Jialin Teppanyaki, fragrant for nearly 20 years in Wanhua — tender beef and springy, sweet crab meat

Text and photos byMazhi Xiaotu

While the Huaxi Street Night Market, beloved by tourists and Longshan Temple worshippers, offers many famous and popular delicacies, only local Wanhua foodies know that at the end of Guangzhou Street near the exit to Huannan South Road, there are several snack stalls that have been operating for over a decade — these are the truly authentic local flavors for Wanhua residents.

Operating here for nearly 20 years, “Jialin Teppanyaki” has won popularity thanks to its exceptional teppanyaki stir-frying skills and delicious flavors enhanced by its exclusive sauce. The fact that it’s packed with guests every night speaks volumes about its appeal. Founded by the owner’s father and considered a pioneer of teppanyaki in the night market, “Jialin Teppanyaki” is now in its second generation. The young owner, just 32 years old, stands daily by the scorching hot griddle, quickly stir-frying plates of delicious food for customers. He says he started learning teppanyaki techniques and the family’s signature sauce from his father at the age of 18, all to preserve the taste that regulars love and ensure those wonderful flavors continue.

Back in the early days, by a stroke of luck, the first-generation owner was taught by a chef friend from a well-known teppanyaki restaurant and went on to establish an affordable teppanyaki spot in the night market. The goal was to make this once-luxurious cuisine accessible to more people. He also developed an exclusive sauce to give the flavor its unique character. By insisting on fresh meat and seafood, mastering the golden timing of teppanyaki stir-frying, and enhancing the taste with the secret sauce, the dishes retain their tenderness, aroma, and distinctiveness.

The most popular dish, “Teppanyaki Beef,” is stir-fried nearly a hundred times a day. Cooked quickly over the evenly heated teppan, the beef remains tender and fragrant, quite unlike typical stir-fried beef in casual eateries. Even if you take it home, the beef doesn’t get tough or dry — it still tastes great, which shows the owner’s skill with the teppan.

As for the “Teppanyaki Crab Meat,” it has a delightfully crisp and juicy texture, with each bite springy and sweet, fresh and delicious — another signature crowd-pleaser at “Jialin Teppanyaki.” With up to eight stir-fried options including beef, pork, chicken leg, and seafood, there’s surely something to satisfy every customer's taste.

The young owner says working in this industry is really tough — he can hardly take a day off throughout the year, works unusual hours, and has to endure the intense heat of the teppan. The exclusive sauce must be simmered every day to maintain its consistent flavor and freshness. Most hired chefs can’t stick around long or manage the job, but thanks to the support and encouragement of his mother, wife, and loyal foodie customers, he’s been able to persevere.

“Jialin Teppanyaki” has been fragrant in the Huaxi Street night market for almost 20 years. Many locals in Wanhua come here every two or three days for a plate. Its affordability, generous portions, rich flavor, and freshness are its biggest strengths. Watching the owner stand in front of the steaming hot griddle, drenched in sweat yet never pausing as he stir-fries one plate after another, you’d never guess he’s tired — all he wants is for this refined cuisine, successfully adapted into everyday fare, to keep spreading its delicious legacy.

Next time you’re at Huaxi Street Night Market, why not stroll to the other end of Guangzhou Street, follow the aroma and the crowds, and enjoy the masterful teppanyaki skills of Boss Jialin.

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