Chen Ji Meatball and Pork Thick Soup

Review

Chen Ji sits on Guangming Road in Xitun District, near Xitun Market and not far from the Fengjia area; bloggers usually describe it as an old shop of about forty years. The sign names its two stars — pork thick soup and ba-wan — and it opens at 5:30 pm and sells until after midnight, a familiar late-night spot for nearby residents and students.

The ba-wan is a must: the skin is chewy with real bite, and the filling is generous and firm with mild seasoning. Soups include pork thick soup, mixed soup and pig blood with fried tofu; the mixed soup has pork paste balls and squid, with large springy chunks. Yellow dry noodles and a mixed braised platter are the usual companions. It's all old-style food, and prices are often described as pocket change.

Praise centers on low prices, generous portions, fresh ingredients and fast service, and it's comfortable for a solo late meal. On the other side, some find certain dishes a bit salty; at peak hours it's crowded, indoor seats are tight and takeaway also involves a wait.

Google lists hours from 17:30 to 00:30, closed Sundays. Cash only. To dine in, grab a seat first, then take a yellow order slip, fill it in and hand it over; takeaway may require a short queue when busy. Business picks up as the night goes on, so arrive around 6 pm for a calmer meal. The surrounding lanes are narrow; scooters park easily, while cars should use a paid lot nearby.

It suits students and office workers after a cheap late snack, or anyone wanting a change after Fengjia Night Market. One person can order ba-wan with mixed soup and add yellow dry noodles if hungry; two or three can share a braised platter, and if you're sensitive to salt, ask for less sauce.