Yangda, 扬大, is one of few authentic Chinese restaurants in the Baden-Württemberg region. There are three locations in Karlsruhe to choose from, and one in Heidelberg. Yangda’s first restaurant is located along Kaiserstraße, the main pedestrian shopping boulevard in Karlsruhe, on the upper floor of retail shops. Renovated and reopened July 2018, Yangda Kaiserstraße specializes in dishes from the region of Xinjiang.
Here at Yangda Passagehof, you can enjoy specialties from many corners of China. Prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. In order to sample the flavors available, we decided to order classics from several regions. We started our meal with comfort food “Tomato Egg Drop Soup” (€3,49). Up next was a portion of “Shui Jiao” 水饺 (16 dumplings for €8,59) reminiscent of those sold on the streets of Shanghai, which were quickly devoured. Our “Cantonese-style crispy duck” was served on top a bed of stir-fried beansprouts (€13,49). The “Ma Po Tofu” (€7,49) packed a big punch with “mala” heat from Sichuan peppers.
The “Cumin Lamb” (€11,49) is an authentic take on the classic dish from Xinjiang. A Chinese meal ought to include a plate of fresh stir-fried greens – only “Shanghai Pak Choy” (€7,49) was in season. We love spicy fare, so we selected another Sichuan favorite – “Spicy Stuffed Eggplant with Minced Pork” (€10,49). Yangda’s interpretation of the Cantonese “Sweet Sour Pork” (€8,49) differs slightly from what we are used to eating in Hong Kong, but it was still tasty nevertheless.
Yangda, Passagehof, Karlsruhe: The Verdict
The Chinese food served at Yangda at Passagehof has not been adjusted to German tastebuds, and each dish we sampled retained its distinct regional characteristics.
Pay attention to the spicy markers of each dish – those are pretty accurate. For example, the “Cumin Lamb” is marked only one chili, but it is quite spicy!
No worries if you can’t finish everything you order – ask for a to-go box to take your leftovers home in.
Remember to have ample cash on you because the restaurant does not have facilities to accept payment by debit/credit cards. Be sure to call ahead to reserve a table, or be prepared to wait in line for one.
Yangda, Passagehof 28, 76133 Karlsruhe
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