but they're perfectly suited for this method, ensuring diners enjoy the dish at its optimal temperature: refreshing and tender.
A serving of sesame noodle salad is simply divine! A bite of chilled, chewy noodles, drizzled with a bit of sesame sauce and a spoonful of fried Sichuan pepper oil—pure satisfaction from a family banquet.
Outside the East Third Ring, skyscrapers stand tall, and traffic flows endlessly. Yet here in the private room, wanderers like me bask in the warmth of a family banquet.

Post by ADRIAN SUTTON | Jun 28, 2025