Eating Over the National Holiday: New Restaurants, Sureno x Jo Malone Afternoon Tea, Grill at the Great Wall, and More
For those of us who aren't blessed with idyllic southeast Asian travel plans this National Holiday, there is still plenty going on around town to whet your appetite, literally and figuratively.
Try a New Place in Town
New restaurants abound in the Jing, and the holiday provides a great time for you to check out some of the ones we've introduced to you this month (do call in advance though, as some might take a quick break for a day or two over the holiday): Try Sanlitun's new Middle Eastern giant Persepolis, run by a former chef at the Iranian embassy; imagine you're on vacation in Singapore with a plate of Hainan Chicken Rice at PEK-SG Koo Kee; check out Italian favorite Eatalia's newest location in 798; slurp noodles at Sanlitun's newest noodle haunt Minoodle; visit the latest Beijing venue to plow the burrito trade, Jianwai Soho's Flash Burritos; sip a coffee at C5Cafe; or skim cultural boundaries at eclectic eatery The Way on Lucky Street.
Revisit an Old Favorite
In Sanlitun, both Gung! Ho and Union Bar and Grille have undergone recent makeovers. Over in the hutongs, perennial bar awards favorite Cuju is back with a natty new paint scheme and an expanded menu. Take advantage of tasty new dishes like Moroccan lemon chicken tagine with their early bird special: order any main course between 6pm and 8pm and get a free drink (house wine, Tiger beer, house mixers and soft drinks).
Get Baked
Two new bakeries caught our eye over the past month, so go grab a Hollandaise Sauce, Mustard and Bacon Roll at Shangdu Soho's Umassif or a rich slice of cheesecake at Japanese bakery Booth Cake in Liangmaqiao.
Eat More Burgers ...
Come on, you didn't think we'd leave this one out did you? Take advantage of all that free time to check out some of the city's top burgers – Home Plate may be number one, but any and all in the top 10 of the Burger Cup are worth a visit.
... Or Go Meatless
Feeling guilty that your dining habits cause the suffering of cute farm animals like cows, pigs, chickens and fluffy little lambs? Try living vegan for a week in Beijing using our handy guide on how to live meat-free. Since you're going to be eating so many more vegetables, make sure that they're organic.
Eat the World's Spiciest Noodles
Fu Niu Tang, the self-proclaimed server of the world's spiciest noodles is in Beijing's very own CBD, and you can challenge your taste buds and win a lifetime discount card if you are strong enough to polish off the whole bowl.
Take in Some Edible Art at Beijing Design Week
Beijing Design Week isn't all about crazy designers and hutong renovation schemes – there is plenty for the gastronomically inclined too. Swing by Dashilar before October 3 to sample inventive ice cream, seasonal pies and creative candies.
Indulge in Afternoon Tea
The Opposite House is collaborating with British fragrance brand Jo Malone for an afternoon tea inspired by the brand's Peony and Blush Suede scent at Sureno. Highlights of the tea include scones with imported clotted cream and homemade strawberry-rose jam, plus crust-less smoked salmon sandwiches. Everyone who indulges in the tea gets a complimentary fragrance sample and a hand massage at Jo Malone's Beijing store (in Shinkong Place). Note Sureno is closed for a well-earned break from October 1-2.
Make Everyday Brunch-day
Leave the cooking to the professionals at Feast over the National holiday, where they are running their usual weekend brunch from October 1-5. We recommend grabbing a table on their terrace while the weather is still manageable.
Grill at the Great Wall
Let's face it, despite our remonstrations guests always seem to want to visit during the National Holiday. If you happen to be battling the crowds out to Mutianyu then make sure you call by The Schoolhouse for their all-you-can-eat-and-drink barbecue, complemented by live folk music. Extra discount if you book in advance online
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Photos: Robynne Tindall
