9 Ways to Enjoy Hangzhou Yiqian Without Waiting

1. **Target the Suburban Locations!**📍 Popular city-center branches like Xintiandi and Nanjing Road often have a minimum wait time of 1 hour. However, suburban locations in Hongkou District or Pudong New Area tend to have plenty of seating available. I visited a branch in Pudong and was seated immediately! 2. Make Reservations via WeChat📲 In China, WeChat is a must-have app! Search for the branch on the app and make a reservation in advance to skip the wait when you arrive. 3. **Avoid Peak Hours!**⏰ Simply avoid the peak dinner hours of 6–8 PM. If you go before 5 PM or after 9 PM, you’re more likely to get a table right away. 4. Dining Solo? No Problem!**🙋♀️ Don’t feel self-conscious about dining alone. There are designated solo dining spots, and the staff is incredibly friendly, making it a comfortable experience. 5. No Need to Worry About the Menu!**📸 The menu features photos and numbers, so you don’t need to know Chinese. Popular dishes include lamb skewers, garlic shrimp skewers, and grilled corn! 6. Be Ready for Mobile Payments!💸 WeChat Pay or Alipay is essential! Some branches don’t accept card payments, so it’s best to set up mobile payment in advance. 7. Enjoy the Fun of Grilling Yourself🔥 You’ll grill the meat right at your table. Flip it carefully for that perfect crispy outside and juicy inside. Adjusting the heat adds to the fun! 8. Try the Irresistible Sauce Combinations!🧂 The basic sauces are great, but the combo of cilantro, chili powder, and cumin (ziran) is absolutely addictive. A must-try! 9. Don’t Skip the Side Dishes🍟 From French fries and buttered corn to refreshing noodles, the side dishes are a treat on their own. They’re worth trying!