Chang’an Small Restaurant

My Thoughts on Chang’an Small Restaurant

This novel, Chang’an Small Restaurant, has been quite the delightful discovery! I dove in expecting a relaxing slice-of-life story set in ancient China, and it largely delivered, though perhaps with a slower pace than I initially anticipated.

First Impressions

The premise immediately grabbed me: a modern-day food writer transmigrates into a palace maid in ancient China, eventually buying her freedom and opening a restaurant. It felt fresh and full of potential. I found the early chapters engaging, particularly how the MC calmly navigates her new reality and begins her entrepreneurial journey.

What Works Well

The strongest aspect of this novel is undoubtedly the MC. She's a sensible, grounded, and independent woman, a welcome change from some of the more… intense female leads I've encountered in similar stories. Her cleverness and innovative use of modern knowledge in a reasonable way made her relatable and fun to follow. I especially enjoyed her interactions with the ML. The romance, while slow-burn, felt natural and earned. I appreciated that their connection developed gradually through mutual respect and admiration, rather than love at first sight. The ML is also quite charming, an upright official who's a bit awkward when it comes to romance, which adds a touch of humor.

The food descriptions are another highlight. The author paints a vivid picture of each dish, making my stomach rumble with every chapter. I also appreciate the world-building, particularly the glimpses into middle-class life in ancient China. The side characters, while perhaps not deeply explored, are distinct and memorable, each adding their own flavor to the story.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the slow pace for the most part, I can see how it might not appeal to everyone. At times, the focus on expanding the restaurant and menu felt a bit repetitive, and I wished for more plot development. Some readers might find the lack of major conflicts or scheming a drawback.

Final Verdict

Overall, I found Chang’an Small Restaurant to be a charming and enjoyable read. If you're looking for a relaxing slice-of-life story with a strong female lead, delicious food descriptions, and a slow-burn romance, this might be right up your alley. Just be prepared for a more leisurely pace and a focus on character interactions rather than high-stakes drama. I'd recommend giving it a try, especially if you're a foodie like me!