Eating Around the World in Beijing
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In Beijing, we are spoiled for choice over the growing number of high-quality international restaurants introducing their unique flavors to locals and expats. This can be overwhelming when you are just getting to know the city or even your neighborhood. Also, ubiquitous sources like TripAdvisor are notoriously in the dark about what’s not only the latest and greatest in Beijing F&B but also which venues are the stalwarts of the scene. Not to bash the vital work they do globally, but how can they be expected to know where the real foodies go without putting in the legwork. That’s our job!
These listed eateries are not only places that we consider are doing something important on the international food scene and adding to the overall uniqueness of eating out in Beijing, but they are also some of the survivors of the capital’s ever-changing dining scene. Night after grueling night, these restaurants have proven that they are worthy of your patronage by consistently providing some of the most comforting and nourishing foods imaginable. And, it goes without saying that these are just the tip of the iceberg!
Biteapitta
(Israeli)
This is simple Middle Eastern food, done well. Biteapitta is justifiably famous for their pita bread, into which all manner of delicious things are stuffed, most notably creamy hummus and knobby homemade falafel. Said pita sandwiches are perfect for a grab and go lunch, but those in search of a more substantial meal have plenty to choose from too.
Daily 11am-11pm. 2/F, Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (6467 2961) 朝阳区三里屯后街同里2层
Caravan
(Moroccan)
Since opening in 2015, Caravan has established itself as a staple hangout in the old embassy area near Ritan Park. Caravan is a food paradise for those looking for hearty Moroccan staples like Mechoui lamb shank, shakshuka brunches, and couscous Fridays, while also maintaining its place as a music haven when the sun goes down for those that believe that good tunes and open mic nights help with the digestion.
Mon-Sat, 11am-11pm. 44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (8563 0801) 光华路44号
Hatsune
(Japanese)
While this place has superb Japanese staples, there is also a hint of Californian flavor here that has made it a Beijing staple on the dining scene since 2001. That’s a very long time in Beijing years! This is where you go if you want some expertly crafted rolls (not doused in mayonnaise), nigiri, and a whole range of other creative dishes that aren’t necessarily traditional, but you can bet will leave you satisfied.
Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm. F/3, S8-30, Bldg 8, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang District (6415 3939) 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区8号楼S8-30
Hon Kaku
(Japanese)
If you are looking for Japanese cuisine that’s authentic yet affordable, this is one of our favorites. Owner, Chef Li Weitao, worked in Tokyo for over eight years before opening Hon Kaku nine years ago, and it has since become a secret destination for both locals and Japanese alike looking for traditional Edogawa Sushi. We recommend the nigiri set menu, which is served with what is likely the best miso soup we’ve ever tasted. But this is honestly just a summary of this spot that needs zero marketing or promotion to boost its business or attractiveness to lovers or great Japanese food.
Daily 5-11.30pm. Rm A101, 1/F, Shifanghaoting, 16 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (8453 1105) 本格, 朝阳区新源里南路15号世方豪庭一层A101
Saveurs de Corée
(Korean)
This Korean gem has bounced around a number of locations in the hutongs but now sits on the second floor of the Rum Copacabana Hotel in Dongzhimen. While many of its recipes are classic Korean fare, it is delightfully sophisticated and lite and proven to be a longstanding favorite for many in the center of the city. While the portions are on the petite side, they do not use MSG, and there are even vegan options to explore for those with dietary restrictions. Budget-conscious diners can also opt for their daily lunch specials between the hours of 11am-2.30pm.
Daily 11am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm. 2/F, 22 Dongzhimen Bei Xiaojie, Dongcheng District (5741 5753) 东城区东直门北小街22号2楼
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Mercante
(Italian)
This restaurant serves up classic homestyle Italian cuisine. A real survivor as they’ve been open and thriving in Fangzhuanchang Hutong for the past seven years despite the great bricking of 2017 and still seem to be thriving in their cozy spot. Mercante specializes in regional cuisine with a focus on signature handmade fresh egg pasta (tagliatelle, pappardelle, ravioli, tortelloni), use of premium quality Italian cheeses, and cured meat from small producers.
Tue-Sun 6-10.30pm. 4 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng District (8402 5098) 东城区方砖厂胡同4号
Bottega
(Italian)
We love to jokingly consider this place to be a high-end Olive Garden, but it’s actually so much more. Bottega likely gave us our first ever taste of an authentic Napoli Pizza, and henceforth ruined our chances of ever achieving our ideal waistline. Though, in a fight, the perfect pizza will win over the “ideal” figure every time. Make sure to complete this authentic Neapolitan experience with their wagyu beef carpaccio and six-hour-cooked beef ragu rigatoni.
Daily noon-2am. 2/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6416 1752) 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园2层
Side Street
(Indian/American)
We all need some over-the-top comfort food on occasion, but what makes this place so special is its masterful combination of flavors spanning both Indian and American style cooking. You can expect hearty burgers like their K.O. with secret sauce or The Mountain, both of which were created in an ambitious attempt to win this year’s Burger Cup. While sadly Side Street didn’t win, they certainly shot for the moon and landed among the stars of Beijing’s bar food scene.
Daily 5pm-late. 113-02 Jiaodaokou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District(156 5280 3365) 东城区交道口东大街113-02
Georgia’s Feast
(Georgian)
Georgia’s Feast was a favorite from last year’s Dining Out column in beijingkids. We went there with little knowledge about what to expect from this celebrated Eurasian cuisine, but were delightfully astounded by their spread of brightly colored balls of pkhali; beef baked with tomatoes and mushrooms, topped with cheese; and Tbilisi-style Lamb Shashlik. If you’re looking for something new to spice up your palate, then Georgia’s Feast is a real find.
Daily 11.30am-3pm, 5-11pm. 2 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (8448 6886)格鲁·秀色西餐厅：朝阳区三里屯北小街2号
Pebbles Courtyard
(Mexican)
Pebbles Courtyard is nestled in Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District, and delves into the farther reaches of Mexican cuisine, boldly bringing less familiar dishes and flavors to the plates of Beijingers. If you are a snob about your Mexican food, then this is the place for you. Owner and Head Chef Ray Heng learned his chops from Chicago-based celebrity chef Rick Bayless, who is one of the world’s foremost experts on Mexican cuisine. Start with the tacos (on Taco Tuesday!) using homemade corn tortillas, then work your way through a lengthy list of decadent mains like the Camarones Con Arroz (char-grilled shrimp served with shrimp crackers on rice), or the Carne en su Jugo (flank steak).
Daily noon-11pm. 74 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District (8404 0767) 东城区五道营胡同74号
3 Little Pigs
(American)
Andy Horowitz started his craft sausage business with an RMB 3,000 loan from a friend and has since become a common fixture on the food festival circuit. In 2018 he decided to expand with the opening of 3 Little Pigs, becoming a Beijing favorite for his creative American comfort food. His menu includes his delightfully authentic Rueben sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, and his Beijing-famous burger selection. And yes, here you can still buy some of the best sausages and bacon in the city.
44 Xiezuo Hutong, Dongcheng District (151 0168 5397) 东城区协作胡同44号
Pachapapi
(Peruvian)
Pachapapi wears its Peruvian heart on its sleeve, and nowhere is this more apparent than their choice of décor, which takes its influence from the vibrant aesthetics of Peruvian pop culture. The food ranges from a variety of ceviche to Japanese fusion dishes, also known as Nikkei. Their signature Pacha roll (RMB 78) features shrimp and avocado topped with a heaping mound of squid ceviche, while crunchy quinoa adds textural contrast and a distinctively Andean ingredient. Above all, we’ve always appreciated how they were able to climb from a small pop-up in Guomao to the lively dining institution that it is today.
Daily 11.30am-2pm, 6-11pm (kitchen). Rm 105, 1/F, Jinshang, 20 Xinyuanlixi, Chaoyang District (6461 8968) 朝阳区新源里西20号金尚写字楼1层105室
Photos: the Beijinger, beijingkids
This article appeared in the beijingkids September 2019 Family Foodies issue
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