New food spot in Guiyang Century City: 68 RMB
📍 Xu Ji Zhazuo Sour Pickled Pork Knuckle Hotpot (Century City Branch)
This little restaurant is hidden in a residential area near Century City, surrounded by neighborhoods like Longcheng Garden, Longquan Garden East, and Longci Garden.
The whole street is full of small local eateries.
The shop itself is tiny — only about four tables.
It’s a classic family-run place.
The husband and wife work in the kitchen while their kid plays around in the shop.
The vibe feels very local and neighborhood-style — simple, cozy, and down-to-earth.
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🐷 Signature dish: Zhazuo sour pickled pork knuckle hotpot
The classic set is Zhazuo sour pickled pork knuckle with beans.
One pot is about 500g of pork knuckle, and you can choose whether to add beans or not.
The pork knuckle is cut into chunks — some lean, some fatty, some with skin, and some perfectly mixed. Everything is already braised until soft and tender.
The base of the pot includes sour pickled vegetables, which give the broth a nice tangy flavor, though the overall seasoning leans a little salty.
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🌶️ The self-serve sauce bar is the real highlight
All the dipping sauces and vegetables are self-serve.
The veggies we got included tofu skin, bean sprouts, Chinese lettuce stems, and baby bok choy.
But in Guizhou hotpot, the real soul is always the dipping sauce.
My go-to combo:
➤Chili powder
➤Fresh bird’s eye chili
➤Fermented chili sauce
➤Litsea cubeba oil (must add!)
➤Fish mint (houttuynia) if you like it
➤Scallions and Sichuan pepper
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💰 Portion & value
The whole pot costs 68 RMB.
For two people with normal appetites, it’s definitely enough and very filling.
But if you’re two big guys or serious gym eaters, you might want to add another portion of pork knuckle
(about 35 RMB per 500g).
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📖 Final thoughts
Honestly, the flavor isn’t the kind that instantly blows you away.
But it feels like homemade food — similar to the sour pickled pork knuckle hotpot families cook at home in Guizhou.
Simple, comforting, and perfect for a casual meal.
Sometimes those neighborhood spots are exactly what you need.
If you’re venturing into Guiyang’s vibrant food scene, trying the Zhazuo sour pickled pork knuckle hotpot is a delightful experience that goes beyond just the meal—it’s about savoring a piece of local culture. What makes this hotpot truly special is the traditional sour pickled vegetables that enrich the broth with a complex tangy flavor, setting it apart from other regional hotpots. One fascinating aspect is the self-serve sauce bar, which is essential to fully enjoy Guizhou hotpot. The combination of chili powder, fresh bird’s eye chilies, fermented chili sauce, and especially the unique Litsea cubeba oil creates a balance of heat and citrusy freshness that invigorates each bite. If you’re new to these ingredients, I recommend starting with small amounts and adjusting to your taste, as the sauce bar allows personalized flavor crafting. The intimate setting of the restaurant, with its four tables and family-run operation, adds to the authenticity. The atmosphere is relaxed and familiar, much like dining at a local’s home. This down-to-earth vibe resonates well with those who appreciate simple cooking that comforts without pretending to be fancy. In my experience, the pork knuckle’s texture stands out—tender chunks that include lean meat, fat, and skin, fully braised to melt in your mouth. The option to add beans or keep it classic allows some customization depending on your appetite. Considering the price point of 68 RMB for a full pot, it’s excellent value for a filling meal for two. And if you’re particularly hungry or sharing with a friend who loves protein, adding an extra portion of pork knuckle at 35 RMB is worth it. Overall, this spot offers a genuine taste of Guiyang’s culinary heritage, perfect for those seeking local flavors in an unpretentious neighborhood setting. Often, these small hidden gems leave the most lasting impressions for their warmth, flavor, and value.
