It’s often said that the best local food is to be found at street vendors, not in some fancy restaurants. This couldn’t be truer than when we discovered the small little eatery/restaurant behind the central station in Frankfurt, called “True Tasty”. It’s not technically “street food”, but it captures the authentic taste and style of Chinese street food.
Street food vibes dominate in many Chinese cities and are an integral part of the culinary scene. People who live in China eat out all day long, thanks to budget-friendly, various delicious street food. You will often stumble upon a small humble shop tucked away in the back of an alley, unremarkable but super popular, with queues that go on forever. These are often longstanding family businesses.
They follow recipes passed down through generations, repeating the meticulous cooking process, with full dedication, day in day out for years. Over time, they perfect their recipes and cooking techniques, earning the loyalty of the locals and becoming ingrained in the local community’s identity, heritage and culture. Living in Frankfurt, you don’t have to travel far to sample these local flavors, as one of these small vendors has set up shop right here!
Street food tastes vary among regions. True Tasty restaurant specializes in northern cuisines such as dumplings, noodles, Baozi (also known as steamed buns), grilled skewers, beef pancake and more.
Restaurant Profile
- Name of the Restaurant: True Tasty
- Adress: Ludwigstraße 6, 60327 Frankfurt am Main
- Style: Chinese – Street Food
- Price: around 15 – 25 EUR per Person (incl. Drinks and Tips)
The first of our favorites is beef pancake (牛肉饼), a typical northern dish, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD). It’s known for its fresh aroma, thin crispy skin and juicy beef filling. Carefully marinated with Sichuan peppercorn oil, green onions, ginger, white pepper, salt, soy source and fish sauce, the beef’s natural flavors shine through. Once it hits the table, we are immediately greeted by the enticing aroma of the beef and the fragrant green onions.
The dough layer is very thin. The low-heat braising ensures its golden-brown crispiness and even cooking of beef beneath. The meat cooks slowly, infusing its rich flavor into the delicate skin while remaining juicy and soft. No over-seasoning, just the natural flavor of the beef and aromatic green onions – savory, umami and with a hint of spiciness from the Sichuan peppercorn oil. You can dress it up with a dash of vinegar for a tangy, refreshing twist to the rich beef.
Dumplings are a cultural celebration in China. On the eve of Chinese New Year, it’s a common tradition for families to gather together to make and enjoy dumplings together. It’s usually in a crescent shape akin to ancient Chinese currency (also known as gold coins or Jinyuanbao金元宝), a symbol of wealth and prosperity. This activity is especially prominent in northern China, where dumplings are a staple food.
At True Tasty, you can taste the authentic, homemade, hand-crafted dumplings. Unlike the store-bought dumplings, of which the skin can taste stiff due to addictives. This restaurant makes the dumplings fresh from scratch and cooks them shortly after the dough and fillings are prepared. We can really taste the vibrant freshness and the natural texture of the ingredients, flavorful and preservative-free.
Our favorites are the Jiucaizhurou N10 (韭菜猪肉, with Chinese chives and minced pork) and Qingjiaozhurou N13 (青椒猪肉, with paprika and minced pork).
The Chinese chives and pork are a classic duo that enjoys widespread popularity in China. The chives brings a unique aroma and a mild garlic flair, making every bite appetizing. Its crunchy texture meets the tender juicy minced pork, creating a satisfying mouthfeel that’s stood the test of time as a timeless favorite in Chinese households.
Parika and minced pork, an unexpected but delightful adaptation inspired by the household classic – Qingjiaorousi (青椒肉丝 shredded pork with green bell peppers). The savory pork and aromatic seasonings like soy sauce, garlic and other spices, together with crunchy and juicy peppers, makes a unique flavorful filling!
The skin is rolled with care – just thick enough to handle the boil while allow even cooking of the filling. It wraps and locks in all the freshness and juiciness without overshowing its flavors.
Each dumpling turns out to be a flavorful universe that encompasses the full essence of the entire dish. Depending on personal preferences, we adore it with vinegar and the homemade chili oil for a spicy tangy kick. With a burst of savory broth, each bite leaves a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth. Fresh, tender, and juicy, all in one single mouthful.
When it comes to Northern street food, the allure of grilled skewers (东北烧烤) is impossible to ignore. At True Tasty, the spirit of Northern BBQ comes to life.
Our most frequent orders are chicken wings, chicken gizzards, lamp skewers, string beams, tofu rolls with vegetables, and octopus.
The chicken wings and lamp skewers are classics that are hard to go wrong with.
Marinated in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and spices, the wings are grilled to a superbness with a smoky crispy skin, slightly charred on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. The homemade BBQ sauce adds a hint of sweetness and spiciness to enhance the overall flavor.
Lamb skewers, seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and other spices, give a bold and aromatic taste. They take on the smokiness from the grill and the warmth and depth from the spices. Lightly spicy and downright delicious!
The chicken gizzards have a naturally distinct, rich and robust flavor that gets intensified by grilling. Well-seasoned, lightly charred and crispy, the meat has a savory earthy flavor with a satisfying chewiness. For us, these little wonders are addictive! But for some, they may be too bold. People unfamiliar with them may hesitate. But those seeking bold and exciting taste may be hooked at the first bite.
Tofu rolls with Tongho: a top favorite! Grilled tofu skin becomes a smoky crispy embrace around the juicy fresh greens – an irresistible veggie combo for the grill.
String beans: tender with a hint of char. The heat caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness. Seasonings like garlic, BBQ sauce are used for a delicious blend of smokiness and sweetness.
Grilled octopus has a unique flavor and texture. The smoky and charred flavor contrasts well with the tender octopus meat. The seasonings of garlic, chili powder and sesame blend well with the natural seafood flavor, adding a spicy and nutty note, umami and tantalizing!
The grilled dishes don’t just end here. Grilled mushrooms, eggplant, squid, mussels and oysters are all pretty good!
For many locals, they represent true homey flavors that bring them back to the lively streets of northern China – teeming with people in search of late-night snacks to appease their hunger and find a blissful conclusion of the day. Engage in casual banter with neighbors, sharing stories, all while savoring the delicious street flavors—a perfect time-out from the day’s hustle and bustle. Amid the crackling flames and lingering aromas, joy is found in life’s simplest pleasures.
For genuine local eats, places like True Tasty are your playground. Sticking to traditional ingredients and cooking methods, they stand out like shining pearls in today’s highly standardized food industry, where everything is marked by the influence of large food chains.
