Eat Like a President: Where to Have Fish n' Chips Right Here in Beijing, Just Like Xi Dada Did

Updted October 29 12:15pm Xi Jinping's recent jaunt over to jolly ol' England where he visited a local pub to eat some fish and chips and drink a hearty IPA has set off a mini-craze in the UK, at least among Chinese tourists.

Flying over to England for a plate of fish and chips is an act of patriotism reserved for only the serious tuhao, but that doesn't mean you can't eat like a boss by supping on fish and chips right here in Beijing. Here's a quick list of where to find some:

Plan B: The Shuangjing local's version of fish and chips (RMB 70) features a monster piece of tilapia on a bed of hand-cut, sea-salted chips with malted vinegar on the side on request. Rinse it down with a Murphy's Stout, a Boulevard Pale Ale, or a number of bottled IPAs.

Jing-A: "Delicate white fish fillets are surrounded by a perfectly crisp batter made with Jing A's own Koji Red Ale, which adds a subtle malty and slightly citrusy edge. Thick-cut chips and chili-infused vinegar finish it all off (RMB 70)," wrote our Dining Editor Robynne Tindall back in June. No British IPAs on tap, but Jing-A's Flying Fist IPA (RMB 45) will do just fine.

Village Cafe: The Opposite House's Village Cafe has been serving fish and chips every Friday for years. The festivities begin at 5.30pm and feature not only fish and chips but a soup of the day and dessert. No British IPAs on tap, but you can wash it all down with a Hoegarden, Heineken, Asahi or a Tsingtao. RMB 101.20 + 15 percent.

Loft Eatalicious: Order up a plate of Fish and Chips (RMB 65) featuring sole fillets lighly coated with a breadcrumb topping featuring sea salt, pepper and rosemary. Stella, Hoegaarden, Corona, Bud, Tsingtao and Heineken are on offer to accompany it.

Godfathers: Enjoy fish 'n chips with either of two Tiger beers or two glasses of house wine for RMB 100 on Tuesday night, 5pm to 10pm, until Christmas. Jim "Beijing" Boyce had this to say of their fish and chips: "I find plenty of fish is overcooked and heavily battered, but this one was moist – almost juicy – and with a light coating. Paired with thick-cut fries, a salad with a flavor boost from shaved almonds and pine seeds, and an ice-cold Coopers, this was a tasty treat. Good value, too, at RMB 85, including the beer." Update: Godfathers tells us their fish and chips are priced at RMB 55, and that they offer two IPAs, both of which will be on special during November for RMB 25 per bottle: Kentucky IPA and Boulevard IPA.

Molly Malone's: We haven't tried it yet, but the recently revamped Molly Malone's features fish n’ chips battered with a gas “foamer” canister typically used for fine dining foams and creams to give the fish a crispier coating. Eat alongside one of Molly Malone's very own IPAs.

Paddy O'Shea's: A pub favorite enjoyed while watching the game on multiple screens (or multiple games on multiple screens), RMB 78 gets you the fish and the chips, of which co-owner/manager Paul said: "the fries are good!" Bottled IPAs are also on offer for RMB 45 a pop.

The Garage: Shunyi fans of Xi Dada need not travel into town to partake, as The Garage offers a plate of beer-battered whitefish for RMB 88 with chips, salad, tartar sauce, and a wedge of lemon. Pair it with a Greene King IPA for maximum Britishness.

Pebbles Courtyard: This Mexican outpost doesn't exactly conjure up images of Buckingham Palace, but you can get a decent plate of fish and chips here for a mere RMB 62, to be enjoyed with a cold Slow Boat draft or a bottled Corona or Dos Equis.

Nasca Cafe: Nasca Cafe serves a Classic Beer Battered Fish and Chips (RMB 62) that throws in a few deep fried squid rings for good measure. Harbin, Tsingtao, Carlsberg, Corona, Tiger and other bottled beer are there for accompanyment.

The Local: Planning to add fish n' chips to their new menu set for launch in November. Price point about the same as above, in the neighborhood of RMB 78, according to Local guy Kenn Bermel. And unlike many of the aforementioned, they'll be serving it late like the rest of their menu.

Others that serve fish and chips include The English Tearoom, Stuff'd, Vineyard Cafe, Alfie's at Parkview Green, and Let's Seafood.

Where else in Beijing have you found fish and chips? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo: China Daily

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Hayley Ward wrote:
You missed one - Capital M have an excellent fish and chips as part of their weekend brunch menu.

Thanks for the update! Adding it below:

Capital M: Fish and Chips fillets of fish fried in a light beer batter with fat chips tartare sauce & a tart parsley salad  (RMB 268+10% as part of their 2 course brunch, which includes a cocktail and limitless tea or coffee, or three courses for RMB 298+10%)

Also another I forgot:

Lily's American Diner also serves Fish and Chips -- lightly battered cod with french fries and coleslaw -- for RMB 69

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