Qing Dynasty eatery makes comeback

A RESTAURANT that first opened more than 200 years ago in Shanghai is back in business.

Laorenhe Restaurant reopened on Dapu Road after closing six months ago at a different location, officials said yesterday.

An official with Shanghai Xinya Food Co, which owns the restaurant, said Laorenhe will feature low and middle-end prices just like when it initially opened during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

"Our chefs will still use traditional cooking methods and old recipes passed down from previous generations," the official added.

Its famous dishes include steamed fish and crab meat with tofu.

Laorenhe opened in 1800 near the Baxianqiao area in the former Luwan District and was one of the most popular restaurants in the city until the 1920s.

The two-story wooden building was almost always filled with customers for a long time, the official said. It was popular for its speedy service, low prices and delicious food.

It served bamboo in spring, fish in summer and crab in autumn, according to the official.

The restaurant left the downtown area in 2008 and moved to the Zhaojialou ancient town, which is popular with tourists, in Minhang District.

However, it failed to attract enough customers and closed last year.

"Laorenhe will go back to its roots," said the official.

Shanghai Xinya Food Co plans to revive other old Shanghai food brands like Canglangting and Laodachang, according to the company's official.

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