3 to try: Cheeky takes on bao at Sanlitun brasserie De Refter

All images courtesy of De Refter

Sanlitun brasserie De Refter re-emerged this summer with a slick new design and a menu of Belgian classics, plus an eight-strong roster of steamed bao concoctions, which even caught heat from state media, who labelled such twists as 'a marketing gag for expats with little or no culinary background'. Not exactly a measured take that one, so decide for yourself.

BB Bao

This rich number sees slow-cooked beef brisket, fried garlic, bok-choy and caramelised onions stuffed between the bao, held together with a Sichuan pepper mayonnaise, and a slice of parmesan added for good measure. Probably exactly what you’re after when three beers down. 48RMB

Saigon Bao

Vietnam enters this cultural mélange in this, one of their two ‘special bao’, packed with chunks of roast chicken thigh, tangy veg, and a sweet chilli sauce adding a punch. Like all of the savoury options, it’s included in the 58RMB beer and bao deal every Monday. 48RMB

Vanilla Dream Bao

This one should really stoke the state media flames – a sweet, dessert bao. Wherever you stand in the culinary traditions debate, vanilla ice cream, praline and salted caramel sandwiched between a glazed bun is surely a flavour combo that can unite. 32RMB 

De Refter

 Inside Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang district. 

 8523 5909

 Open 5pm-12am Mon-Fri; 11am-1am Sat-Sun.  

For more great things to eat Beijing, hit 'Read more'.

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