When in the mood for a casual dining option with your family, but, reluctant to drive an hour into town, try Balmain Gourmet in Shunyi. Like most families, ours enjoys juicy, mouthwatering burgers or hotdogs, and can make a meal out of it anytime! We decided to give Balmain Gourmet a try over the weekend, and we are glad we did. All you meat lovers out there, if you haven’t already checked it out, you don’t know what you’re missing!

They offer a plentiful variety of hotdogs, burgers, sandwiches, fries and salads– good coffee, too! They also have a few options for vegetarians and were kind enough to accommodate my mother’s preference with a few small changes. We devoured their Beef Chili Dog, Eggs Benedict, Korean Dog and Aussie Burger, while my mum really enjoyed her veggie plate of sautéed mushrooms, baked beans, grilled tomatoes and fries. They order their bread from L’Atelier JMT in Shunyi, which pairs exquisitely with their meats. Incorporating subtle twists into their regular fare, be it kimchi in a Korean Dog or grilled pineapple in the Aussie Burger, they’re managing to cater to a very culturally diverse customer base.

Shunyi could definitely use more casual dining options like this.  Located adjacent to Long Bar, weekends get really busy and fun! With delectable food, a laid back atmosphere, and outside seating options on a clear day, it’s a perfect hangout option for foodies.

Although Balmain Gourmet in Shunyi only opened a few months back, Drew, the owner, has a well established business, making and delivering quality meat products in this area for quite a few years now. He specializes in sausages, bacon, pancetta, burgers and sausage rolls. They also offer home delivery within the local area.

Balmain Gourmet Meat & Grill
Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm. South Gate of Yosemite A, Yu Yang Street, Shunyi District (18600039708, balmaingourmet@vip.163.com)

Photo courtesy: Anjana Kainikkara

Competitive eating is all the rage these days. First it was Fuel‘s food-lovers challenge for parents and kids (ends Aug 31), now it’s hot dog-eating world champion Joey Chestnut. He’ll be heading to Beijing to judge a wurst-eating competition on June 18. If you miss out on that spectacle, the Beijinger‘s Canada Day Chilli Pepper Eating Contest on June 25 at CISB is open to all!

For the full stomach expanding report, keep reading here.