Sanlitun’s In and Out is not to be confused with the famed California hamburger joint that goes by a similar name (In-N-Out), but it may conjure the same warm feelings. Conveniently located in the lush tree-lined embassy district, In and Out’s spacious three floors are adorned with wide tables, lofty ceilings, and colorful paintings of Lijiang. Owner Li Gang has composed a menu that draws from eight different ethnic cuisines of Yunnan province. Kids will enjoy the fried mashed potato balls (RMB 28), a classic Dai dish; accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce, it makes for a wonderfully fun finger food. Another must-try is the sautéed egg with jasmine flower (RMB 28), a textured and fragrant combination. Those who want to indulge their curiosity for exotic food can try the milk sheet with red bean paste (RMB 45); this Bai specialty, in which cow’s milk is fried, mixed with red bean, and rolled around a stick, is surprisingly chewy, sour, and sweet. An expansive picture menu with seasonal specials will delight even the pickiest child. Vegetarians will love this restaurant for its liberal and innovative use of vegetables and flowers. And if you have any questions, the friendly staff (all natives of Yunnan) are there to help.
In and Out
Daily 11am-10pm. 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (8454 0086, 6467 5235) 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号