Trying China’s BBQ “Shaokao” with Bagged Beer – A Local Experience During My Shanghai Transit Food Journey

The restaurant I visited this time, “Ha Pi Jiu Chi GALA”

During a flight transit at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, I decided to visit a restaurant beloved by locals called “Ha Pi Jiu Chi GALA.” I had heard that here, you could enjoy authentic Chinese barbecue “烧烤” (Shao Kao) along with the uniquely served beer in plastic bags. So I took this opportunity to grab a quick dinner.

In this article, I’d like to share a food report for those considering a transit trip in Shanghai, showcasing an authentic local experience you can enjoy even with limited time.

What is 烧烤 (Shao Kao)?

烧烤 (Shao Kao) refers to Chinese-style barbecue. “烧” (Shao) means “to roast,” and “烤” (Kao) means “to grill,” accurately describing the cooking method of grilling ingredients over an open flame. Its origins are ancient, believed to trace back to nomadic tribes who cooked meat on skewers. The modern form developed from the 1980s onwards, spreading rapidly with the growth of street food culture in urban areas.

Shao Kao uses a diverse range of ingredients including lamb, beef, pork, and chicken, as well as seafood like squid and shrimp, and vegetables like mushrooms and greens. Most of these ingredients are served on small metal skewers. The seasoning is another charm of Shao Kao, characterized by distinctive spicy condiments using cumin, chili, garlic, and five-spice powder. Seasonings vary by region, but all offer rich, stimulating flavors.

Traditional Shao Kao is cooked over charcoal. This charcoal grilling adds a smoky aroma to the ingredients, bringing out deeper flavors. The charcoal aroma and the umami of the ingredients blend perfectly, creating a unique taste profile.
The places to enjoy Shao Kao are also varied. You can taste it anywhere from street stalls to specialty restaurants. Many shops operate at night, making it an important part of China’s night food culture.

Experience Report: Beer and 烧烤 at “Ha Pi Jiu Chi GALA”

The restaurant was still quiet around 5 PM. Within an hour, it became almost full, so an early visit is recommended.

The place I targeted this time was “Ha Pi Jiu Chi GALA” in downtown Shanghai. It doesn’t appear in tourist guidebooks, but it was highly praised among local friends, so I decided to visit based on word-of-mouth recommendations.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere and savory aromas. We sat at a table and ordered skewers that caught our eye while browsing the menu. The minimum order quantity varies by menu item, ranging from 2 to 10 skewers per order.

Regular flavor (left) and blueberry flavor (right)

First, let’s start with beverages, a highlight of Shao Kao. I chose two types of Tsingtao beer, famous as a Chinese local beer. One bag of “Tsingtao Fresh Beer” (20 yuan) and one bag of “Tsingtao Fruit Beer (Blueberry)” (30 yuan) for a fruity taste. Both are uniquely served in plastic bags, bringing a smile to my face at this fresh experience. The Tsingtao draft beer has a crisp, clean taste that pairs perfectly with the upcoming dishes.

Next, our food orders started arriving one after another.

From the back, “Beef Small Skewers” and “Lamb Small Skewers”

“Beef Small Skewers” – 10 skewers (20 yuan) had an addictively delicious rich seasoning interlaced with small bits of fat. These are very similar to what we’d call “Horumon” skewers in Japan, and the joy is in ordering lots and eating them rapidly. It’s a staple of Shao Kao that you can’t help reaching for.

“Lamb Small Skewers” – 5 skewers (20 yuan) have a mouth-watering cumin aroma. The smoky flavor of grilled lamb spreads throughout your mouth. There are special mixed spices (similar to the taste of Yangming Ren) on the table, which I recommend trying especially with the lamb skewers.

Make active use of the table spices

“Mushroom Skewers” – 2 skewers (20 yuan) and “Grilled Potato Slices” – 2 skewers (7 yuan) were delightful vegetable options. The savory grilled mushrooms and potatoes are perfect palate cleansers between meat dishes.

“Secret Recipe Mala Spare Ribs” – 1 skewer (10 yuan) is one of the shop’s signature items. The spicy seasoning and tender meat match exquisitely, encouraging more beer consumption. “Mustard Chicken Feet” – 5 skewers (30 yuan) offer a unique texture and flavor, a highly popular menu item among locals.

The shrimp was also exquisite

The grilled seafood selection is also impressive, with “Innocent Qingdao Large Shrimp” – 1 skewer (10 yuan) allowing you to fully enjoy the fresh shrimp flavor. Grilling enhances the sweetness, and you can also enjoy the firm, springy texture.

Finally, don’t forget the “Secret Recipe Jianghu Grilled Chicken Wings” – 1 skewer (6 yuan). This was absolutely delicious. The skin was crispy and savory, while the meat inside was surprisingly juicy.

For two people eating to their heart’s content, we had 30 items in total for 175 yuan (about $25). I was amazed at the cost-performance ratio, enjoying such a variety and quantity of food at this price.

Important Note: Be Careful About Payment Methods

While “Ha Pi Jiu Chi GALA” is excellent in many ways, there’s one important point to be aware of: the payment method.

When traveling in China, you need to be cautious about the payment systems, which differ from other countries. At many establishments, including “Ha Pi Jiu Chi GALA,” international card brands like VISA or Mastercard may not be accepted. Fortunately, I had prepared AliPay this time, so there was no problem, but if you go for a meal with expectations based on your home country’s norms, you might encounter unexpected trouble. In the worst case, you could end up unable to pay for your meal.

Therefore, for traveling in China, I strongly recommend preparing payment apps that can be used locally, such as AliPay or WeChat Pay in advance. These apps become essential in various situations during your stay in China.

It’s also wise to have cash ready. Even without electronic payment methods, you can manage if you have cash as a last resort. By double-checking necessary apps before your trip and confirming payment methods, you’ll be able to enjoy China’s food culture with greater peace of mind.

Conclusion: Enjoy Transit Time to the Fullest!

Despite the limited stay during my transit, the lively atmosphere, savory smells, delicious food, and cold beer at “Ha Pi Jiu Chi GALA” encapsulated the nighttime charm of Shanghai. By enjoying Shao Kao among locals, I was able to experience the authentic side of Shanghai that tourist spots can’t offer.

Being able to have such an immersive food culture experience even during a short stay using transit time is one of Shanghai’s attractions. When you next have a transit in Shanghai, please try Shao Kao. It will surely become an unforgettable memory!