Rained into a mediocre meal

We had grand plans for "Max's Last Meal in China". There was going to be a massive Sichuan feast. We were both going to be laughing and we were going to end up crying (mostly from the heat of the food...). It was going to be one for the ages...

...and it wasn't to be. Due to a smattering of unlucky turns, we found ourselves about to exit a random shopping mall somewhere in Beijing, just as it started to pour. We were exhausted, there were no taxis in sight, and so we ducked into a nearby, popular joint.

These dumplings were ok, not awful but not delicious either. The dough was a bit sticky, the insides a bit indistinguishable. So nondescript that I cannot even recall what was inside...

These fun shaped pumpkin dumplings were a good idea, just not executed to the fullest. Filled with mashed and sweetened pumpkin, these would have been a great transition to dessert. Alas, they were a wee bit too grainy.

Bland soba noodles soaking in soy sauce. I could've made better myself, easily.

Perhaps the best of a sad bunch, this kim chee provided a nice bit of spice and also included the odd ingredient of peanuts. Something was a little off in texture, but, to be fair, I am not in Korea.

The worst of the bunch, clearly, was the mango congee. Watery, rice soup with a hint of artificial mango seasoning. Where were the fresh mangos from the picture on the menu? Where was the congee congealing texture? Why was this so bad?

Also not very good were thick noodles in peanut sauce. The noodles had very little flavor and the sauce was thin and did not wear well.

Luckily for Max and I, this meal was not representative of an otherwise fantastic eating adventure!