I came for Goat, but ended up won over be Beef
I went there specifically for the famous Haimen goat, but ended up completely won over by the crispy beef instead. The outside was so crispy it literally crackled when you bit into it, while the inside was unbelievably tender and juicy. The texture contrast was insane.
The Jiangnan-style sweet braised goat was authentic too—super tender, no gamey taste at all.
We went on a weekday and even got upgraded to a private room for free. Ordering by looking at food display models was actually pretty fun.
Only downside: it was a bit cold inside, so dress warmly.
📍 Taohua Island · Baxi Hall (Yulin Huafu Branch)
💰 Around 150 RMB per person
If you’re visiting Haimen, this crispy beef alone is worth the trip.
#chinafood #chinafoodadventure #chinafood #chinafoodies #chinatravel
Visiting Haimen for its famous goat dishes can often lead to delightful culinary surprises, as I personally experienced when the crispy beef stole the spotlight from the celebrated Haimen goat. The crispy beef offers an exceptional texture contrast — its caramelized exterior provides a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains tender and medium rare, accented by sliced almonds adding a subtle nutty touch. The cooking technique here balances deep caramelization with a juicy interior, something rarely encountered in typical beef dishes. I found the ambiance quite nostalgic, especially the semi-open kitchen where you can catch glimpses of the chefs at work, enhancing the dining experience. Ordering from food display models rather than a standard menu adds a fun and interactive element, making the meal even more memorable. Although the restaurant was a bit chilly—common in winter months at Taohua Island—getting a complimentary private room on a weekday visit was a great plus. The Jiangnan-style sweet braised Haimen goat was genuinely tender and without any gamey flavor, slow-braised traditionally over wood fire for hours, highlighting Haimen's renowned goat-raising heritage. However, the crispy beef, priced around 139 RMB, truly justifies a visit on its own, with flavors that lingered and left me reminiscing. An interesting tip: if you can't finish the goat meat, take the leftovers home and use the broth to cook greens — this simple step elevates the leftover flavors, creating a second delicious meal. Pairing your meal with vermicelli in flavorful crab roe XO sauce offers a delightful alternative to plain rice and rounds out the Jiangnan culinary adventure. Finishing with complimentary fresh watermelon—a refreshing palate cleanser—perfectly capped the meal. If you're exploring China food culture or traveling to Haimen, be sure to try both the authentic braised goat and take a delicious gamble on their crispy beef—you might just find a new favorite dish that keeps you coming back.
