The Place
Delicious scandal arrived on Shekou’s Laojie with Les 5 Chef’s Miznon. Founders Harold Dax and Claudio Giannantonio insist their gourmet street food is simply the dishes of their nearby German bakery, slow-cooked and tucked into airy pita pockets. But irascible Israeli chef Eyal Shani denounced them in the Times of Israel as copying his concept and brand name – and also phoned Shenzhen for a 45-minute shouting match.
But armed with years of local experience, loyal fans hankering for pita and a China trademark, Les 5 Chef’s is standing firm, welcoming diners who savor the controversy.
The Food
The menu of gourmet meats — duck confit, beef tenderloin, foie gras, long-marinated chicken, and succulent lamb — also has a strong vegetarian game, all in soft house-made pita filled with a meal’s worth of treats. With most priced RMB48-RMB78, it’s great value for the money. Just watch out for the chili oil heat in the meats or sauces: it bites, but maybe that’s what you are looking for.
Cauliflower heads (RMB39), half a kilo heavy, arrive crisply roasted with olive oil, herbs de Provence, balsamic, and a sprinkle of lava salt. All the produce, eggplants, peppers and tomatoes are sourced from a farm three hours away, then roasted or pickled to coax out natural sweetness.
Pair that with Germany’s Herrnbraeu beers, from a citrusy Doppelbock to a light Zwickl (all RMB20) or deliciously smooth nitro coffee (RMB25). The same machine provides bubbles for Italian sodas, in flavors like berry, mango, toffee, elderflower and more (RMB15, RMB10 refills).
The Vibe
With TVs and a Hong Kong style bar, urban minimalism and a French DJ (Thursdays-Saturdays), it’s an inviting spot for Rose Garden residents and passersby. Walk up to the counter to order, then sit and wait for your taste of this scandalous shanzhai street food.
Price: RMB100
Who’s going: Shekou residents, pita bread fans
Good for: people watching, sticking it to a celeb chef, or a quick meal en route to temple
Nearest metro: Dongjiaotou (Exit A), 8 minutes
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