We were trying to decide where to have dinner this evening. I mentioned a preference for beef or lamb and Amy, my good friend at the panda base, said how about we go to the Muslim neighbourhood.
There is a Muslim neighbourhood in Ya’an? I was intrigued and agreed to check out the makan shops there.
It was within walking distance of the hotel. She wasn’t sure of the way and stopped to ask a couple for directions to the mosque. They pointed to a spot across the road.
I was expecting a grand mosque, and was surprised with how modest it was.
My first sight of the mosque in Ya’an. Two doors away to its right is the office.
The main entrance.
Past the entrance, the first doorway, with what I think are sayings
from the Koran in Chinese.
The makan shop next to the mosque was full so we opted for another one across the road. The meal we ordered was a familiar local favourite with halal ingredients.
Halal hot pot just put to boil. We ordered beef, tofu, meat dumplings
and straw mushrooms.
Something very familiar …
Cili padi!
Green chillies, Ya’an style.
The only thing missing was the soy sauce.
I’m happy to find this Muslim neighbourhood in Ya’an for the Zoo Negara vets and keepers who will be visiting soon to train ahead of Fu Wa and Feng Yi’s arrival in Malaysia next year. From what I’ve heard, a main concern was food. No need to eat instant noodles all the time while here, guys.
