Off the Beaten Path: Bamboo Fish Studio

Two of my colleagues and I decided to skip the canteen fare today and head out for a culinary adventure.

One of them knew a fish restaurant hidden away near our office. And it really was in a non-descript cement alcove, with large plastic strips acting as a door.

But once inside, you were immediately transported inside a little oasis, complete with a small courtyard, bamboo furniture and casual atmosphere.

The Bamboo Fish Studio only does three kinds of fish: not spicy, spicy and very spicy. We decided on the not spicy one and soon afterwards, a giant tray arrived at our table holding a fish sliced in half, barbecued and then laid in an oily concoction and covered in all kinds of ingredients, from black bean sauce, to slices of carrot, celery, cauliflower, dried tofu, green peppers, peanuts, ginger and cloves of garlic. Underneath the tray were some hot coals keeping the dish warm.

And the meal was fantastic. The fish was cooked just right, the meat tender and smooth. There were lots of bones to navigate around, but other than that, with a bowl of rice, it was a great lunch. We did finish the whole dish, save the oil.

The bill for the three of us came to 106RMB (US$13).

I think I should wander out for more cheap eats!