Late-night diners making a meal of nocturnal nibbles
beer. But in addition to talking big and daydreaming, there are also more serious discussions about things such as career prospects, relationship anxieties and potential investment plans,” he said.
“We all have unresolved issues in life that upset or baffle us, and thrashing them out with friends over a hearty meal always makes me feel better.”
As a one-liner often quoted by zealous foodies says, “There are no obstacles in life that cannot be overcome with a barbecue feast — and if there are any, go and eat more skewers.”
Though a wide range of food joints have sprung up as part of Beijing’s booming late-night food scene, barbecue skewers remain the signature dish.
Wang Jian, a physician who specializes in cancer care, pinpointed the need for young go-getters to share their joys and troubles over the intimate settings only barbecue skewers can provide. Two years ago, he set up The Lancet in Haidian district, the first in his chain of barbecue eateries.
“When I started my medical career at the hospital, it seemed only fair to escape the disturbing feelings prompted by my work with a barbecue feast with friends and colleagues after a night shift,” he said.
He founded the restaurant to provide a relaxing environment for young professionals like himself, people seeking a place to fill their stomachs and let off steam, after “street food” left him less than satisfied.
“I saw some small food stalls that used weeks-old oil for cooking, which was disgusting and harmful to health,” he said.
Cheng Si, Wang’s business partner and also a healthcare practitioner, said her medical training taught her that personal emotions, positive or negative, should be digested alone. In the past, she used to unwind and replenish her energy levels alone at home during the small hours, but she is grateful to have found an alternative.
“Now, I am able to come to the barbecue restaurant and mingle with coworkers or other customers,” she said, adding that the regular-world ambiance, as opposed to the life-anddeath tension in the hospital wards, helps unravel her emotional knots.
Despite the growth in nocturnal dining on the capital’s streets, it is possible that takeouts may carve a name for themselves in the late-night culinary world thanks to the rapid development of online delivery services.
Round-the-clock convenience chains, such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Bianlifeng, are also likely to gain popularity among late-night diners.
Zhao Shen, a sports news editor who usually finishes work after midnight, said (Japanese rice balls) or instant noodles are his usual late-night fix, despite having eaten a full diner a few hours earlier.
“It’s unreasonable to call up friends at midnight and ask them to dine with me,” he said. “So the most sensible approach is to eat fast-food alone.”
Liu Ziyan, a former employee at a fashion magazine, said her first instinct to deal with late-night cravings is to open a food delivery app and order a serving of crawfish and some marinated duck’s feet.
“Going out with friends is simply too much hassle,” she said. “I enjoy it when we get together and share food, but eating alone at home also appeals to me, because it feels like I finally have some time to myself, and solo dining allows me to chill out for a few moments.” Scan it!