East Village Jiangnan Restaurant Styled Like an Ancient Village
Taste East Village Jiangnan restaurant dishes like crisp squirrel fish and Longjing shrimp beneath glowing lanterns.
🏮 Song Dynasty Village Atmosphere
CheLi operates as an East Village Jiangnan restaurant where carved wooden rooftops and paper lanterns recreate an ancient riverside town. The setting sets the stage, then the kitchen presents regional dishes like tea-scented Longjing shrimp, cold wine-soaked chicken, and stir-fried lotus pond vegetables. The signature squirrel fish arrives draped in tangy sauce while retaining its crisp texture, and salted egg yolk clings evenly to slices of fried pumpkin.
Diners exploring the menu also encounter sweet-and-sour eel alongside crispy smoked fish served in a dark vinegar sauce, though small bones remain inside the fish to preserve traditional texture. Communal tables share bamboo baskets filled with dim sum, pairing savory bites with comforting tea throughout the evening. The dining room remains mid-priced for East Village outings, welcoming groups that appreciate authentic regional flavors and thoughtful historical styling.
