First Glance: Beijing Pie, Beiheyan Dajie

Located on Beiheyan Dajie between Wangfujing and the Forbidden City, new restaurant Beijing Pie is placed to attract both a local and foreign crowd. This is clearly the mix they are going for, as although the restaurant was mostly full of local guests when we visited one weekday lunch, the affable owner speaks excellent English and the menu has been translated. As well as the sign, which looks like one giant flashcard ...

Beijing Pie specializes in roubing – the eponymous 'Beijing pie'. More of a pancake than a pie, the roubing comes filled with pork, beef or Peking duck. Roubing is never going to be the healthiest of snacks, but Beijing Pie's version is remarkably grease-free and comes with a generous filling. 

Pies aside, the restaurant also has a strong selection of Chinese comfort food, mostly tailoring towards a northern Chinese style. Portions are big and the food is homely – the kungpao chicken thigh (RMB 36), for example, is a simple, spicy stir-fry, rather than the sickly sweet deep-fried version you find in many restaurants. Our waiter was also happy to offer recommendations, suggesting a seasonal dish of stir-fried loofah sprouts (RMB 22).

Prices are a little higher than your average hole in the wall joint, but then this isn't your average hole in the wall joint – you're paying for a bright, clean restaurant with English-speaking servers. You can still roll out of here extremely full for RMB 50 per person. Its location also means that Beijing Pie is best poised to attract those looking for a quick snack or lunch following a day out at the Forbidden City.

Beijing Pie
Daily 10.30am-10pm. 159-2 Beiheyan Dajie, Dongcheng District (6528 2187)
东城区北河沿大街159-2号

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Photos: Robynne Tindall, Dianping