Beijing's Foodie Emperor Shares His Top Family-Friendly Eats

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Beijing is an incredible city for food. It’s exciting, diverse, and approachable. But putting gastronomic notches in your belt can be tricky when you have young palates to please. Eager to help you make the most of the culinary wonderland that is the capital, we reached out to Preston Thomas, Beijinger, dad, and WeChat's proclaimed “Foodie Emperor” for his favorite family-friendly suggestions.

Q

Why do they call you the Foodie Emperor?

That’s a great question! I have pretty much eaten all around Beijing, in all the districts. I know most of the managers and owners in the F&B industry here in Beijing, as well as a good chunk in Tianjin, Shanghai, and other cities too. I love food because food is life. I’m also the President of CFFC (Chi Fan For Charity), and this yearly event doesn’t run if we don’t have the backing from our awesome local restaurants so I try to give them as much support as possible. Oh, and since my ayi can’t cook, I need to make sure I don’t starve.

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Q

Can you tell us a bit about your family?

Indeed I do, I am the proud father of two daughters, one is 12 and one is 4. Thankfully they usually get along. As you can imagine my house is filled with pink unicorns, barbies, and a sea of estrogen.

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Q

Are they as into food as you are?

Unfortunately, no. I need to carry the team when it comes to food. When we go out for lunch or dinner as a family, I decide on where we are going to eat. I’m working on the little one though, she’s a future foodie!

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Q

In your opinion, what makes a restaurant family-friendly?

The first thing is the friendly and helpful staff. It’s so nice when you have a clean baby chair ready and waiting for you when you arrive. Or someone to offer an extra hand when you are taking off a coat or putting down a bag. The second thing would be an approachable menu. Kids can be picky eaters, so you need to make sure they have something for everyone.

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Q

Okay, speed round. Tell me your favorite family-friendly restaurant for each of the following…

Go-to-spot...

O’Steak: Been a customer for eight years, amazing duck confit and steak! Awesome friendly staff and affordable prices.

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Weekend brunch (non-hotel)...

Mosto! They have a great brunch and always have a lot of families with kids around. It’s comfortable and relaxing!

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Weekend brunch (hotel)...

NUO hotel. They have something for everyone!

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Fine dining...

Black Swan Fine Dining in Shunyi. Beautiful atmosphere and fantastic food. Pro tip: Go for lunch then go upstairs to the Luo Hong photo gallery. (RMB 100 a person/ticket 15 years or older, you get a free ticket if you go for lunch/dinner). Not only do you get a great meal, but it’s also educational.

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Casual meal...

Hands down, Hulu. No one does it better than Ignace and his team. Inside or outside on the terrace, you are always well looked after at Hulu.

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Birthday party...

La Pizza, great pizza. The Shangdu SOHO one has a big patio, safe for kids. Been to several parties here. Easy to control the kids and watch them, also you can bring bubbles or a clown and have the party outside.

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Favorite to-go or order-in...

Pie Squared for pizza or Pebbles for Taco Tuesday.

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Worth-the-cost-of-the-babysitter date night spot...

This is tough so I’m going to choose three.

TRB Forbidden City/Hutong – Beijing icons, you will always leave here happy with a smile on your face.

Rive Gauche – Chef Basil, absolute legend, just trust me on this one.

Opera Bombana – Chef Andrea, Hong Kong Michelin 3-star chef, this is Hong Kong level fine dining in Beijing.

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Q

Any final thoughts about the Beijing food scene?

It’s been a tough 18 months with Covid, go out and enjoy a meal with your family. We have some amazing food in this city (with something for everyone), so please support our local restaurants. They really are the fabric of this city!

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Images courtesy of Preston Thomas

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