Don Nino, a gelato chain that originated in Rome, has opened a new location on the vibrant south side of Sanlitun. Providing outdoor seating, the gelato shop not only offers delicious frozen treats but also serves delectable cones and waffles, along with exquisite coffee choices.

The shop provides an extensive range of flavors to choose from, which caters to all taste preferences. From timeless classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, to many other options such as mint, pistachio, and raspberry.

Compared to nearby gelato shop Venchi, Don Nino’s gelato is a less expensive alternative. They offer you two scoops of ice cream, a chocolate-covered waffle, and a chocolate-covered cone, all for the price of RMB 59.

Furthermore, by checking in and saving this shop on Dianping (大众点评), customers will automatically receive a coupon where they can receive a bottle of water for free! You can choose from three different brands of water, including the famous Italian sparkling water brand S.Pellegrino.

When my friend and I went to the shop, we shared two scoops of gelato along with the two waffle cones that were included. One of the scoops was milk-flavored, while the other was Oreo-flavored. The gelato was incredibly creamy, and the addition of crispy waffle cones added a unique and delightful texture to it. The shop itself has a relaxed and quiet environment, which makes it the perfect place for people to enjoy their gelato and chat with friends at the same time. The added bonus of outdoor seating provides the perfect setting to relax, enjoy your gelato, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Sanlitun.

Find here:
朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区F1层, S2-19a 商铺
Shop S2-19a, 1/F, Taikoo Li South Area, Sanlitun, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District

Don Nino is open every day from 10am to 10pm.

Come try it out!

Image Credit: Abby L

Are you a foodie family who loves to experiment in the kitchen? So are we! Be sure to follow us on WeChat for more signature recipes from Beijing’s favorite restaurants.

We love going to Feast at East Hotel. They’ve got one of the most kid-friendly brunch deals in town that’s available every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30-3pm for RMB 328 per person including free flow drinks. Kids under 6 years old eat for free at Feast and the best part of all, kids get to play in the play area while adults enjoy their food in peace. Ah… the precious moments of parenthood silence…

One of my all-time favorite desserts that I absolutely must have before leaving is their Pavlova. Pavlova is an easy-to-make Australian and New Zealand dessert that’s named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It’s a meringue-based dessert that’s got a crisp crust and is soft and light on the inside like you’re eating air. The Feast version is topped with ice cream, fresh fruits, whipped cream, and drizzled with passion fruit sauce.

Here’s what you’ll need to make one at home.

• Egg white 1238g
• Sugar 1050g, Sugar 375g (separate)
• Corn starch 49g
• Lemon juice 68g

Instructions:

• Put egg white (1238gr), sugar (1050gr), and corn starch (49gr) into a mixer and beat until stiff. The mixture should have points when you take your whisk out.
• Add the rest of the sugar (375gr) and continually beat it, then combine with lemon juice (68gr).
• Bake for 3 hours with 110℃ top heater and 130℃ bottom heater.
• Let it cool and decorate it with your favorite fruits before serving

Find it:
2/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅北京酒店2层
Tel: 8414 9820

Images: Feast, Pexels

I’m from California but I did my undergrad in Switzerland.  When I was in college, I had one friend who knew how to whisk up batches of snickerdoodles and sugar cookies in her kitchen in a matter of minutes. In the US, we could easily visit our local supermarket and pick up a box, but in Switzerland their local snacks were different, and finding an authentic taste of home was nearly impossible. While at first it didn’t seem like such a big deal, but during exam time, birthdays, homesick days, and just general girlfriend hangouts, my friend’s cookies would be the highlight of our night.

No matter where in the world you go after graduation, food is always going to be one of those things that’ll bring you comfort and joy.

So, before you head off to college and (for many) live on your own for the very first time, it’s never a bad idea to update your personal recipe book and have a few easy and handy treats on hand.

Chef Jacopo Bruni has worked all over the world and his desserts have landed him positions at The London EDITION and The Peninsula Beijing, as well as a role with Beijing’s entertainment crown jewel, Universal Beijing Resort, where his sweet creations are loved by guests at both NUO Resort Hotel and The Universal Studios Grand Hotel.

One of Bruni’s signature treats that guests just can’t seem to get enough of are his cookies.

Ingredients:

•  600g Dark chocolate
•  375g Butter
•  450g Caster sugar
•  300g Brown sugar
•  6 Eggs
•  380g Flour
•  135g Cocoa powder
•  9g Baking powder
•  2g Sea salt

Method:

Making Jacopo Bruni’s famous chocolate sea salt cookies is actually easier than one would expect. If you can measure properly, you can make cookies!

First, whisk the eggs with sugar. Then, melt the butter and chocolate and mix them in with the eggs and sugar. Next, add in all the remaining ingredients.

Scoop out approximately 35g of cookie dough with a spoon and put the spoonfuls on a cookie sheet.

Sprinkle a bit of sea salt in the center of the cookies and bake for about 8 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.

Images: Jacobo Bruni

This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 Graduation issue

The worldwide pandemic might be slowing down inbound visitors and new expats to China, but we’re still meeting new people and seeing fresh faces around Beijing. So let’s meet these new ‘kids’ on the block!

I was super excited when I first heard about Angie Chan. She had signed up to be on the Jingkids International Parent Board and had introduced herself as being from Indonesia, where I had also lived before Beijing. But what got me most excited? She bakes! Not just your usual cookies and cakes, but a very specific and special cake that only those who have traveled to the far reaches of Southeast Asia would appreciate – the pandan cake. Made from pandan leaf extract, a plant indigenous to the region, and enriched with coconut milk, this chiffon cake is fluffy yet moist, light, and entirely unique in its taste.

Now that we have established my love of pandan cake, let us give Angie, aka the Chiffon Lady, and her family a proper Beijing welcome!

My name is Angie, I’m from Indonesia. I met my Malaysian husband in the beautiful island of Bali and got married seven years ago. We have been living in Hong Kong, Shanghai and now, Beijing. He is working in the airline industry, managing the business for the North Asia region. My 6-year-old son is studying in the British School of Beijing in Sanlitun (BSB, Sanlitun). I’m a full-time mom who loves baking and crafting.

What has been the best thing about arriving in Beijing?
New city means another new adventure for us. We are excited to explore what the city has to offer. Meeting new people, experiencing new food.

Since you were living in Shanghai before, how similar/different does it feel?
Lots of people like to compare Shanghai and Beijing. For us, both cities are equally charming and each has its own uniqueness. Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city with ancient accents and Beijing is a charming historical city with modern accents. However, since we arrived in late August, we have been blessed with plenty of clear blue skies and generally great weather. One difference between the two cities is that air in Beijing is drier whilst in Shanghai, it’s more humid. We are grateful that we have the opportunity to experience life in both cities!

How is the family fitting in?
My husband is used to moving around every few years and he has been relocated so many times due to his job’s nature. He has no difficulty to adjust to a new place and have been traveling to Beijing regularly for many years. As for my son, we made sure that we relocated before the new school term started so he won’t miss first day of school, because I think it would allow him to familiarize with new environment, adapt to new school routine, and mingle with classmates.

How are you taking care of yourself through this transition?
For me, building support system around me wherever I live is very important. I was fortunate to have an Indonesian family as my neighbor when I arrived Beijing who introduce me to the other fellow countrymen who are also living in the city. I’m also active in the parent’s group at my son’s school. In the meantime, I continue to pursue my passion in baking and crafting.

We noticed you already set up a baked goods business! Is this something that you do in every city you move to? Do you have to change the recipe to suit the local taste?
This small home business was started one and a half years ago because I missed the baked pastries from my hometown and I could not fly back home due to the pandemic. At that time, I could not find pandan chiffon cake in any bakery in Shanghai. I decided to bake some from scratch, shared my creation with my friends, and posted it on my WeChat moments. The recipe was fine-tuned through trial and error. Soon, lots of people that I know were thrilled and they “forced” me to sell it because they missed it too. I received good responses because I keep the recipe authentic and use only natural ingredients with no artificial flavoring nor preservatives.

I now have various flavors of Chiffon cake besides pandan such as orange, Earl Grey, etc., and continue to experiment with new flavors from time to time.

What are you most excited about in Beijing?
I’m excited to explore lots of historical and natural scenic spots that are available in Beijing and its surroundings. Born and raised in a country that only has summer all-year-around, I am also as excited as my son to play in the snow during winter and I’m currently learning how to ski. Being in Beijing will also allow me to visit nearby cities like Tianjin, Qingdao, Harbin, and many more.

What are your plans for the summer?
I hope we can travel back to our hometown. I miss my family and I’m very sure lots of people are feeling the same. Otherwise, if that is not happening, we will definitely be traveling within China as well as exploring parts of Beijing that we have still yet to visit.

If you would like to sample the delicious culinary creation that is pandan cake, scan the QR code below to order from Angie!

KEEP READING: Musician, Designer, Educator… Maria Nauen’s Done It All, and Then Some

Images: Courtesy of Angie Chan

I love sugar, it’s the most legal way to get a quick hit of dopamine and I’m convinced 90 percent of holiday cheer is driven by confections. This year many of us won’t be making it home again, nor indulging in those little traditional treats that not only make us feel warm and cozy but effectively function as a necessary coping mechanism. So I turned to local dad, Chi Fan for Charity President, and Beijing’s de facto Foodie Emperor Preston Thomas to get the inside scoop on all things cavity-inducing for this holiday season.

Your favorite holiday treat and where to get it?
This is not a holiday treat per se but it sure is delish. Knafe from Turkish Feast, it is amazing. Stringy cheese with honey water and some filo pastry bread. Served steaming hot, its great any day of the week. It’s addicting! So good!

Your kids’ favorite?
My kids love sweets so I’m on a first-name basis with the dentist. Since they love chocolate so much it has to be the chocolate mousse at Panorama. 100 percent addictive, it’s creamy with some sea salt tucked in there. You definitely need a lot of self-control because you will certainly want more than one.

Best cinnamon roll in the ‘Jing?
Support local! Fiona has some of the best homemade cinnamon rolls in town! Who doesn’t love homemade? Add her WeChat: fionayaoxi.

Where do I find gingerbread?
Kempi Deli in the Kempinski Hotel. This would be my go-to for anything Christmas related. The Germans love Christmas, and they pretty much have everything from gingerbread to Christmas bread. This is a one-stop shop. 

Best cake/pie around town?
Apple pie with cinnamon ice cream at Morel’s. There’s just something about a warm apple pie.

Christmas cookies?
Not local but homemade, hit-up Mary’s Sweets (WeChat ID: Mjmika_12080425). If you want local – 100 percent Peach by TRB, for any holiday they go all out and with three locations in the city, you have options. Pro tip: Order the Christmas box, perfect for holiday parties or just snacking at home.

Latkes?
Head over to the only Jewish shop in Beijing, Dini’s in 798. They should be able to get you sorted for all your Hanukkah needs.

Donuts?
Michael’s German Bakery. If you are in the North Chaoyang or Shunyi area, head over here for the best doughnuts. Sorry, Timmy Ho’s and Dunkin. This place wins every single time. Get the cream-filled doughnuts (under RMB 10 each). Delicious!

Best holiday cocktail?
Mulled wine at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, if you are at or around Universal Studios. Head over to the City Walk and stop in for a mulled wine – they have a full bar on the second floor – and a milk shake. You might end up with diabetes after the milkshake though.

Where to get classic candy from back home?
IKEA (if you want to spend way more money than you should on stuff you definitely don’t need), Butler & Whites (mainly British candy but they have a great selection of a lot of different products and they have a WeChat shop), or Jenny Lou’s/Jenny Wang’s/April Gourmet (for when you need it last minute and can’t wait).

Bonus: Go-to holiday caterer for parties?
TRB Catering. Ignace and his team always do an amazing job. Just go with the best, you won’t regret it.

KEEP READING: Roundabout Gifts to Make Them Smile

 Images: Preston Thomas

This weekend is Mid-Autumn Festival, or as I like to call it, mooncake season. But for some reason, so many of my expat friends make the same disgusted face whenever mooncakes are brought up. “Ugh, mooncakes…” as if every mooncake is exactly the same and tastes bad!

So I was curious, with so many types of mooncakes on the market these days, can people even tell they’re eating one?

Well, we put two expats to the test!

Meet Chef Jeff, a US native who’s been in Beijing “a really long time, like 18 years or so” and Jenny, our summer Teen Takeover intern from Cameroon who’s been in Beijing for about seven years.

We blindfolded the duo and asked them to taste five popular local desserts – only two of which were mooncakes – to see if they could identify what they were putting in their mouths.

Click below to watch the videos and see how they did.

To find the desserts they tried:

Theatre Tea
E-102, WFC, Middle East Third Ring Road
东三环中路1号 环球金融中心1层E-102
8587 8068

Bengtang Chocolate
APM Mall 3F 138 Wangfujing Dajie
王府井大街138号北京APM 3层K3-6
甭糖BENGTANG无砂糖生巧（王府井店）
155 0117 0520

East Beijing Hotel
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu
酒仙桥路22号
8426 0888

KEEP READING: The Mooncake Buying Cheat Sheet

Images: Mina Yan, Courtesy of vendors

I never knew what the word “gluten-free” meant until the summer of 2017. My mother took my sisters and me to the hospital for an allergy test, which concluded that I was in fact gluten intolerant. After the doctor explained that I couldn’t eat anything made with flour – i.e. bread, noodles, and pizza – my world just about collapsed in on itself. As a child, I ate everything, especially food made with flour. I was known as a “面肚子 miàn dǔ zi” by my family, which means a “noddle stomach.” That summer, we went to Canada, where grocery stores and restaurants had gluten-free sections and menus. There were gluten-free labels on various snacks, and I had gluten-free pizza. And it was at this point that I thought to myself, “Hey, maybe a gluten-free diet won’t be so bad!”

But when I came back to China, my world turned upside-down once again. No stores had gluten-free foods, waiters looked at me in utter confusion when I asked them for a gluten-free menu, largely because most of them didn’t even know what the word meant! I suffered terrible allergic reactions a few times due to hidden gluten in processed foods, or because restaurants claimed that the dish was gluten-free when it clearly wasn’t. Needless to say, it wasn’t pleasant, as my face turned into a red tomato and my swollen eyes and throat were itchier than a deadly mosquito bite. Thus, I began to research what a gluten-free diet entailed, such as the foods I could and couldn’t eat. I realized it’s not just wheat that I couldn’t eat, but also rye and spelt. All of which led me to discover not only the power of research but also Taobao. Unfortunately, however, gluten-free things aren’t cheap.

Thankfully, I live right next to Jenny Wang Grocery, and the owner – Jenny Wang herself – lives in my compound. I approached her with a plan, which was to import gluten-free products into her store. I mentioned that gluten-free products would attract more international customers as we live in a pretty international city. A month later, she approached me saying that the gluten-free products were a hit!

Now, as I mark nearly four years of a gluten-free life, I would like to share something special that has made my gluten-free time sweet and enjoyable. Of course, there is still a lot more to share about my gluten-free journey and healthy approach to life, but enough about that, because here is the moment you’ve all been waiting for: The recipe for a healthy version of brownies! It’s one of my favorite healthy recipes that I’ve experimented with – sweet potato brownies! I’ve made it so many times that it’s basically my go-to healthy baked good! My whole family loves it, as the sweetness from the sweet potato harmonizes perfectly with the bitterness of the cocoa powder. It is also full of fiber and perfect for chocolate lovers who want something healthy.

SWEET POTATO BROWNIES
Start to finish: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings:

300 – 400 grams sweet potatoes
1 egg
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup milk

1. Steam the sweet potatoes for 20-30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius when your sweet potatoes are done steaming.
3. Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork or mashing utensil while hot.
4. Add the egg, the cocoa powder, and the milk. Mix it well until everything is the same color and you get a nice, smooth consistency.
5. If your batter is too dry, add more milk. If your batter is too wet, add more sweet potatoes or bananas.
6. Please see my previous note under the ingredients list!
7. Add the baking powder and mix it very well. You don’t want lumps of baking powder chunked together, as that won’t taste good, and it won’t function properly. You have to act fast here!
8. Grease your baking mold with some oil and pour in your batter. Let the air out by lightly dropping your mold/tin on the kitchen counter a few times.
9. Bake immediately!
10. Bake for 40 minutes at the same temperature. Since each oven is slightly different, you may have to bake for a slightly shorter or longer time.
11. Take your brownies out of the oven and let them cool for 30 minutes. For a better taste, I would recommend you put it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to a few hours. It is best if you leave them overnight in the fridge!

Enjoy your healthy sweet potato brownies!

Pro tip: you can decorate your brownies however you like! My younger sister loves to add whipped cream, whereas my mother loves to add yogurt. I like them just the way they are, without any toppings.

Notes: Use 300 if your sweet potatoes are the white, glutinous kind or 400 if your sweet potatoes are the red, watery type. For people with a sweet tooth, if you find that the sweet potatoes aren’t sweet enough, you can add a brown banana or any other sugar substitute. But if you do this, you will need to add more milk or cocoa powder, to taste. Every time I bake, the ingredients tend to change, and I always trust myself. Even if it doesn’t work, I try again as failure is the mother of success! Don’t give up! Additionally, for people with dietary restrictions, you can use flaxseed eggs or any other egg substitute. And if you are lactose intolerant, you can use plant-based milk.

I hope you enjoy this healthy alternative to brownies, and remember, a healthy life is a happy life!

Photos of the steps:

Ingredients

Mash the sweet potatoes and add the egg

Mix well!

Baking time

Yum, yum, yum!

Don’t forget to refrigerate your brownies for a better taste and consistency!!!

Keep Reading: Camel, Cow, and Oat: What Do These Things Have in Common?

Images: Helena Zhao

Dining on Cloud 9

This time around in our Date Night venue review of the week, we hope you can handle high altitudes of love, romance, and fine dining. Be prepared to enter an oasis of calm and charm as you watch the world go by on the 39th floor of The View 3912.

The name, of course, alludes to what to expect on an evening dining high up in the sky; The View 3912 indeed has quite the view. Dining while overlooking a twinkling city landscape at night is definitely the kind of romance starter you need, especially on Valentines Day. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to feel like you are on top of the world with your loved one.

The space is intimate, frequented by those looking for a place to pop the question. In fact, I was sat at the restaurants prized table, adorned with a plaque displaying the number of proposals that has taken place so far at that very spot (3,387). As gimmicky as one might find this, it was genuinely warming to hear of the owner talk with pride and appreciation for couples that had chosen to share one of their momentous occasions at this particular place among many others.

The décor is French chic meets ancient Rome, with dried and fresh wild follows decorating the entrance table, a French bistro style bar and Baroque style furnishings. If you want to be surrounded by all things romance, then this is the restaurant for you.

On arrival, I was presented with a glass of Moscato, followed by a canapé of fried potato and sweet chutney. The appetizer was show stopping, and was all about the pomp and ceremony but delivered equally on taste. The Goose Liver Cuban Cigar, served in a Cigar Box was light and gamey with a crunch. The delicate Foie Gras neatly rolled and incased in a crispy tuiles was presented beautifully and as I opened the box, the smokey aroma of Cuban tobacco met me just before taking a bite; this is a dish that invites all of the senses to engage.

The French mushroom soup was creamy and frothy, and tasted like it had been whipped into a light foam and was decadently flavored with truffle and cream. To be honest, I could have gone for a high-street serving of this, rather than the minuscule fine dining portion I received. It was delicious, but just didn’t last long enough!

The Sea Bass was melt in the mouth and meaty. Plated with a sharp blueberry compote, edible flowers and a creamy sauce, the first impression was that the flavor combinations might be a little on the bizarre side, however this dish was a delight to eat and all the flavors worked in harmony with one another.

The crème da la crème of the night’s dishes has to be the perfectly cooked Australian fillet steak. Presented in a smoking aromatic box, served with crispy seasonal vegetables, peas puree, and red wine jus, the beef was well seasoned and tasty. The sides need beefing out a little and one might feel like they need extra carbs in the form of mash potato or a potato gratin for instance. That being said, this was the perfect end to the savories for the evening.

The cinematic finale was a duo of sweet French desserts. The selection of desserts change each week and so provide an element of surprise at the end of the dining experience. Dark chocolate, fruit and mango ice cream with a sugar snap and popping candy was yum, followed by petite fleur on ice!

The restaurant has a selection of set menus to choose from and this particular six-course set menu will set you back RMB 680 per person. For an extra RMB 260 you can also enjoy a selection of paired red and white wines.

I am partial to a little fine dining as long as it isn’t too pretentious and I don’t leave hungry, heading for the nearest 24-hour McDonalds! However, The View 3912 was something special. I didn’t leave hungry, but definitely wanted more. For special occasions and when showing off the city to visiting family and friends, I would give this go.

Enjoy the view!

Photos: Nicole Bonnah

Undoubtedly, it’s been said time and time again: Beijing is a city with countless dining options. From mobile kowlongmian carts that roam the streets to five-star sit-down restaurants of all cuisines to even the infamous universal sprawl of fast food, this city is a sheer agglomeration of different cultures and unique flavors, sure to satisfy almost any palate that comes through. With that said, we all know that some of these options, unfortunately, aren’t exactly the family-tailored establishments we oftentimes look for when we want to take the kids out for a pleasant, feel-good lunch or dinner on the weekend.

Fortunately, the city isn’t also without its countless establishments that cater perfectly to a comfortable group visit that is guaranteed to leave you satisfied and with full bellies. Feel welcome to try one of these five great family-friendly restaurants on your next family night out!

1) Haidilao Hot Pot

As the old saying goes, no food tastes better than food you cooked yourself. Enjoy a tasty and social experience as the family sits around a table with a hot pot in the center, where you can dip in all your favorite delicacies—from lamb to seafood to pork brains (yep!)—that arrive uncooked at your table. Be sure to order their shoulamian, a dish and a show rolled into one!

You can find Haidilao at various locations throughout the city.

2) Din Tai Fung (Soup Dumplings)

Experience a refined rendition of a unique cultural cuisine. Din Tai Fung is renowned the world over for their signature xialongbao, a mini steamed dumpling packed with meat filling and a soup that is indescribably rich in flavor. Enjoy xialongbao and various other cultural delights in a vibrant and pleasantly busy atmosphere that plays homage to the vibes of traditional Chinese dianxinfang (“Dim Sum Houses”).

You can find Din Tai Fung at various locations throughout the city.

3) Moka Bros (Healthy Fare)

Ever dream of collapsing into an inviting beanbag chair and chowing down on a tasty meal at the same time? Well, Moka Bros has got you covered. From Poké bowls to quinoa salad to fresh smoothies, this restaurant offers countless healthy options that are a treat for your taste buds (and your waistline). Be comforted to know that the kids will be eating fresh and locally sourced ingredients, all while enjoying the fun, homey atmospheres their various locations provide for customers.

You can find Moka Bros at various locations throughout the city.

4) Slow Boat Sanlitun Brewpub (Wings and Burgers)

A brew for the parents and a burger for the kids. For years in tow, Slow Boat Brewery, first in the hutongs and now in Sanlitun has reclaimed the crown this year after their back-to-back victory in the 2015 and 2016 Beijing Burger Cup with their award-winning “Fryburger”—a beef patty topped with cheese, house aioli sauce, and a golden tower of beer-battered French Fries. Other delicious options include their signature wings, a sweet dessert selection, and (of course) their very own craft beer for the adults. Though their menu may be bold and adventurous, their venue is simple and aesthetic, a perfect setting for a family dinner out and about in the city.

You can find Slow Boat Brewery at #6 South Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang District.

5) Kerry’s Kitchen (Brunch Buffet)

If the kids won’t eat, let them run around in the Adventure Zone and work up an appetite! No, seriously, Kerry’s Kitchen Brunch at the Kerry Hotel in Chaoyang offers a kids’ play area in conjunction to their mouth-watering buffet of both Eastern and Western classics. The dining area is spacey and inviting, and their Buffet Package offers complimentary wine and beer for the grown-ups.

Photos: Haidilao.com, Everythinghapa.com, Thebeijinger.com, Tripadvisor.co.uk, Lumdimsum.com