Getting Moderately Deep With... The Owner of a Small Japanese Restaurant

By Liu Yang, November 22, 2019

0 0

In our monthly series 'Getting Moderately Deep With... ' we ask a food vendor tough questions. Well, sort-of tough.


This month we meet Da Quan, who owns a very small Japanese restaurant in the CBD that has been running for 10 years.

What is the first thing you thought when you woke up this morning?

New day, new beginning! Jiayou!

What is your idea of the perfect day?
For me, it can’t be better than getting compliments from new customers.

Who is your best customer?
The ones who enjoy our new recipes and new dishes. 

Who is your worst customer?
Those who really don’t understand Japanese cuisine and refuse to take advice. 

How are you feeling today?
Pretty good – it’s nice to have some lovely sunshine on a Monday, especially after a chilly weekend. 

When and where were you happiest?
Right here, working in my restaurant with my dedicated team, I am the happiest. 

Which talent would you most like to have?
They say practice makes perfect, but it would be much better if I had slenderer hands for video shoots – you know, when making sushi. 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
This small restaurant has survived for more than 10 years in the CBD and some of our earliest customers continue to visit once in a while even though they no longer work or live nearby. We share many moments together here. 

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
For time to slow down a little bit. 

What is your most treasured possession?
The craftsmanship I live by. 

What trait do you most value in a person?
Kindness and confidence.

What is it that you most dislike?
I hate noisy surroundings.

What is your motto?
No pain, no gain.

Which era of Beijing’s history would you most like to have lived in?
The ’90s, the early stage of reform meant plenty of opportunities and possibilities.

Who is your hero?
People who have dedication.


You can find Da Quan’s restaurant Daban Shousi (Hongmiao), beside the Ciyunsi Fire Department in Chaoyang (朝阳区慈云寺消防队旁边大板寿司红庙店).

more news

Interview: Franklin Yao ​of Z-Rou Meat Talks Plant-Based Pork

​There's a new plant-based brand on the market called Z-Rou Meat 株肉, a pork alternative that consists of 100% plant-based ingredients.

Interview: Chef Julian Serrano Reflects on LAGO's First Year in Shanghai

We caught up with Serrano on a recent visit to his Shanghai restaurant to see how LAGO has evolved after a year of operations.

Interview: Kaixin Cooking's Shiyin Wang on Farm-To-Table Eating

Shanghai's most passionate cooking instructor dishes on his healthy approach to Chinese food.

Interview: O'Mills Bakery's Owner on Good Bread and Simple Food

Between bites of Chenxia Shao's (aka Xiao Xiao) delicious sourdough bread, we found out more about her mission.

Getting Moderately Deep With... A Waiter at a University Coffee Shop

In our monthly series 'Getting Moderately Deep With... ' we ask a food vendor tough questions. Well, sort-of tough.

Interview: Bird's New Head Chef on Menus, Mentors and Music

We stopped by Bird to see how Jonathan He is settling into his latest challenge.

Getting Moderately Deep With... A Xiaolongbao Shop Owner

In our monthly series 'Getting Moderately Deep With... ' we ask a food vendor tough questions. Well, sort-of tough.

Interview: Charles Zeng of Charlie's Burger Enters the Business of Brew

Between burgers, fries and beer, That's columnist Chris Foste inquires about Zeng's new business of brew.

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at Thats_Shanghai for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shanghai With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Shanghai!

Visit the archives