In the last few weeks leading up to our final departure from Beijing, my family started visiting and ordering waimai from our favorite restaurants around the city in anticipation of (probably) never getting to savor those dishes again. In this article, I’ll share those restaurants and what we’ll miss specifically from each one!

1. MULU 

As a Singaporean who enjoys fried chicken as much as fish soup noodles, I appreciate fusion cuisine that brings out the beauty of different flavors. That’s one of the principles that guides Michelin-trained chef Addison Liew, whose family runs this exclusive restaurant that is advertised solely based on word-of-mouth referrals. I had the privilege of experiencing their all-you-can-eat brunch inclusive of free-flow alcohol as a Mother’s Day treat and can honestly say that this family-owned restaurant is run with heart, soul and culinary talent.

Reservation by Referral – say Vivienne Tseng sent you! 
+86 10 6402 7967
+86 155 0115 3627
customer service WeChat ID: ilovemulu / ilovemulu2
reservation@muluworld.com
www.muluworld.cn

2. Chuan’r restaurants

I will always credit Beijing for getting me to fall in love with lamb chuan’r. After haunting this local franchise restaurant for its delicious meat on a skewer for years, I have fallen in love again with the chuan’r at 很久以前羊肉串 (A Long Time Ago), where I was amused by their novel gimmick of a cooling pad that you can stick on your forehead to help you cool down from the heat that cooks the most tender and tasty lamb and steak chuan’r.

Find it:
很久以前羊肉串 (A Long Time Ago)
朝阳区西大望路和广渠路交汇处合生汇B2层21街区内
Hopson One Mall, B2/F, Street 21, Chaoyang District

3. Hot pot restaurants

Whether it’s the most family-friendly hot pot franchise or any of these recommendations by local Beijingers, hot pot is a must-try in the capital city. This is especially true in winter time when Beijing plunges into the dark and dry cold for months. From spicy to creamy, vegetarian to meat galore, and traditional copper pots to “half and half” square pots, there’s a hot pot for everyone.

4. Sushi Atatakai 

It was a huge toss-up between Hatsune and this fairly new sushi counter restaurant in Chaoyang Joy City that opened within the last year or so. Ultimately it was the highly personable service at Sushi Atatakai that made my family choose this restaurant as a must-try for its sashimi and sushi offerings. Their seared salmon belly, seared salmon and seared tuna sushi are much more reasonably priced for the quality. Sushi Atatakai’s most unique offering is their red wine-soaked foie gras with shredded cheese, which tastes better than it sounds. As the venue is a sushi counter restaurant, you get to see it all prepared live in front of you, so that’s pretty fun for kids!

Find it:
Sushi Atatakai
朝阳区朝阳北路101号朝阳大悦城F8
Chaoyang Joy City, F8/F, Rm 03, Chaoyang District (across from Burger King)

5. Neighbird Cafe Bistro Wine

You’ll be forgiven for not knowing this French-inspired café restaurant located in Grassetown that falls right on the borders of Chaoyang, Shunyi, and Tongzhou precincts. I had the privilege to meet its co-owner Katie, who pioneered the Montessori programme at AISB, and was invited to lunch at her quaint restaurant. The restaurant prides itself on importing top-notch ingredients and sourcing the best supplies within China, so every dish is authentic and delicious. My top choices? The foie gras, seafood salad and their homemade crème brûlée ice cream are all to die for. Their wines are all organic and palatable for everyone, even a non-drinker like myself.

Find it:
Neighbird Cafe Bistro Wine 小鸟餐厅
通州区格拉斯小镇中心环岛（德闳学校对面和绿叶子超市旁边）
Grassetown Villas Roundabout (Next to April Gourmet and across from Dehong Beijing School)
Tongzhou District

Telephone: 6161 5188

6. Gung Ho Pizza

While most might love Gung Ho for its pizza and offering of gluten-free pizza crust (made of cauliflower), my family actually gets our pizza fix from somewhere else (read on to find out!). What we do love at Gung Ho are a number of their appetizers – namely their baked cheese balls and roasted baby potatoes that are crispy on the outside, moist inside and delicious all over. We also love their Vegan Wednesday promotion where all vegan dishes are 20 percent off, making it the perfect time to enjoy the Buddha Bowl or vegan versions of other dishes on their menu. Wash your meal down with their mouthwatering vanilla grapefruit sparkling mineral water to seal the deal.

7. Slow Boat Brewery

Another name that needs no introduction in Beijing, Slow Boat is what I call comfort food on a cold winter’s night. Now that Larry the Bird is gone, Slow Boat’s Mt. Chicken is the best fried chicken in town, hands down. Their burgers are also pretty darn good, especially the Fried Cheese Burger and Hooper’s Revenge.

8. Pie Squared

You probably saw this one coming, didn’t you? Pie Squared’s pizza is just unbeatable in our book. Whether it’s the square or round, flat or thick crust, every one of their pizzas is flavourful and juicy. But make sure you look beyond their pizzas for even more deliciousness! Their meatballs are also amazing and their mozzarella sticks and stromboli are always on our order too. I’ve also been recommended their Italian flatbread sandwiches before.

9. Plan B

Haven’t found anyone in Beijing that can beat their Shepard’s Pie or Poutine in my opinion! Also love their vegan nuggets, chilli cheese fries and buffalo wings.

10. TRB Hutong or Ibérico by TRB

Any one of the TRB chain of restaurants deserves a spot in a must-dine list for Beijing, for so many reasons but namely their creatively elegant ambience, high quality of food and impeccable service. We always feel pampered by the attentive, friendly staff at any TRB restaurant, who accommodate our many requests with a smile. As for their food, our top picks are definitely their Ibérico ham (add the cheese platter to really get those tastebuds popping), seafood paella, beef short ribs and their complimentary homemade madeleines!

By the way, did you know that you can read all our reviews of family-friendly restaurants and places by following our account on Dianping? Just scan the QR code below!

KEEP READING:

Images: Courtesy of vendors, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

Looking for family-friendly restaurants and fun, non-touristy places around China to visit? Tired of getting cat-fished by stunning faked photos and reviews? Then it’s time for you to follow the jingkids International account on Dianping – China’s version of Yelp/Tripadvisor and a must-have app for getting the most out of your stay in the country. It’s where you’ll find our honest, no-holds-barred English reviews of all the hidden gems around Beijing and beyond.

Over the weekend, my family enjoyed a leisurely Saturday by watching the latest instalment in the Planet of the Apes film franchise – Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – at Joy City Chaoyang. After that, we were headed over to our usual haunt for tasty Mexican food at Moji (full review on Dianping) when we came across a relatively new place – Sushi Atatakai. The chance discovery turned into what is probably our favorite Japanese casual in-mall dining experience in our time in Beijing in five years! Read our full review with pictures and videos on Dianping below.

Earlier this year for a rare date night occasion, my husband and I were treated to an incredibly romantic time by the good people who manage Fukumimi and Beyond Yakitori. Unlike the previous two Japanese-themed restaurants, La Copa is – you guessed it – based on Spanish cuisine. We had a wonderful time in the intimate reservations-only restaurant with attentive service, strong drinks and tasty tapas. Read the full review on our Dianping account.

With Mother’s Day just past, I was reminded of one of my favorite “li’l bit fancy” brunches at The Orchard out in the neighbour that’s right on the cusp of Chaoyang/Shunyi. It’s the perfect place for little ones who will enjoy the breezy walk around the pretty orchard after eating their fill at the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. The full review is available here.

If you’re seeking more ways to enjoy the wonderful weather outdoors, look no further than Shenglu Vineyard. This beautiful campground/outdoor playground is possibly my favorite place in all of Beijing to bring my whole family (fur kid included) for a day of lazing around soaking up the sun.

Choose to rent their glamping tents, bring your own to set up at their grounds (RMB 100), or, as I’ve recently discovered, just bring camping chairs to avoid the campground fee altogether! They’ve got food trucks offering all sorts of goodies, from one of the best fresh fruit yogurt bowls I’ve had in the city to BBQ chuan’r and, most recently, Schindler’s sausages and frankfurters! With the warming weather, you might also enjoy a little splash about on the Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP), which cost RMB 240 for an hour and are open to kids and adults alike. Read the full review and watch our video by scanning the QR code below!

KEEP READING: Sweet & Sour Pork, Served Cold on Ice? Yes Please!

Images: Pexels, Vivienne Tseng-Rush