For a tasty intro to bullfrog, hop to Miaoxianxian
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TO many foreigners in China, the idea of eating bullfrog seems like something out of an episode of wilderness survival program “Running Wild with Bear Grylls.” Well, these seemingly unappealing amphibians can be quite delicious, if you dare to take a bite.
One great place to sample bullfrog is Miaoxianxian, a local restaurant within the Caohejing Economic Development Zone. Hidden away on the second floor of one of the zone’s buildings, it has an inviting light dining atmosphere. The main dining space is spacious with one end featuring a separate section. You will find cushions, cuddly teddies and chopstick holders all in adorable cat shapes.
The restaurant uses mainly crabs, bullfrogs and fish for its signature pot dishes. There are variations based on cooking method; such as dry fried, grilled or soupy pot. Apart from the size (medium for 98 yuan/US$14.20 and large for 138 yuan for most pot dishes), diners can choose their desired level of spiciness — mild, medium and heavy.
Fried Bullfrog Pot (香锅牛蛙) is one of the mostly-ordered dishes at Miaoxianxian. Large bullfrog pieces are deep fried before being stir-fried with vegetable ingredients including sliced potatoes, lotus roots and celtuces as well as fried rice cakes and peanuts. The bullfrog meat tastes tender yet chewy, with a well-seasoned crispy coating. Just a gentle bite and the meat easily slips off the bone.
The mild spicy option is enough to causes an intense tingling sensation on the tongue. If you’re not sure how much spice you can manage, go for the lowest level on your first attempt.
A list of add-ons is at the bottom of the menu. It includes bullfrogs, crabs, shellfish, prawns and a wide range of vegetables and noodles. Crunchy vegetables are a great choice for a nice contrast with the tender bullfrog meat. The portion size of each add-on is indicated, along with price.
If you don’t like something that is included in your pot, ask the waiter if you can swap it for something else. For example, the potatoes in the Fried Bullfrog Pot are deeply fried thin potato slices, very much like potato crisps. These can be exchanged for normal thick potato slices if you prefer.
The choice of non-hot-pot dishes is quite limited at Miaoxianxian, though they do offer some nice cold dishes; many of which you will see in restaurants serving Sichuan cuisine. Spicy and sour black fungus is a typical example. However, you will notice more tingling-spicy taste than sourness in this version of the dish. But once the pot is served, you will suddenly find the fungus tastes much milder.
Besides typical drinks, Miaoxianxian offers some special seasonal beverages, such as ginger tea with muscovado sugar and a rice drink now served hot (28 yuan for a jar or 12 yuan for a glass). Cold sweet drinks — such as cooked sugar cane and waternut juice (竹蔗马蹄汁) — are highly recommended to cool down hot lips and tongues. If you feel adventurous, why not opt for some Chinese winter drinks to go with your bullfrogs?
miaoxianxian
Opening hours: 10:30am-2pm, 4:30pm-midnight
Average price: 80 yuan
Address: 2F, 124-1 Tianlin Road
Tel: 3367-5220
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