Hello, I’m Emma Lee, a food enthusiast from abroad, now embracing the bustling streets of China as my home. My passion is to dive deep into the expansive culinary landscape here, from hidden street snacks to luxurious high-end restaurants. Today, I’m excited to share my latest discovery—“Long Time Ago Mutton Chuan,” a barbecue restaurant that offers more than just a meal; it’s an adventure into the depths of Chinese flavors.

Introduction to Long Time Ago Mutton Chuan

  • Chinese Name: 很久以前
  • Cuisine: Barbecue
  • Highlights: After ordering, a staff member will assist in grilling right before your eyes on a constantly rotating grill.
  • Signature Dish: Signature Mutton Skewers
  • Best Time to Visit: Lunch and Dinner
  • Ideal Seasons: All year round
  • Average Cost: 125 RMB per person
  • Target Audience: Ideal for those who love barbecue but prefer not to grill themselves, as well as couples, families, solo diners, and company gatherings.
  • Operating Hours: Typically from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 12:30 AM. Hours may vary by location.
  • Cities with Locations: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Zhengzhou
  • Store Details: Official Store List
Long Time Ago restaurant logo

How to Make a Reservation

Due to the popularity of the restaurant, there are two ways to make a reservation:

  • In-Person Ticketing: Although convenient, this method is not recommended as it usually requires about a 40-minute wait at the restaurant entrance.
  • WeChat: Search for the “很久以前羊肉串” public account, choose your location in advance, and book your table. Don’t worry about missing your turn; if you do, you only need to wait for three tables before getting another chance without having to start over.
WeChat reservation screen for Long Time Ago

Ordering Guide

  • Mutton Skewers: Typically, one person orders a dozen (12 skewers); two diners would order two dozen. If you crave more after finishing, it’s possible to order half a dozen (6 skewers) extra.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to choose any, but grilled bamboo shoots come highly recommended.
  • Dessert: Hailar Giant Ice Cream. Ideal for two to share.
  • Main Dishes: For two, it’s suggested to order one main dish, like Thai Pepper Fried Rice or noodles, which are substantial enough to share.
  • Drinks: Beer. The combination of barbecue and beer is simply unmatched.
Menu of Long Time Ago featuring skewer options
Menu of Long Time Ago featuring drinks and beverages

Must-Try Dishes for First-Timers

Grilled Skewer Varieties

  • Signature Mutton Skewers: Made from tender lambs from the Hulunbuir grasslands, perfectly balanced in fat and lean, sizzling juicy and incredibly tender. Don’t miss out on this exquisite dish!
  • Orleans Wings: Exceptionally flavored and tender, they can be deboned by the staff for convenience and cleanliness.
  • Grilled Corn Kernels: Always opt for the sweet version; it’s much tastier than the salty, with a milky, sweet coating that’s perfect as a dessert.
  • Grilled Fish Tofu: Shaped like small fish, filled with plentiful roe—absolutely fresh and a delightful surprise.
  • Pork Belly: The only grilled pork belly I’ve found to be not greasy.
  • Tendon and Brains: Beef tendons, amazingly chewy.
Skewers of mutton grilling on an automated grill

Snack Varieties

  • Grilled Sauerkraut: Perfect with meat, it’s refreshing and appetite-stimulating.
  • Fried Bananas: Bananas coated in breadcrumbs and fried to a golden crisp, topped with chocolate sauce for a satisfying bite.
  • Grilled Bamboo Shoots: A must-try alternative to grilled sauerkraut.
  • Fried Potato Wedges: Pure potato flavor, rich but not overwhelming.
  • Grilled Eggplant: Ask for it to be peeled. It tastes even better without the skin.
  • Beer: The perfect pairing with grilled skewers.
Grilled sauerkraut dish at Long Time Ago

Dessert Varieties

  • Hailar Giant Ice Cream: For those who enjoy a cold treat, don’t miss out on their ice cream with a rich blueberry and creamy milk flavor.
Hailar large ice cream served with berries

Main Dish Varieties

  • Thai Pepper Fried Rice: A staple with every visit.
  • Instant Noodles: Simple yet delicious.
Thai pepper fried rice served in a white dish

Money-Saving Tips

  • Order in Batches: Especially with mutton skewers, as they are served quickly. If you need more, you can order again in time.
  • Payment Method: Recommended to pay via the WeChat official account to earn points, which can be used as a discount on your next visit!
  • Cooling Patches: Due to the heat from the barbecue, you can ask the staff for a free cooling patch, which can be applied to the forehead to effectively reduce the temperature.

For more guides on Chinese cuisine, visit Chinese Food Guide.