The Place
Situated on Jianshe Liu Malu, in the former location of Pandan Indonesian, this new restaurant provides grill-at-the-table barbecue in a setting that resembles scenes from the most classic of dinosaur movies. You guessed it, Jurassic Park.
The entrance is decorated with cave-like rocks, with a few large dinosaur eggs nestled on top, and the inner decor looks similarly prehistoric. An angry stegosaurus protrudes from the wall beside the bar and, further back, an equally vicious T-Rex hangs from above with open jaws.
The roof is lined with dino-era foliage, the walls painted with a thick jungle landscape, and at the back is the image of a sharp-toothed beast breaking through the restaurant wall. In the center of the establishment sits the shell of an old vehicle, acting as the seating area for several tables.
It’s a cool looking place, and one wholly unique to Guangzhou as far as we are aware.
The Food
Ample portions of roasted eggplant, grilled leek, baby cabbage and enoki mushrooms (aka ‘see ya later mushrooms’), arrive pre-cooked (RMB10 each). While none look particularly appetizing, they all end up being pretty tasty. Garlic lovers should definitely give the eggplant a try.
But enough about vegetables – this is a barbecue restaurant and it’s all about the meat. Skewers of pork belly (RMB16), lamb (RMB22) and black pepper beef (RMB24) are presented raw by the half dozen for your grilling pleasure. Other options like the squid tentacles (RMB16) come in a set of four. Placed above red-hot coals, the meat is automatically rotated by a tiny conveyor belt. Time it right and the skewers come off juicy and tender.
Three packages sit on each table, ambiguously labeled ‘dry material’ (cheesy powder) ‘sauce’ (BBQ sauce) and ‘spicy’ (chili powder), to be arranged in the tray provided for dipping the meat. Pro tip: mix the cheesy powder with the BBQ sauce.
Other options include capelin fish (RMB16 for six) and baby lamb (RMB18 for 10), both of which are served pre-grilled. The capelin, covered in a chili pepper rub, can be eaten – from head to tail – in one bite, perfect for seafood lovers, or anyone eager to tap into their inner dinosaur by devouring an animal whole.
Some of the more unusual menu items include crocodile tail (RMB168), whole frog (RMB16 for two) and barbecue durian (RMB68 for the whole fruit).
Pair your meal with a glass of house beer (RMB19 for 500ml), or dive into the selection of hard bar items and wines.
The Vibe
Jurassic BBQ offers a casual, fast-paced dining environment that stands out for its unusual dinosaur-themed layout. It’s perfect for dinner and drinks with friends, or anyone who wants to stuff their face with protein for a more than reasonable price.
Price: RMB100 for a beer and heaps of meat
Who’s going: carnivores, dinosaur enthusiasts
Good for: grilled meat, Jurassic Park feels, more meat
Nearest metro: Taojin (Exit A), 5 minutes
Open daily, 11am-2am. See listing for Jurassic BBQ.
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