EAT: Pebbles Pop-Up at Moka Bros The Place, Q Mex Xmas Specials, Xmas Dinners Galore

EAT: Your bite-sized guide to the best eats to be had in Beijing this week.


Dec 23: Pebbles Mexican pop-up at Moka Bros The Place

If you have never ventured over to Wudaoying Hutong to try Mexican restaurant Pebbles, then now is your chance to try their food in an even more central location as they head to Moka Bros at The Place for a festive pop-up event this Wed, Dec 23. Pebbles' Chef Ray will be in the kitchen whipping up black cod al pastor and birria (roasted lamb leg in adobo) tacos, which you can wash down with a warming Mexican spicy hot chocolate, a cinnamon horchata margarita, or even a couple of shots of premium tequila or mezcal (Ray recently got into the tequila/mezcal distribution business) for sipping.

This event comes as part of Pebbles' 11th anniversary week, which brings plenty of deals and events from now until Dec 27. For example, their taco Tuesday deal (one extra taco free with every order) will be running all week, and they'll also be bringing back their popular al pastor tacos for the first time since 2019 on Dec 25-27, only. 

Dec 25: Q Mex Christmas Party and Christmas Specials

Give your Christmas a Mexican twist with Q Mex's Christmas specials, available from 5pm to close during the Christmas period. Tuck into their Christmas sharing platter (RMB 248), which includes slow-roasted turkey leg and chipotle honey Christmas ham served with Mexican mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Stick around after dinner on Christmas Day for their Christmas Party (Sanlitun and CBD locations), featuring a live DJ and RMB 15 tequila shots.  

Dec 25/Dec 31: Whole lamb feast

Fancy something a bit different than the usual turkey-based festive fare? Why not join HiChina Travel for a year-end feast at a Mongolian roast lamb restaurant in Chaoyang Park? They're holding two dinners on Dec 25 and Dec 31, with seats priced at RMB 258 or RMB 358 with free-flow alcoholic drinks (red wine, beer, vodka, and erguotou), both of which get you a feast of whole roast lamb and other dishes. Scan the QR code in the event listing to register.

Christmas meals and parties galore at Nali Patio and beyond

Haven't made plans for Christmas dinner yet? Never fear, our events section has plenty of inspiration. You'll find options for both Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day (if you're lucky enough to have the day off work), as well as festive menus that are available until January.

You'll find plenty of Christmas dinners and parties alike at the popular eateries of Nali Patio, including at El Barrio, who is hosting a Late Night Santa DJ Party complete with holiday dishes on both Dec 24 and 25. Downstairs at Daruma, another party will be popping off on the same two nights, but for this one, you'll want to wear your ugly sweater for the party (bonus points if you spill soy sauce on it!). 

Meanwhile, Bottega will be holding a one-night-only appearance of Santa Clause himself! Yet again, wear your ugly sweater and the big man will give you a gift on the spot. (Yet another ugly sweater party will be held at Bottega's cousin, Forno, on Dec 24 at both the Sanlitun and Sanyuanqiao locations.)

Looking for more? Our sister publication beijingkids did a round-up of a few of the more popular options, including Feast at East Beijing, Signature's at Kempinski Hotel Lufthansa Center, and even Lily's American Diner. Just be sure to call in advance and reserve, just to make sure there are still places available.

READ: Stay Toasty and Tipsy With These Three Mulled Wine and Cider Recipes

Images: courtesy of the Restaurants, Dazhong Dianping