Lamb Skewer BBQ: Shanghai's Hottest Dining Scene (2026 Guide)
The complete guide to Shanghai's famous lamb skewer restaurants. Reservation tips, what to order, and why this Inner Mongolian BBQ became a phenomenon.
Lamb Skewer BBQ: Shanghai’s Most Viral Restaurant
很久以前羊肉串 (Henjiuyiqian) has become one of Shanghai’s hottest dining destinations for international visitors. The hype started when celebrities posted about it on social media, and now this Inner Mongolian lamb skewer chain regularly sees queues stretching 2+ hours—especially on weekends.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | 很久以前羊肉串 (Henjiuyiqian) |
| Specialty | Inner Mongolian Hulunbuir lamb |
| Average Cost | ¥125/person |
| Wait Time | 40 min - 3 hours (without reservation) |
Why the Hype?
The Lamb Difference
This isn’t typical lamb. The meat comes from Hulunbuir (呼伦贝尔) grasslands in Inner Mongolia—animals raised on pristine steppes. The result: tender, flavorful lamb without the strong gamey taste that turns some people off.
Celebrity Factor
Various celebrities and influencers have posted about this restaurant, driving massive interest from tourists who want the same experience.
Unique Dining Experience
Each table features a mini conveyor belt grill. Place your skewers on the belt, and they rotate through the heat, cooking evenly without you needing to do much work.
Locations
Key Branches
| Branch | Address | Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Ruihong Tiandi | 123 Linping Road, L1 Ruihong Fang | Ruihong Xincheng Station |
| Nanjing East Road | Near Nanjing East Road | Nanjing East Road Station |
| People’s Square | Near People’s Square | People’s Square Station |
💡 Pro Tip: The Ruihong Tiandi branch is the largest and most popular among international visitors.
How to Reserve (Essential!)
WeChat Mini-Program Booking
Without a reservation, expect 40 minutes to 3 hours of waiting. Book ahead via WeChat:
Steps:
- Open WeChat → Search bar
- Type “很久以前羊肉串”
- Select Mini-Program (not official account)
- Allow location access
- Choose your preferred branch
- Select date and time
- Get your queue number
- Receive WeChat notification when it’s your turn
Best Times to Go
| Time Slot | Expected Wait | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00-6:00 PM | 10-20 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | 30-60 min | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 7:00-9:00 PM | 60-120 min | ⭐⭐ |
| After 9:00 PM | 20-40 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💡 Pro Tip: Book for 5 PM and you’ll likely walk right in. Early dinner, but worth it.
What to Order
Essential Items
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb skewers (羊肉串) | ¥2-3/each | Signature, order 10+ per person |
| Condensed milk toast (炼乳吐司) | ¥18 | Social media favorite |
| Sweet corn (甜糯玉米) | ¥12 | Sticky and sweet |
Additional Recommendations
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans chicken wings | ¥28 | Nice break from lamb |
| Lamb ribs (羊排) | ¥58 | For serious lamb lovers |
| Draft Tsingtao beer (青岛原浆) | ¥15-25 | Perfect pairing |
Per-Person Guide
| Party Size | Lamb Skewers | Sides |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 30-40 | Toast, corn, beer |
| 4 people | 60-80 | + wings, ribs |
The Dining Experience
Conveyor Belt Grilling
The restaurant’s unique setup features automated grills at each table. Place skewers on the rotating belt, and they’ll cook themselves as they circle through the heat source.
Staff Assistance
First-timers get help from staff who’ll grill your first batch. Even if you can’t communicate verbally, saying “帮我烤 (bang wo kao)” means “please grill for me.”
Complimentary Touches
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooling gel patches | For your forehead (it gets hot!) |
| Hair ties | For long hair |
| Aprons | Protect your clothes |
| Free milk ice cream | After your meal |
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t leave without the free Hulunbuir milk ice cream—it’s served as a complimentary dessert and it’s genuinely excellent.
How to Eat
- Order: Decide on skewer quantity (15-20 per person typical)
- Sit: Table with conveyor grill
- Initial grilling: Staff helps with first batch
- Continue grilling: Add skewers yourself, they rotate and cook
- Season: Sprinkle cumin and chili powder
- Finish: Milk ice cream dessert
Useful Phrases
| English | Chinese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 20 lamb skewers | 羊肉串20串 | Yang rou chuan ershi chuan |
| Please grill for me | 帮我烤 | Bang wo kao |
| One beer please | 来一杯啤酒 | Lai yi bei pijiu |
| Bill please | 买单 | Mai dan |
Payment
| Method | Accepted |
|---|---|
| WeChat/Alipay | ✅ |
| Visa/Mastercard | ✅ (most locations) |
| Cash | ✅ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go without a reservation?
Yes, but you’ll wait. Average wait is 1-2 hours during dinner peak hours.
Is it okay to go alone?
Absolutely. Single diners are welcome, and some locations have solo seating areas.
Does the lamb smell strongly?
No—the Hulunbuir lamb is notably mild. This is a major reason for the restaurant’s popularity among people who usually avoid lamb.
How late are they open?
Usually until 12:30 AM, though this varies by location.
Is there an English menu?
No, but there are photo menus that make ordering easy.
Lamb Skewers vs Haidilao
Two different experiences, both popular with visitors:
| Aspect | Lamb Skewers | Haidilao |
|---|---|---|
| Food style | BBQ grilled meat | Hot pot |
| Atmosphere | Lively, social | Refined, service-focused |
| Wait time | Longer | Usually shorter |
| Best time | Dinner | Lunch or late night |
| Price | ¥125/person | ¥150/person |
💡 Pro Tip: Many visitors do lamb skewers for dinner, then Haidilao later as a late-night meal.
Related Guides
- Shanghai Food Trio - Complete eating guide
- Haidilao Guide - The other must-try
- WeChat Pay Guide - Required for reservations
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Hours and prices may vary.
Other Guides
Heytea: China's Premium Bubble Tea Phenomenon (2026 Guide)
Everything about Heytea—the brand that invented cheese foam tea. Best drinks to order, how to skip the line, and locations across Shanghai.
Haidilao Hot Pot: The Ultimate Service Experience (2026 Guide)
Discover why Haidilao is famous for its legendary service—free snacks, manicures, noodle performances, and of course, excellent hot pot.
RT-Mart Supermarket: Shanghai Souvenir Shopping Guide (2026)
What to buy at RT-Mart for snacks, drinks, and gifts to bring home. The viral shopping destination for budget-conscious travelers.