Tucked down a Ghost Street lane, this lively Yunnan restaurant is perfect for a casual dinner with friends. Located on the south side of the street, the entrance features an outlandish, punk rock mural of a pig, which is a clear indication of the specialty here—braised pig’s feet (¥28 for a small plate). The skin is a crispy brown, covering bites of succulent pork. Other dishes are sure to tempt more conservative eaters. Try the preserved bean curd (山珍包浆豆腐, ¥18), a tofu dish covered in spicy sauce. Zhu Jiao Xiang also serves oysters and clams, a steal for only ¥5 each. A Yunnan specialty, the stewed mushrooms (¥22) are served in foil and surrounded by a savory broth. The atmosphere is casual, with brightly lit rooms surrounding an open courtyard with picnic tables. The preferred seating is definitely outside, so pack a sweater or put on your beer jacket.

Emma Starks

Find it: No. 252 Dongzhimen Nei Dajie, 猪脚巷, 东直门内大街252号, Tel: 6400-9094