Tajine Scene: The new El Wajh at Face

The rich, aromatic flavors of the Tajine – stewed dishes prepared in eponymous cone-shaped portable ovens made from glazed earthenware – highlight the new Moroccan menu at Face Beijing. Prepared for several hours over a simmering fire, subtly spicy flavor is infused into the food as the conical lid retains moisture in the dish.

El Wajh, which shares the same ornate dining space as Face’s northern Indian restaurant Hazara, offers an assortment of tajines made from lamb, chicken, fish or vegetables ranging in price from RMB 88-128. An assortment of couscous dishes (RMB 98 for vegetable couscous, RMB 138 for beef) and appetizers ranging from hummus (RMB 45) and zaalouk salad (RMB 45) to seafood briwates (RMB 60) and harira soup (RMB 45) round out the menu.

For our visit we tried the Harira soup (RMB 45) – a delicious lentil and tomato soup served with a wedge of lemon – and the Tajine d’Agneau aux Pruneaux (RMB 128). The latter consisted of a leg of lamb served with potatoes, sliced peppers and a stewed prune sprinkled with sesame seeds. While the sauce, with its tumeric and parsley accents, had us wiping the plate clean with piping hot pita bread, the tender mutton could have used a bit more time simmering over the fire for even more infused flavor.

The meal – which we enjoyed in the serene (albeit mosquito-ridden) confines of Face’s charming outdoor patio – was satisfying nonetheless and makes El Wajh worth a try.

Fri-Sat 5.30-11pm, Sun-Thu 5.30pm-10.30pm. Face Beijing, 26 Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6551 6788) 朝阳区工体南路26号