As we all know, Covid-19 has impacted not only families and schools, but continues to threaten many companies globally. One industry that may be overlooked is the food catering industry, and specifically, those that deliver food to schools.

Doko is one such company. Having started as a healthy food delivery service, they’ve since grown into three locations across the North East of Beijing, and currently serve many of the local international schools. Their team is made up of a driven and international group of individuals, led by Aleks, co-founder and head of Product Development.

We spoke with Aleks to find out how they are handling the outbreak, and what folks can do to stay healthy as it continues.

As we know, the Coronavirus has affected a lot of industries. How are you guys doing right now?

Doko is doing perfectly well. We feel like most of the Beijing community are probably feeling at the moment: ready to see everyone again! Our delivery services are running smoothly, and we are happy to be here and continue providing our services to the community during a time we are all encouraged to stay indoors. We just can’t wait to have more of the community back in Beijing, out of quarantine and enjoying the wonderful F&B scene Beijing has to offer.

How will your company handle this? Any specific measures you can share with us?

We will always remain optimistic and hope that things will go back to normal as soon as possible. The best thing we can do right now is to continue what we always have done and provide fresh, delicious, colorful meals to anyone that orders from us on the WeChat account.

How do you maintain food safety during this time?

These days, being in the Doko kitchen might feel similar to an operating room at Beijing UFH. We are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure our product is as safe and fresh as ever. On top of our regular kitchen hygiene and food safety routine, our staff are made to wash hands more frequently and wear surgical masks, which cover the nose and mouth.  We also monitor and record the body temperatures of all members of our team four times a day.

Since schools are postponed indefinitely, do you have any plans for schools you work with? Are there any other enterprises you are cooperating with?

We are in close contact with all of the institutions and schools we have formed relationships with over the years. From the sound of things, the community is just as eager to get the term under way again! As soon as we get the green light from the Beijing Government, it will be right back in to the swing of things as usual.

As a food specialist, what do you suggest people eat these days to stay healthy and keep their immune systems strong?

I would encourage lots of water, lots of exercise and a balanced diet with lots of veg. It is most important that during times where we are all encouraged to stay indoors, we don’t all resort to bad eating habits and melt into our sofas like butter on crumpets (even though that sounds deliciously tempting).

I do have a personal secret, which I would encourage anyone to use… Raw Garlic. If i am ever feeling like an immune system boost, I will eat a clove of crushed raw garlic and *POOF* my problems are solved. Make sure you carry chewing gum!

Exercise is essential! There are many theories that suggest exercise is linked to strengthening your immune system. For example, exercise raises your body temperature, which just like when your temperature rises when you catch the flu, helps prevent bacteria from growing!

I know my gym has been closed for a while now, and there has been no any indication of it reopening soon, so I have developed an in-house workout routine to keep me fit and active. Normally i will follow a HIIT workout with Joe from The Body Coach TV on Youtube. They are KILLER and leave you in a big sweaty mess but only last 20 minutes!

Photos: Doko WeChat

The annual Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) on November 9 is almost here and there’s only a few seats left just waiting to be snapped up. Take part in a night of dining for a cause, followed by an epic party at one of Beijing’s trendiest hotels. All the money raised on the evening will go directly to Bethel China. Bethel is a training center for blind and visually impaired children established in 2003, and since its founding has cared for over 300 kids and assisted with over 130 adoptions. The estimated RMB 400,000 in funds expected to be raised from this year’s CFFC event will go towards two specific Bethel initiatives:

• Scholarships for low-income families whose blind or visually impaired children would otherwise be unable to attend Bethel’s programs, which teach Braille, daily living skills, mobility, and music. The CFFC funds would be able to subsidize the education of 11 students for a full academic year.
• Four separate family training sessions outside of Beijing, which counsel groups of families unable to send their children to Bethel, which is located in the Fangshan district of Beijing. The training, which aims to reach 200 families, focuses on teaching them on how to care for their blind children.

Here’s the perfect restaurant for the Shunyi crowd. Doko started as a healthy meal delivery service catering to many of Beijing’s international schools. With mouthwatering photos on social media and a vault of healthy delicious recipes, they’ve grown into a chain restaurant with the love and support of the local community.

Doko’s latest concept is all about making tasty, healthy meals that gives classic southeast Asian flavors a healthy fusion spin. High in protein and low in calories, their signature bowls and salads have been the go-to options for those of us looking to shed a few pounds without sacrificing the chance for a delicious meal.

For this year’s CFFC, Doko has put together a healthy Thai-inspired menu for the whole table to share before heading over to the afterparty at Chao Hotel.

Menu to Share:

• Phuket Style Coconut Tom Yum Goong
• Cucumber Crab Salad
• 
Green Papaya Salad with Crushed Peanuts
• Sashimi Platter
• Three Delicious Sushi Rolls: Volcano Roll, Autumn Roll, Crispy Crunch Roll
• Lemongrass Grilled Chicken
• Whole Steamed Sea Bass with Fresh Thai Limes
• Pandan Leaf Wrapped Chicken
• Bangkok Style Spicy Stir-Fried Pork Mince
• 
Beef Brisket Yellow Curry
• Thai Pineapple Rice
• 
Mango Sticky Rice

To drink: 
Two glasses of wine / soft drinks per person.

At the end of the meal every guest dining at Doko will receive a special mystery surprise. While they haven’t let us in on the surprise, they have described it as something that’ll “leave you talking about it for the entire night!”

For those who don’t live in Shunyi, fret not. There are still three restaurants left that are offering individual seats.

Miam Miam
A translation of “yummy” in French, Miam Miam serves up food that is approachable, hearty, and above all else, delicious. Inspired by Europe’s bustling and vibrant food markets, Miam Miam is a gastronomic hub featuring a diverse array of food stalls and live chefs where diners can meet and share a meal.

Ganges Lido
Ganges Indian Restaurant is coming up on 15 years in Beijing, and if you’re not already a regular then it’s time you visited for a taste of authentic Indian cuisine.

Tribe
Since 2014 Tribe has been an award-winning organic café/restaurant offering tasty, healthy food in Beijing and Shanghai. This year’s Tribe’s Fitness & Health Enthusiasts theme table will be hosted by director of BActive 24H Fitness Sanlitun, Ankit Nayal.

Photos: CFFC, Doko, unsplash

Western Academy of Beijing’s (WAB) Community Picnic returned last Saturday, celebrating their 25th Anniversary with copious amounts of wet and wild fun, food, sports, and even student films.

Hundreds of new and returning members from the WAB community came for the wet activities and soccer on the sports field, but stayed for the music and range of delicious food onsite from a variety of restaurants in the area, including Hulu, Pie Squared, and Fellas, to name a few.

On the field, they set up a variety of games and water slides, creating the perfect excuse for kids and even parents to get wet, which was the ideal condition to be in on this perfect day of sunshine and clear blue skies. For those wishing to work up a sweat before participating in the water war (pictured below), there was also a small, friendly soccer tourney on the pitch.

For those wanting to know more about WAB’s new facilities that were installed throughout the summer, tours occurred throughout the day for their recently opened High School Library & Interdisciplinary Space, Middle School Learning Lab, Early Years Outdoor Space, WAB’s “Little Village”, and the Blu Theatre.

High School Library & Interdisciplinary Space

Middle School Learning Lab

Early Years Outdoor Space, WAB’s “Little Village”

Blu Theatre

Finally, the afternoon concluded with some choice tunes from the school band. Our favorite being their classic rendition of the song “Fame,” from the high school-themed musical of the same name.

Fame! I wanna live forever!

All in all, a great day was had by everyone in attendance. We wish the WAB community the best of luck in their 25th school year. Also, we would like to thank everyone who came by the beijingkids booth to say hello, and there will also be plenty more events in the near future to meet up and get to know the team that’s providing you with the most current content to help Beijing’s English speaking community to make the most of their time here in the capital.

Photos: Kipp Whittaker

While time is running out to get in on all the feasting, cheers-ing, wining and dining that are part and parcel of Chi Fan for Charity, you thankfully still have a chance to squeeze into this can’t miss the culinary occasion.

Even though many of the tables available for this foodie inclined fundraiser are already spoken for, you and your special someone, or small a party of friends, can still book some of the individual seats that are up for grabs as of today (Monday, Oct 22; for more information, click here or scan the QR code below). Only ten restaurants out of the grand total of 57 have such vacancies, so it’s best to act quick, according to Preston Thomas, director of restaurants for this year’s CFFC.

“Currently we had a huge showing of support by people signing up to be table hosts. However, there are still some tables at some amazing restaurants left. For these we are going to sell them as individual seats ranging from RMB 500-800 a person,” he says, adding that that fee includes a three-course dinner and entry to the free flow after party at Xi’an Bar in EAST Hotel. Thomas adds: “Don’t miss this chance to donate to a great cause and make a difference in the community. Let me be blunt, this event will sell out so better to book your seats early!”

Here is a list of the remaining eateries with individual seating:

Cloud Kitchen (Chinese, Haidian)
Doko (International health conscious; WAB/Beijing Riviera)
Great Leap (Microbrew/Pub Fare; Liangmaqiao)
Root Pop (Vegan; Shuangjing)
The Local (American; Sanlitun)
Tribe (International health conscious; Wangjing)
Beersmith (Microbrew/Pub Fare; Guomao)
Karaiya (Chinese; Sanlitun)

A History of Charity

This year’s CFFC funds will be put towards educating 10 girls from outer Beijing

Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) is a yearly fundraising event that, for the past decade, has mobilized Beijing foodies and restaurants to break bread for a good cause. After selecting a goodwill recipient on an annual basis, CFFC then partners with restaurants across town to donate tables, which foodies then shell out cash to host for groups of friends, thereby turning a regular night out into a lifeline for those in need.

This year’s recipient is Educating Girls of Rural China, that will dedicate the CFFC funds to sponsor female students to complete their undergraduate degrees within the greater Beijing area. Read more about the organization here.  Want to know more? Follow Chi Fan for Charity on WeChat by scanning the QR code below.

Photos: Unsplash, courtesy of Chi Fan for Charity