The Chinese version of the classic Japanese TV series, "Shinya Shokudo," or "Midnight Diner," aired on June 12. The series, however, was roundly mocked by audience members and ultimately received an extremely low grade of 2.4/10 from over 6,649 reviewers on the Chinese media review site, Douban.

While the show was reportedly required to adhere to the original storyline, many viewers expressed discontent with the lack of Chinese elements. Some pointed out that a midnight diner in China would not be an "izakaya" with one solemn-looking cook, as in Japan. Rather, Chinese people tend to eat late-night snacks at outdoor food stands, choosing noodles, kebabs and grilled seafood. 

So, where are the Guangzhou-style "midnight diners"? Read on. 

Baoye Lu

Located in the downtown area of Haizhu district, Baoye Lu doesn't have much traffic, but it has many restaurants with different styles of Chinese cuisine, attracting hundreds of foodies every night. Grilled oysters and Chaozhou-style seafood congee are the most popular choices. In the open-air restaurants, people can sing, yell or talk loudly. No one cares. That's the leisurely lifestyle of Guangzhou. Street performers can also be seen singing or dancing here. The later in the night, the more crowded it becomes. 

Shamian Island

Nights at Xingsheng Lu are a mystery as the restaurants and bars here always run until the early hours of the morning. Some even remain open 24 hours a day. Known as the "sleepless street" in Guangzhou, Xingsheng Lu is a paradise for delicacies. Even though the street is only 400 meters, it has scores of bars and restaurants of different styles, such as an authentic Irish pub, Turkish hookah cafes and restaurants, and Russian eateries. 

Xingsheng Lu

Nights at Xingsheng Lu are a mystery as the restaurants and bars here always run until the early hours of the morning. Some even remain open 24 hours a day. Known as the "sleepless street" in Guangzhou, Xingsheng Lu is a paradise for delicacies. Even though the street is only 400 meters, it has scores of bars and restaurants of different styles, such as an authentic Irish pub, Turkish hookah cafes and restaurants, and Russian eateries. 

Zhujiang Party Pier Beer Culture and Art Zone

Blending the charm of the Pearl River with modern architecture, the Zhujiang Party Pier Beer Culture and Art Zone stands along the river overlooking the sparkling Haixinsha Asian Games Park and Zhujiang New Town across the river. Occupying 20,000 square meters and with over 800 meters of shoreline, this hip hotspot is for partying and painting, food and fun. Here you can relax with your friends, lean against the railings by the river, drink bottles of beer and chat long into the night. 

Jianshe Liumalu

Located in the center of the Huanshi Donglu area, which is one of the primary hubs for foreigners living in Guangzhou, Jianshe Liumalu offers food from all over the world. Japanese, Korean, Southeast Asian or French food, all these cuisines can be found on this street. (By Penny Liu, Louis Berney)

Source:SilkRoadPost