Huayu Chef

045 went mad

Before 8:30, the high-speed train arrived at Tianjin Station.

After exiting Tianjin Station, Zhang Jinxuan, Huang Mengying, and Zhuangzhuang, like three hyenas on the vast grassland, searched everywhere for a place to sell jianbing guozi (Chinese crepes).

The leader of the dog-making team, Zhang Jinxuan, was too picky. He wouldn't buy jianbing guozi (Chinese crepes) that weren't made with mung bean flour batter, jianbing guozi with pork floss, ham sausage, chicken strips, lettuce, or pork tenderloin, jianbing guozi made with a bamboo dragonfly that wasn't handled properly, jianbing guozi made by clumsy hands, or jianbing guozi that cost more than 10 yuan...

After visiting more than a dozen jianbing (Chinese crepe) stalls, Zhang Jinxuan shook his head and left each one.

What a scam!

In his previous life, Zhang Jinxuan had been to Tianjin and knew several good Jianbing Guozi (Chinese crepe) stalls and shops. One of them was relatively close to Tianjin Railway Station. Since he couldn't find a satisfactory one nearby, he decided to walk a few steps to this shop.

If you were to conduct a survey among the people of Tianjin, asking them where to find the best jianbing guozi (Chinese crepe), the vast majority would likely answer that the jianbing guozi sold downstairs from their own neighborhood is the best.

Ma Nanlou pancakes are mainly for people from other places.

Zhang Jinxuan brought Huang Mengying and Zhuangzhuang to this very unique restaurant, which makes both traditional Tianjin-style jianbing guozi (Chinese crepe) and the popular Tianjin-style egg crepe guozi.

It is said that a young woman bought a deluxe set meal, which included four eggs, two pieces of fruit peel, and two taro sticks. She was chased and cursed by an old man from Tianjin all the way. The young woman then posted a note on Xiaohongshu to complain about the old man.

happy.

"Wow, there are so many people!" Huang Mengying exclaimed in surprise when she saw the long queue in front of the Laoweijian restaurant.

"Let's queue up. This place makes the most authentic Jianbing Guozi. It's a rare trip to Tianjin, so of course we have to eat the real thing. You can find authentic Jianbing Guozi anywhere else, there's no need to come all the way to Tianjin just to buy it. Every region has its own cuisine, that's what makes it special."

Huang Mengying laughed and said, "Brother Xuan, you really know a lot about food."

"I don't have any other hobbies, just good food, beautiful women, and acting." Zhang Jinxuan gestured for Huang Mengying to line up first and asked, "Is your bag heavy?"

"Heavy."

"Hey, I was just being polite. Why are you being so honest? Give me the heavy one, I'll be your bag carrier for a day."

"Hey, bag carrier." Huang Mengying covered her mouth and chuckled, happily handing her bag to Zhang Jinxuan. Seeing someone handing eggs to the shop owner, she couldn't help but ask curiously, "Can I bring my own eggs to make jianbing guozi?"

"Yes, you can buy fried dough sticks from elsewhere and add them in."

Zhuangzhuang, who was at the back of the line, interjected, "Brother Xuan, there are no 'fruits' in jianbing guozi, so why is it called jianbing guozi?"

"There's no wife in 'Wife Cake,' nor is there a husband and wife in 'Husband and Wife Lung Slices.' The naming of each dish is quite arbitrary. Some names are based on allusions, some on stories, some on real people and events, and some are just random choices. But they have been passed down and become an integral part of the food culture. The character '果' in '煎饼果子' (jianbing guozi) should correctly be written with the '食' (shi) radical. '馃子' (guozi) is the same as '油条' (youtiao) or '薄脆' (baocui). '煎饼果子' (jianbing guozi) means jianbing wrapped around youtiao, and the meaning is simple and clear."

As the conversation flowed, Zhang Jinxuan spoke eloquently: "It is said that during the Republic of China era, jianbing guozi (a type of savory crepe) originated as a late-night snack. After a famous actor finished performing at the theater in the evening, the backstage staff would make them a set of jianbing guozi. Later, jianbing guozi moved from the theater to ordinary households, becoming not only a late-night snack but also one of the most popular breakfast foods in Tianjin. Jianbing guozi is one of the three 'Tianjin specialties'..."

At this moment, Zhang Jinxuan noticed that the three young men in front of him were looking at him frequently, so he quickly shut up, pushed up his sunglasses, and lowered his head without saying a word.

Huang Mengying tilted her head slightly and asked, "Why did you stop talking?"

"Ahem, keep it low-key."

One of the girls in front of them turned around to face Zhang Jinxuan and his two companions, asking with a look of surprise, "Are you the Streetlight Goddess, Zhang Jinxuan, and photographer Zhuangzhuang?"

"Streetlight Goddess, the young lady recognizes you, say hello." Zhang Jinxuan patted Huang Mengying's shoulder with amusement.

Huang Mengying waved to the young lady and said, "Hello."

"It's Zhang Jinxuan and the street lamp goddess."

"I thought they looked familiar, and it really is them."

"Brother Xuan, I absolutely love your 'Wild Kitchen,' can I take a picture with you?"

Zhang Jinxuan took off his sunglasses, revealing his handsome face, and smiled, "Of course."

"Wow, so handsome! Brother Xuan, are you guys here in Tianjin to film 'Wild Kitchen'?"

Zhang Jinxuan replied slickly, "We're here to buy jianbing guozi (Chinese crepes)."

Two young ladies pestered Zhang Jinxuan to take a group photo, while another young man approached Huang Mengying for a photo as well. The two instantly became the center of attention in front of Laoweijian, attracting the attention of the older brothers and sisters, who began to discuss among themselves.

Currently, the two episodes of "Wild Kitchen" have accumulated three to four million views on Youku and over one million views on Bilibili. Compared to the five to six hundred million netizens, the reach seems not very wide.

But don't forget that Zhang Jinxuan topped the Weibo trending topics list twice, and Huang Mengying's entry was also promoted to a high position by Yang Mi's studio, giving them a huge boost in exposure.

In addition, Zhang Jinxuan also has the nickname "the man who lives in memes". Many people may not have watched "Wild Kitchen", but they have definitely used his memes. This all belongs to his popularity and influence.

So quite a few people recognize Zhang Jinxuan and Huang Mengying; they were recognized as soon as they arrived.

After the young men and women left, it was Huang Mengying's turn in line. The owner of Lao Wei Jian politely asked, "Excuse me, what's up?"

"Huh?" Huang Mengying looked completely bewildered.

Zhang Jinxuan said, "Second brother, get this young lady a family photo set, including fried dough sticks and fruit fritters, freshly fried."

Then he asked Huang Mengying, "Mengying, would you like raw or cooked scallions?"

"What's the difference?"

"The raw onion smells strong..."

Huang Mengying quickly made her choice: "Cooked scallions".

"Zhuangzhuang, what about you?"

"I think Mengying and I should get the same thing."

"Second Brother, two sets of 'Family Portrait' (a type of Tianjin-style fried dough stick) with cooked scallions. One set of Tianjin-style fried dough sticks, freshly fried."

The boss nodded and made jianbing guozi (Chinese crepes) with his wife.

This shop owner isn't obsessive-compulsive, so his methods are rather rough; he never trims the edges and corners, and the griddle is a bit dirty and messy around the edges. But his craftsmanship is truly excellent; Zhang Jinxuan couldn't find any fault with it. He himself only knows how to do it, and he can't compare to a master craftsman who has been doing it for decades.

"Boss, how much?"

"You three seem to be celebrities, so money doesn't really matter..."

People from Tianjin often say, "It's not about the money, just have some fun," but doing business isn't easy for them. Zhang Jinxuan and his friends weren't there to freeload, so they paid the bill.

After leaving Laoweijian, the three of them enjoyed a hearty meal of jianbing guozi (Chinese crepes).

Huang Mengying and Zhuangzhuang ate the "Family Feast" dish, which features double eggs, double fruit, and double fruit fritters. It also includes lettuce, pork tenderloin, and crispy sausage. With each bite, a variety of flavors, such as scallion, soy sauce, egg, and meat, burst in your mouth. The fruit fritters are crisp and crunchy, and the fruit is hot, crisp, fragrant, fresh, and firm. It's incredibly satisfying!

"It's so delicious!" Huang Mengying exclaimed in surprise.

Zhuangzhuang took two big bites and said with a satisfied look, "I studied in Beijing for four years and never ate such delicious jianbing guozi. It was worth coming today."

"It's even more worthwhile if it doesn't cost any money, right?" Zhang Jinxuan teased.

Haha~~

Huang Mengying and Zhuangzhuang laughed together, saying that it was really great to eat, drink, and play for free.

Zhang Jinxuan took a bite of his old-fashioned jianbing guozi and nodded slightly. It was still the familiar taste from his previous life. The jianbing, guozi, and guozi were all well made, and the sauce was very fragrant. It was very pleasant to eat.

The three of them ate as they walked, and flagged down a taxi on the roadside to rent a camera and recording equipment from a photography equipment rental company.

The company was introduced by a senior from the Directing Department of Beijing Film Academy. Since they knew someone there, the rent was negotiable. The three of them took their equipment, hired a car, and headed straight for the Tianjin Eye.

The third episode of "Wild Kitchen" plans to use the Tianjin Eye as the opening backdrop.

The Tianjin Eye, located on the Yongle Bridge, is one of Tianjin's landmark buildings. The Yongle Bridge itself has a significant history and is highly representative.

As usual, Zhang Jinxuan started the show with some antics at the beginning of this episode.

He chose a spot and had Huang Mengying stand with her back to the Tianjin Eye.

Her body and head completely cover the pillars of the Tianjin Eye, creating the visual effect that she has a Ferris wheel growing on her head.

No, it's a halo above the head.

It was as if a goddess had descended.

"Mengying, don't move, it's just right now," Zhuangzhuang shouted.

Huang Mengying stopped and looked at Zhang Jinxuan, asking, "Brother Xuan, what's the next step?"

"Put your hands together, close your eyes, and burn incense devoutly."

"Haha, do you want me to sing 'The Power of Love'?"

"If you're not afraid of upsetting Honey, then sing."

"Never mind." Huang Mengying did as she was told, hanging her sunglasses on the collar of her trench coat, closing her eyes, and putting her hands together in prayer.

In my past life, many girls liked to take pictures like this when they came to the Tianjin Eye, turning goddesses into crazy girls in an instant.

"Zhuangzhuang, can we start now?"

"Action!"

Zhang Jinxuan, who is not on camera, says in a voice-over: "This looks like Tianjin, oh my, it's really good."

"As everyone knows, Tianjin is a famous 'memorable city' in our country, and our street lamp goddess is also known for her witty remarks. Now, with one more meme on top of another, she's completely gone mad..."

Haha~~