永茂驴肉(莲池南大街总店)

I recently took some friends to the Ancient Lotus Pond, and since it was lunchtime, we popped into this restaurant. The location was easy to find; we could walk back to the scenic area after our meal. We ordered a few of their signature dishes. The shredded pork with garlic sauce tasted a bit different from what I'd had before—it was on the sweeter side, but it was incredibly delicious with rice. If you usually prefer a sweeter taste, I suggest telling the owner beforehand to add less sugar. The ambiance is just a typical small restaurant; don't expect anything fancy, but it's convenient. If you don't want to travel far after visiting the attractions, this is a safe bet.

This shop has been open in Baoding for about 30 years. I used to come here with my dad when I was a child. The round baked buns are piping hot when they're freshly made, filled with hot donkey meat, a perfect balance of lean and fatty meat. One bite and the oil bursts out, so fragrant! If it's your first time here, remember to go early; after 11:30, it gets incredibly crowded, with the queue stretching all the way to the door. Donkey meat must be eaten while it's hot; the aroma isn't as good when it cools down. I usually order a bowl of donkey offal soup to go with the baked buns—so comforting.

I just passed by this shop and saw a long queue, so I went in. I ordered a baked flatbread and donkey meat. The flatbread was freshly baked, and the crust was indeed crispy, crumbling with every bite. The donkey meat was generously portioned, with both lean and fatty meat, so it wasn't greasy. It had that classic flavor—nothing particularly amazing, but satisfying. The price was reasonable, not expensive. If you like this kind of food, you can try it if you're passing by, but it's not worth making a special trip.