The century-old mansion of a former president has been savvily restored in a bid to retain its period charm. The menu revolves around traditional Tianjin recipes and banquet favourites from the Republican Era, illustrating the aristocrats’ refined palate. Their signature leaping carp, which is deep-fried with the scales on and drizzled in a sweet and sour sauce, boasts crispy skin and silky flesh. Flash-fried beef with pickled solo garlic is another standout.