All this month, we’ll be introducing 50 picks for some of the best family-friendly restaurants in Beijing. These reviews originally appeared in the January/February 2013 issue of beijingkids (see end of post).
Type of cuisine: Chinese
English menu? Yes, with pictures
General kid-friendliness of menu: Small, snack-like dumplings and portion sizes are well-suited to toddlers and young kids. Dumpling baskets come with five or ten pieces, with mini dumplings in baskets of 20.
Best dishes for adults: The crab roe dumplings (RMB 38 for 5, RMB 78 for 10) with crab roe sourced from Yangcheng Lake, hearty steamed pork and shrimp shaomai (RMB 33/65), sauteed daisy greens (RMB 35)
Kids’ menu? No
Best dishes for kids: Steamed pork buns (RMB 18 for 2 pieces), shrimp and pork wonton soup (RMB 38), strawberry snow ice (RMB 35)
Kids’ play area? No, but kids can keep busy watching chefs through large windows to the kitchen.
Play areas nearby: Shin Kong Place (includes Muji, which has small section of fun paper cutouts for kids)
Kid-friendly staff? Yes, speaks basic English and is generally attentive
Bathroom: Outside of the restaurant, restrooms are generally clean with Western toilets, but space is tight and there are no changing tables.
Price: RMB 500
Seating: Indoor seating has chairs and booths, and with high chairs available.
Must-order item: Xiaolongbao – the mini steamed pork soup dumplings (RMB 65 for 20)
Accepts credit cards? Yes, both Chinese and foreign
In a nutshell: Going to Din Tai Fung will all but ensure a satisfying dumpling experience. In addition to dumplings, the restaurant offers fried rice, hot and cold dishes, noodles, and dessert. However, portions are small for the price, and all menu items are subject to a 10 percent service charge. The restaurant gets pretty packed on weekends and during lunchtime, so go early or be prepared for a wait.
Also try: Bellagio, Jin Ding Xuan
Photo Courtesy of Littlebones Kids & Family Portrati Studio