Lamb Skewers in Shanghai: 很久以前 — Booking, Menu & Tips

The first time I showed up at 很久以前羊肉串 (Henjiuyiqian) without a reservation, I was told the wait was over two hours. I came back the next day with a WeChat booking for 5 PM and walked in.

This Inner Mongolian lamb skewer chain has become one of Shanghai’s most talked-about meals for visitors—and a Shanghai street food standout—tender Hulunbuir lamb, a conveyor-belt grill at your table, and free milk ice cream at the end. The catch is the queue: without a reservation, especially on weekends, you can wait 40 minutes to three hours. This guide covers how to book, what to order, and what makes it worth the hype.

Last Updated: March 2026

Why This Place Blew Up

很久以前 (Henjiuyiqian) uses lamb from Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia—grass-fed on open steppes—so the meat is tender and less gamey than a lot of lamb. The gimmick that actually works is the table grill: a small conveyor belt carries your skewers through the heat so they cook evenly without you having to flip them. Staff grill your first batch; after that you add skewers and they rotate through.

Add-ons like cooling gel patches, hair ties, and aprons make the experience comfortable. Free Hulunbuir milk ice cream at the end is genuinely good—don’t skip it. Celebrities and influencers have posted about it, so expect a mix of locals and tourists; booking is essential.

How to Reserve (WeChat)

Without a reservation, expect 40 minutes to 3 hours wait at peak times. Book via WeChat: open WeChat → Search “很久以前羊肉串” → choose the Mini-Program (not the official account) → allow location → select branch → date and time → get your queue number. You’ll get a WeChat notification when your turn is near.

I’ve had the best luck with 5 PM slots—short or no wait. Between 7 and 9 PM waits are longest. After 9 PM they often shorten again.

Time slot	Typical wait
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

Locations and Getting There

Key branches include Ruihong Tiandi (123 Linping Road, L1 Ruihong Fang—metro Ruihong Xincheng), Nanjing East Road (near Nanjing East Road station), and People’s Square. The Ruihong Tiandi branch is large and often recommended for first-timers. Check the mini-program for the full list and to book the one that fits your itinerary. You’ll need WeChat Pay or Alipay for the reservation and for paying the bill.

What to Order

Must-orders: Lamb skewers (羊肉串), ¥2–3 each—order at least 10 per person. Condensed milk toast (炼乳吐司, ¥18) is a social-media favorite. Sweet corn (甜糯玉米, ¥12) is sticky and sweet. For variety: New Orleans chicken wings (¥28), lamb ribs (羊排, ¥58) for serious lamb fans, and draft Tsingtao (青岛原浆, ¥15–25). A rough guide: two people, 30–40 skewers plus toast, corn, and beer; four people, 60–80 skewers plus sides.

Staff can help with the first batch; saying “帮我烤” (please grill for me) gets the point across even if you don’t speak Chinese.

The Experience and Payment

You sit at a table with the conveyor grill, place skewers on the belt, and they cook as they pass through the heat. Sprinkle cumin and chili powder to taste.

Payment: WeChat, Alipay, and at most branches Visa/Mastercard. Cash is usually accepted. Per person you’re looking at around ¥125 on average. It’s a different vibe from Haidilao—more casual and social—and many people do lamb skewers for dinner and Haidilao later as a late-night second meal. For another iconic Shanghai drink after dinner, try Heytea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go without a reservation?
Yes, but you’ll wait. At dinner peak, 1–2 hours is common. Booking via the WeChat mini-program is strongly recommended, especially on weekends.

Is it okay to go alone?
Yes. Solo diners are welcome; some branches have seating that works well for one.

Does the lamb smell strong?
The Hulunbuir lamb is relatively mild compared with stronger-tasting lamb. That’s part of why it’s popular with people who usually avoid lamb.

Is there an English menu?
No, but photo menus make ordering straightforward. Use the Chinese names in this guide if you want to point or show the server.

Is 很久以前 considered Shanghai must-try food?
Yes. It’s a fixture on Shanghai food guide and must-try lists for its lamb quality and the conveyor grill experience. Book ahead.

Conclusion

很久以前 is one of the most memorable meals in Shanghai when you book ahead and order right. Reserve for 5 PM if you can, load up on lamb skewers and the condensed milk toast, use the conveyor grill, and finish with the free milk ice cream. Pair it with Haidilao and Heytea over a couple of days and you’ve hit the Shanghai food trio that everyone talks about.

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