Zizaige/自在阁
This vegetarian buffet is a celebration of traditional Chinese food, offering dozens of dishes, including Suzhou-style noodles and the hands-on fun of a DIY mini-hotpot called Ma La Tang (麻辣烫).
Tofu strips and cucumbers
Bitter melon
stem lettuce
Kidney beans and fried peanuts
Long bean
Tofu stew
Suzhou-style noodles
The cost is 38 yuan per person — a small price for such a variety. For regulars, you can get 10 meal coupons for 208 yuan, saving a little for future visits.
In the same dining hall, there’s a cafe where coffee costs 58 yuan. The barista assures you this is because the beans are organic, though you might still wonder. 🤔
The doors open at 11:00am, and it’s worth showing up early to enjoy the full spread. By noon, the best dishes start disappearing, a reminder that even the most abundant feasts don’t last forever.
There’s also private dining on the second floor. What goes on up there? Who knows — it’s a mystery you might choose to solve, or not.
In the evening, the buffet switches gears. It’s pay-what-you-want, with fewer dishes. They suggest a contribution of 20 yuan per person — a gentle nudge toward fairness.
And since the restaurant is right next to Tinglin Park (亭林园), a stroll through the park after your meal is highly recommended. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your food, your day, and the beauty of small, meaningful moments.
Pros: Many options, Reasonable Price, Next to Tinglin Park
Cons: Crowded, Arriving at noon is already a bit late, Expensive coffee