Baby, It's Cold Outside: Delivery and Takeaway Options for Christmas Dining
Between the smog (which will hopefully be gone by the end of the week) and the chilly temperatures, it can be hard to force yourself outdoors during Beijing's winter months. If you're desperate for a festive feast but don't fancy leaving the house and/or you don't feel your culinary skills are up to whipping up a whole Christmas dinner, these restaurants and venues will oblige you with ready-prepared meals, including turkeys and all the trimmings. Just add stretchy trousers and copious amounts of wine.
RELATED: The 2016 Beijing Christmas Dining Guide
The Big Smoke
Another a la carte option, The Big Smoke is a good choice for those who don't feel confident roasting a whole turkey but are willing to whip up a few side dishes. A full 7kg honey-glazed roast turkey is RMB 1,800 or you can buy a half turkey that will feed up to eight people for RMB 950. Note you'll need to pay a deposit for the turkey: call them on 6416 5195 for more details. If you do want to go the whole hog and buy sides as well, they are offering dishes such as homemade chorizo stuffing and toasted garlic mashed potatoes for RMB 50 each.
Lily's American Diner
Lily's are pros when it comes to cooking up affordable holiday meals and this year is no exception. With delivery available from all three branches in Sanlitun, Shuangjing, and Sihui, they have most of Chaoyang District covered (although they will deliver further – call you nearest store for more details). Food is a la carte, with whole roast turkeys available for RMB 139/kg and sides, including homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy, priced at RMB 30 each. Visit their website for more details.
The Local
Whether or not you want to eat your festive meal on December 25 you needn't worry, as The Local are serving their take-out holiday menu all the way through until December 30. The RMB 1,960 menu will feed six to eight hungry adults and includes broccoli-cheese soup to start, a 7kg whole roast turkey, four sides, and an apple pie. Note you'll need to book four days in advance and pay an RMB 800 deposit. To book, add them on WeChat (ID: localkenn).
Saffron To Go
Fancy something a bit different? Why not give your Christmas a Mediterranean feel with a set menu from paella purveyors Saffron To Go. Available from December 21 right through until January 15, Saffron To Go's festive set menu is priced at RMB 899 and includes a large seafood paella; an appetizer platter filled with tasty treats like Serrano ham, tortilla de patatas, and croquetas; a bottle of Saffron's own-brand red wine, and a gift bag. Order one day in advance by calling 8404 4909.
Westin Beijing Financial Street
If only the best will do for your dining table, why not get the Westin's team of professional chefs to whip up your Christmas turkey? Priced at a surprisingly reasonable RMB 488, the turkey comes with gravy, cranberry sauce, and a garnish of brussels sprouts and roast potatoes. Place your order 24 hours in advance by calling 6629 7777. Westin also have a wide array of Christmas sweet treats available to buy and take away, such as gingerbread houses and Italian panettone.
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Photos courtesy of the organizers
