Three years on, China's barbecue city sizzles with fresh flavor

The menu has expanded too, adding dishes from Boshan cuisine, a local tradition that has long shaped the broader Shandong culinary canon. Among them is the tofu box — fried tofu stuffed with pork and mushrooms, braised low and slow — a dish specific enough to Zibo that ordering it feels like an act of local knowledge.

Xiaowanshua barbecue, a short walk away, has taken a more relaxed approach. It offers performances calibrated to different audiences, ranging from young trend-seekers to local families looking for a quiet night out. "We've added small chairs with backrests and free snacks," said store manager Yu Di. "Even if nearby residents don't eat here, they can come in and watch the show for free."

Customer numbers have increased. During the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, Xiaowanshua served over 10,000 people in a single day, Yu said.