Why Do Office Workers Love This Spot?

“Broken But Beautiful”: WuJiaShan’s Night Food Spots Are a Hit

There’s a saying popular online: “The world may be broken, but there are always those who mend it.” It reflects a longing for warmth and comfort—especially among the young. In WuJiaShan Street, Dongxihu District, a place called “The Broken Grill” has quietly become a sensation.

As night falls, neon lights glow and the area comes alive. New kinds of dining experiences are boosting the night economy. The sound and smell of food fill the air—a sign of a lively city.

At 7 PM, the third floor of Qianna Plaza is packed. “The Broken Grill” is full; many are waiting for a table. The open-style shop uses bold designs like red bricks and straw roofs. The phrase “Come to the broken place, forget your worries” speaks directly to tired young workers. It’s fun, relatable, and has won many fans.

“Lines start at 6 PM. We’re open until 11, and regulars keep coming back,” said Chen Wangqiang, the manager. The grill place opened in May and has been popular ever since. He chose this location because of the area’s potential—it’s near schools and busy neighbourhoods.

The vibe is casual and welcoming. Even before the food arrives, you feel part of the scene.

Most customers are young. Mr. Yuan, who lives nearby, was visiting for the first time. “The atmosphere is relaxed and the smell is amazing. It feels good to eat here and recharge,” he said.

Who can say no to sizzling BBQ and a cold beer?

The shop serves fresh, high-quality dishes like fatty beef, black pepper steak, pork belly, and marinated chicken wings. Chen proudly shared that new items are added every month. “We plan to open more branches in Dongxihu so more people can enjoy,” he said.

Not far away, at Lao Zhangji Fresh Cut Beef Hotpot in West Lake Plaza, Mr. Feng often comes with coworkers after work. “The value is great. We come a lot,” he said. The beef here can go from slaughter to table in just one hour. All-you-can-eat fresh meat is served—Mr. Feng calls it “unbelievably good!”

The hotpot place opened last winter. Manager Xiang Hua is proud that many companies choose it for team dinners. Most guests are young.

Inside, the open kitchen area is the highlight. Large pieces of fresh beef are cut, skewered, and plated right before you.

Most beef is served by weight, not by cut. “If it’s fresh, every part is tasty,” said Xiang. To ensure quality, beef is delivered twice a day. The delivery times are posted openly in the store.

The hotpot offers a strong, spicy broth—a Chaoshan and Wuhan style mix. There are over 100 ingredients, including popular options like crayfish and spicy crab.

“We focus on quality. We want to be the next viral spot in Dongxihu,” said Xiang confidently.

Another newcomer is the coconut chicken hotpot at Hailin Plaza, which opened in late July. Manager Cheng Dong said some customers have visited four or five times in three weeks.

The hotpot is healthy and delicious thanks to a stable supply chain from Hainan—including chicken and coconut farms. It’s becoming a new symbol of good food in the area.

“We want every visit to offer a new experience,” said Cao Xin, operations manager at Hailin Plaza. The mall is shifting toward diverse offerings: food, shopping, entertainment, and more. New businesses are bringing energy—especially at night.

“A thriving night economy needs policy support and planning,” Cao noted. Dongxihu District values night-time business and builds well-managed, vibrant nightlife areas—giving malls strong support.

In recent years, WuJiaShan Street has been upgrading its business districts. Traditional areas are now connected, with improved streets and new shops like cafes and bars. The goal is to create a stylish, fun, and food-filled destination that people love to return to.