Factory's New Lunch Menu Injects Some Innovation into 798's Dining Options

It wasn’t that long ago that we discovered Ahava’s new 798 location (information on a second new 798 location coming soon), and with Factory’s new lunch menu, there is now yet another reason to spend the day out in the northeast, looking at art and pondering your own creativity.

Factory, whom you may know from their healthy delivery service and catering service Factory Fresh, is led by Executive Chef Camila Betin, who has created a special menu for this new weekday lunch. The menu entails three options for starters, mains, and desserts, and is available Mondays to Fridays between 11.30am and 2.30pm. Two courses will set you back RMB 80, or three for RMB 100. 

The dishes are innovative in both taste and aesthetic. We went with the salmon gravlax, which is served alongside black rice and a watercress salad. A generous topping of avocado salad added some zest.

As for the main, we tried the pumpkin and sage risotto, which came with braised bok choy and celery-almond gremolata, as well as the fish stew with tilapia, peppers, and coconut milk. The fish stew was a definite favorite, proving both spicy and crunchy thanks to a hearty mound of banana farofa.

And of course there's dessert: We particularly enjoyed the avocado and chocolate mousse, topped off with berries and almond flakes – a great alternative to the usual, much heavier, chocolate mousse (pictured at top).

The creativity of the area shines through in Factory’s dishes, but that isn’t all, as Factory is a good choice for anyone looking for a healthy lunch during the week. 

If you need a reason to stop by on the weekend, Factory’s team is cooking up a feijoada – a traditional black bean stew with crispy ribs, spring greens, farofa, orange, and vinaigrette – starting Sunday, Apr 17. Bookings are essential, so make sure you call ahead (5762 6451) or email info@factorycateringbeijing.com to get involved. The feijoada will be available between 11.30am and 3.30pm, every Sunday throughout April.

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Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Photos: Margaux Schreurs