cāngyíng guǎnzi

Meaning:

“苍蝇” means “fly,” and “馆子” means “restaurant.” Originating in Sichuan Province, the term refers to street corner restaurants and food stalls that are not fancily furnished, and even a bit shabby but serve cheap delicious food. For people in Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan, the word “fly” is not used derogatorily, but it implies an intimate attitude and humor.

Example:

A: 今天下班有空吗？

Jīntiān xiàbān yǒukòng ma？

Are you free after work today?

B: 你有什么计划？

Nǐ yǒu shénme jìhuà？

What’s your proposal?

A: 我带你去罗湖吃一家苍蝇馆子，一个美食家朋友强烈推荐的。

Wǒ dài nǐ qù luóhú chī yījiā cāngyíng guǎnzi，yī gè měishíjiā péngyou qiángliè tuījiàn de。

I will take you to try out a street corner food stall in Luohu District. A gourmet friend strongly recommended it to me.