The Meatball Company Gets New Balls

Our favorite Gulou meatball spot is getting ballsy with their menu, adding several new items before the winter's end. If you haven't been before or are new to the city, The Meatball Company is Beijing's one and only meatballeria (definitely a word), providing balls all varieties to be eaten on their own or in a sub. The concept even branches into dessert and sides, with sweet chocolate fudge balls and mac and cheese balls drenched in tomato sauce for those who don't mind veering slightly off the beaten track. Did we mention balls?

Our favorite addition to their list of spherical objects are the dragon balls (RMB 38), which come with a good kick, not at the expense of their moist and juicy consistency. The creamy dip is a perfect addition, providing instant cooling from the burn. We suggest sharing these with a friend, and getting a main.

For a main, coconut fiends may want to choose the signature yellow curry balls served with rice (RMB 60). Also with a slight kick, the dish makes for a warming meal while the cold weather persists. If you're feeling something more Western, try the lasagna a'la baller (RMB 65) which is genius: lasagna stuffed with meatballs. We're not sure why we hadn't thought of it before.

As The Meatball Company will stay open during the holidays, why not pay them a visit and pair it with a hutong stroll around Houhai and the Drum and Bell Towers. There's not much else to do in the city for the coming holidays anyway.

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Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Photos courtesy of the Meatball Company