Pichai Courtyard (劈柴院, Pichaiyuan) is a must-visit food street for anyone new to Qingdao and is recognized as the city’s oldest culinary destination. This charming street is filled with a diverse array of culinary delights, including seafood, snacks, and barbecued dishes. The entrance features the year “1902,” highlighting the long history of Pichai Courtyard.
The origin of the name “Pichai” is quite interesting. Some say it was once a “firewood market” (劈柴市) where firewood was sold. Others believe that the firewood was not only used by residents for cooking but also supplied to the kilns in the nearby Dayao Gouchao (大窑沟) for making bricks and tiles.
Pichai Courtyard is a bustling market renowned for its variety of offerings, with pot pancakes (锅饼), oven buns (炉包), wontons (馄饨), and tofu pudding (豆腐脑) being particularly popular. Locals often come here to shop and eat simultaneously, creating a lively atmosphere. This vibrant street has earned its reputation as the earliest food market in Qingdao, attracting many small traders from across the country who come to experience the local “dock culture” (码头文化) and enjoy the lively ambiance.
Travel Information about Pichai Courtyard Food Street
Ticket and Opening Hours
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open all day
Access to the Area
Location: Pichai Courtyard (劈柴院) is enclosed by Zhongshan Road (中山路), Beijing Road (北京路), Hebei Road (河北路), and Tianjin Road (天津路). The layout is shaped like the letter “人,” with the eastern end connecting to Zhongshan Road, the northern side connecting to Beijing Road, and the western side adjacent to Hebei Road.
Transportation: You can take buses 2, 5, 205, 218, or 228 and get off at the Zhongshan Road station. From there, it’s a short walk to Pichai Courtyard.
Attraction Ratings
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Features: ★★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Pichai Courtyard Food Street
Meidal BBQ Seafood Home-Cooked Dishes
Meidal BBQ (美达尔烧烤海鲜家常菜中山路店) is a well-known barbecue restaurant in Qingdao, famous for its unique local style of grilled meat. The seafood barbecue here is especially renowned, with special marinades that set it apart from others.
The restaurant boasts excellent service, and the owner has many regular customers who frequent the establishment. In addition to the barbecued dishes, they offer a wide variety of appetizers that are equally delicious. The beer served is also highly praised, making it a favorite among locals to enjoy fresh seafood paired with cold beer.
Wang Jie BBQ
Wang Jie BBQ(王姐烧烤) is a renowned Qingdao snack spot that has gained a reputation for its delicious offerings. Once you’ve tried their food, you’ll find yourself wanting to return for more. Despite its small size, the restaurant is always bustling with customers every day.
They specialize in a variety of seafood, particularly grilled items such as “grilled meat skewers” (烤肉串), “grilled beef tendon” (烤板筋), “grilled pork belly” (烤五花肉), “grilled squid” (烤鱿鱼), and “grilled cuttlefish” (烤墨鱼). The flavors are exceptional, and their sauces are a major highlight, offering a range of authentic tastes typical of Jiaodong cuisine.
Guo Zu Stinky Tofu
When in Qingdao, trying Guo Zu Stinky Tofu (国足臭豆腐) is a must, as it has become famous in the city. Known as one of the home grounds for the national football team, Qingdao is a city where football is quite popular, and the name carries a playful connotation.
Despite its name, the stinky tofu here does not actually have a foul smell. Instead, it boasts a delicious flavor with a crispy golden exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The generous use of sauces adds to its appeal. The prices are reasonable and may vary with the seasons, so it’s not uncommon to see long lines of eager customers waiting to get a taste.
Doufu Nao
Doufu Nao (豆腐脑), or tofu pudding, is one of the most distinctive breakfast dishes in Qingdao. This shop may be small, but it enjoys immense popularity among locals. A classic combination includes Doufu Nao, filled pancakes, and tea eggs.
The Doufu Nao is served with a flavorful sauce and topped with a sprinkle of dried daylily flowers. While it may appear simple, the taste is delightful—smooth and refreshing. Pairing it with the filled pancakes elevates the experience even further.
The filled pancakes themselves are quite ordinary, just deep-fried dough with a modest filling, but they pack a savory punch. The tea eggs, made with local Jiaodong tea leaves, are aromatic and flavorful, with a hint of saltiness.
Gaojia Guotie
Guotie, or pan-fried dumplings, are a popular delicacy featuring a crispy outer layer and a savory filling, often made with pork and seasonal vegetables. Gaojia Guotie (高家锅贴), located in Pichai Courtyard, is renowned for serving some of the most authentic Guotie in Qingdao.
These dumplings are perfectly golden, with a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender, juicy filling on the inside. The shop offers three signature varieties: shrimp, beef, and a mixed three-flavor option, ensuring a taste for every palate. In addition to Guotie, the menu also features a selection of congee and seafood dishes, making it a fantastic spot for a satisfying meal.
Jiangning Guild Hall
Known as the “Theatrical Feast” (舌尖上的戏园子), Jiangning Guild Hall(江宁会馆) is a significant attraction within Pichai Courtyard. This charming venue features traditional architecture, with a stage situated in the center of the courtyard surrounded by antique-style Eight Immortals tables. Diners can enjoy a meal while watching performances, evoking a sense of stepping back into ancient times.
The restaurant offers authentic Qingdao cuisine, as well as specialty hot pot options. Some must-try dishes include the Three-Flavor Guotie (三鲜锅贴), Crispy Eggplant (风味脆皮茄), and Pichai Collection (劈柴集). This unique dining experience combines culture and culinary delight, making it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors.