Best Easter Eats According to Beijing’s Foodie Emperor

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Preston “The Foodie Emperor” Thomas is well known within Beijing’s gastronomic community, and as the president of ChiFan for Charity and the father of two beautiful girls he seemed like the perfect person to ask about the best Easter treats in the ‘Jing.

Q

What’s your favorite Easter treat and where can we get it in the ‘Jing?

I love cannolis – not exactly an Easter dessert but no doubt delicious. Any Italian chef should be able to make them for you in Beijing. I think this year I’m going to ask Andrea from Opera Bombana if he can make some for me. It also gives me an excuse to go there for lunch, because I love his cooking.

Q

What will the bunny be leaving in the girls’ baskets?

Usually, we don’t do baskets, we do a yearly Easter egg hunt that has some candy in it. Last year, some of the eggs were filled with chocolate and USD cash. I try to get some chocolate from abroad. Been getting harder and harder to get every year. But Butler & White’s still hooks it up. Also, IKEA has some, but going to IKEA requires a lot of self-control and I’m not sure I’m up for that challenge, but they should be a good option, especially in the food section.

Q

What do you hope the Easter bunny leaves in your basket?

A gift card to Wolfgang’s. Who doesn’t love steak?

Q

What is the best place for hot cross buns?

InterContinental Hotel. I just ordered some yesterday, and somehow they are already gone. I swear it wasn’t me!

Q

Best place for pizzelle?

Good question. I think one of the Italian restaurants should be able to get it sorted. Like La Pizza, Bottega, or Assaggi (the bakery that’s connected to it has some awesome desserts, I’m sure they would have it).

Q

And what about the best lamb in Beijing?

Al Safir. Ashraf is a legend! He’s been around for 12 years, I think, and he’s got the best Arabic food around. Hands down! The man cooked for [royalty]– you know his lamb must be good.

Q

Where can we get some deviled eggs?

 DIY. They aren’t that difficult to make. Don’t be lazy.

Q

What about the best babka?

Since Bittapitta is gone, better go see Didi at the Jewish center.

Q

Where can we find the best family-friendly Easter brunch?

NUO Hotel: great food, a lot of stuff for kids to eat. You really can’t go wrong at NUO. Ticks all the boxes.

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Q

And the best grown-up Easter brunch?

InterContinental. Ajit and his team do an excellent job. They will make sure you are properly tipsy before you leave. The food is great too, with an awesome selection. They even have brunch on a Monday! A new cure for a case of the Mondays.

Q

What about the best restaurant for a non-brunch Easter?

Hulu. If we don’t have brunch this year, I think we will be heading to Hulu. Let’s be honest, Ignace and his team never stop inventing super awesome new dishes for EVERY holiday. I think Easter will be the same. I would love Ignace to put on an Easter bunny costume. That would be a sight to see. (I would pay good money for that!)

Q

Any other good suggestions I missed?

If you want something sweet support, your local bakers. Fiona does amazing EVERYTHING! Just ordered some dinner rolls, she makes them taste just like home. We have a lot of talented pastry/dessert people in Beijing. Show some love and support. Buy local, support local.

Images: Preston Thomas

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