Dragon Well Manor facts for kids

Dragon Well Manor (pronounced Longjing Caotang) is a very special restaurant in Hangzhou, a city in Zhejiang province, China. It's known for serving food that follows the ideas of "slow food" and "sustainable" eating. This means they use fresh, seasonal ingredients that come from local farms and suppliers.

The restaurant's owner, Dai Jianjun, is passionate about keeping old Chinese cooking traditions alive. In 2010, he even received a special medal from an organization called Terra Madre. This award recognized his efforts to protect traditional ways of making and finding food in China, especially as the country becomes more modern.

What Makes Dragon Well Manor Special?

Dragon Well Manor is famous for how much attention it pays to natural ingredients. They believe in using the best quality items to create their dishes. The restaurant also works hard to keep traditional Chinese cooking methods alive.

The "Slow Food" Idea

Have you ever heard of "fast food"? Well, "slow food" is the opposite! It's about enjoying your meal and knowing where your food comes from. At Dragon Well Manor, "slow food" means:

• Using fresh ingredients that are in season.
• Getting food from local farms and suppliers.
• Making sure the food is good for you and the planet.
• Taking time to prepare and enjoy meals.

This approach helps support local communities and keeps food traditions strong.

Meet the Owner: Dai Jianjun

Dai Jianjun is the person behind Dragon Well Manor's unique style. He believes that food should be natural and connected to its roots. He works hard to make sure his restaurant uses only the best ingredients.

His dedication to traditional cooking and sustainable practices earned him the Terra Madre medal. This award celebrates people who help protect food heritage around the world. It shows how important it is to keep old cooking methods and local food sources alive.

Delicious Dishes and Traditions

Dragon Well Manor is known for its focus on natural ingredients and traditional Chinese cooking. They create dishes that are both tasty and healthy.

One of their most famous dishes is called wuming yingxiong (pronounced woo-ming ying-shyong). This name means "nameless hero." It's made by first boiling a rich soup from small crucian carp fish. Then, a serving fish is gently cooked in this flavorful broth. It's a bit like a famous French fish soup called bouillabaisse, but with a Chinese twist!