If there’s one thing China and Italy have in common between them, it’s the humble noodle – even if one is called pasta. But this week and next week in Beijing, the line between Italian and Chinese noodles is set to get bamboozled with two kitchen takeovers by Shanghai-based pasta restaurant Yaya’s.
Billing themselves as a place for pasta that’s “not like nonna makes”, Yaya’s Pasta Bar ("ya" as in the Chinese word for tooth, a nod to pasta cooked al dente, or "to the tooth"), the brainchild of restaurateurs Andrew Moo, Dan Li, and Mike Liu, takes classic pasta dishes and combines them with Chinese ingredients, and if reviews from when they opened last year are anything to go by, it’s fusion food worth trying.
Now you can try the pasta of Yaya’s for yourself this Thursday, May 11 at Jing-A Longfusi, where they’ll be serving up pasta and a special collab pizza, or next Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20 at Superfly at the Opposite House, which will be a full kitchen and bar takeover.
We spoke with Andrew Moo ahead of the events to find out more about Yaya’s, what’s on the menu at each takeover, and to see whether or not we could get any more info on the mystery pizza on offer at Jing-A.
First off, how does it feel to be back in the capital? When was the last time you were here?
I’m super excited to be back in the capital! I lived in Beijing between 2013 and 2018 and helped open food incubator Hatchery, but haven’t been back for over a year. Beijing is one of my favorite cities, and the Yaya team and I can’t wait for our pop-ups over the next two weeks at Jing-A and Superfly!
For those in Beijing unfamiliar with Yaya's, how would you describe the concept?
Yaya's is a neighborhood pasta bar located near Jing’an Temple in Shanghai. We’re a no-fuss, no-frills eatery, where our chefs roll out fresh pasta daily alongside a selection of zingy small plates and antipasti to a soundtrack of old school hip hop. We like to play around with different Chinese ingredients and flavors, and my co-founder and head chef Dan Li has created dishes such as Mapo Tofu Lasagna (lead image) and Salted Egg Yolk Carbonara.
What led to the decision to do kitchen takeovers at both Jing-A and Superfly?
We like to host pop-ups and throw parties, all in the name of fun and collaboration. The Opposite House and Jing-A have been game-changers in the Beijing food and beverage scene over the past decade so we’re happy to have the opportunity to work with them.
Besides a special mystery pizza in the works at Jing-A on Thursday, what are some other menu highlights?
We have a few of Yaya’s signature pastas on the menu including the aforementioned pastas (Mapo Tofu Lasagna and Salted Egg Yolk Carbonara) plus we’ve created some aperitivo-style cocktails featuring Jing-A’s seasonal beers. Gonna be saucy!
Now, about that mystery pizza, can you give us any hints as to what it'll feature?
Let’s just say it’s a proper mashup of Italian and Chinese cuisine… but you’ll have to come try it for yourself on Thursday!
Next week you'll be headed to Superfly for a full kitchen and bar takeover there. What's in store for this event?
Chef Dan Li has created a full menu that includes classics from Yaya’s menu plus some special items especially for the pop-up – guests can expect handmade tagliatelle with Xinjiang spiced lamb ragu, Big Plate Chicken ‘da pan ji’ with pappardelle and giant egg yolk raviolo cooked in sage butter. Warren Pang (previously of Jane + Hooch) is coming back to Beijing for the pop-up and is taking over the bar with a special Yaya’s cocktail menu. And as a bonus, I’m going to be taking over the decks with an eclectic selection of tunes on Friday night and for Superfly’s Saturday Club event.
Will guests have the opportunity to interact with you and the Yaya team at both events?
Definitely! Come say hi!!
Yaya’s Pasta Bar Kitchen Takeover is happening on Thursday, May 11 from 5pm-Late at Jing-A Longfusi. Entry is free, but all menu items are first come, first serve so it’s best to make a reservation before going. To reserve a table, call 18614099689.
Super Ya, Yaya’s Kitchen and Bar Takeover at Superfly, is happening on Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20 from 6-10.30pm each night. Entry is free but reservations are recommended. To grab a spot, call 6410 5220.
READ: Get Early Bird Tickets for Our First Ever Taco Fest Now!
Images courtesy of Jing-A/Yaya's/Superfly