After migrating to the south, they set up communities in mountainous regions, where they live in round houses. The Hakka language and many other aspects of their culture retain characteristics of ancient Han culture. "Hakka culture is a living fossil of ancient Chinese study," says Zhou Jiemin, the Chief Officer of the Meizhou People's Overseas Association in Beijing, which is an association for Hakka people who have migrated from Meizhou city in Guangdong province.

Remnants of Han culture can also be found in other dishes at this restaurant, like the Hakka Niang Tofu. "Han people traditionally eat dumplings. But there is no flour in the south because people grow rice instead. As an alternative, they used tofu to make dumplings. They cut tofu into square shapes, and put fresh meat in a hole in the middle and fried both sides of the tofu," Yang Guang explained. The dish, rarely found at other Beijing restaurants, is a popular order here.

Another popular dish at this restaurant is Three Cup Duck, which is braised duck covered in a savory sauce made from one cup wine, one cup soy sauce, and one cup sugar. The sauce manages to complement, not overwhelm, the natural taste of the tender duck meat.

A common Hakka stir-fry method, called Sheng Jue, involves a clay pot. "We put a pot onto the stove, add ginger, garlic, shallot, aniseed, and a secret house sauce together with the main ingredients, like chicken, and stir-fry," Yang Guang explained.

The clay pots give the ingredients a somewhat roasted flavor, leaving out the oily residue commonly found in dishes stir-fried in a wok.

The baked prawns here are lightly salted, but true to Hakka principles, the underlying taste of prawn is not disturbed. Served on skewers, they make an exotic-looking, but delicious snack.

Dishes here run from 10-40 yuan, with some specialty chicken or seafood dishes costing 50-70 yuan.

The Hakka Town restaurant has locations near Chang'an East Avenue and the Lama Temple. The Chang'an location's exterior looks rather ordinary; most people would fail to recognize the uniqueness of the establishment. Those who do find this restaurant have the unique chance to experience a different side of Han culture.