I have a confession to make. In my three years of living in Beijing, I had never eaten an actual meal at Moka Bros. Yes, I was very aware of their solid reputation, especially since they’re always partnering with like-minded organizations such as Lululemon and Taozi Tree Yoga (with whom they’ve shared a collaborative partnership for 15 years now!) to offer their food and venue during events. But after enjoying a wonderful lunch out on the terrace of their Solana branch on Tuesday (Apr 18), I will definitely be returning again and again!

Moka Bros has been busy this season. On top of of opening a new location in Chaoyang Joy City, they just launched their Spring & Summer Menu for 2023 at all their stores. One of the highlights of the new menu is the addition of smørrebrød, pronounced vaguely like “smoreboard” with a quiet “d.” These open-faced sandwiches are a Danish tradition, which Moka Bros head chef Daniel spent three weeks in Copenhagen learning about before bringing them to the new menu.

Out of the three flavors of smørrebrød available at Moka Bros, I tried the beef, which was tender, juicy, and rounded off beautifully with a sweet fruity jam and slivers of fresh vegetables in the accompanying salad.

In summer, the Chinese believe in eating cooling foods, an example of which is sashimi, which you can find in Moka Bros’ new raw dishes – the tuna quinoa salad and the smoked salmon tapas – both of which are bursting with flavor and goodness. With their high-quality ingredients, many of which are imported, freshness and taste are guaranteed!

Kids will also love to dig into Moka Bros’ offering of waffles – from the new pecan and peanut butter flavor to classic banana, and berries. Don’t forget to add a scoop of ice cream, which you can get in-house or just walk across to the new Nice Cream dome store for more flavors!

Follow the jingkids International Dianping account to get more English reviews of family-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where you can maximize your family time!

KEEP READING: Read jingkids’ Latest Dianping Reviews To Find Out Which Restaurant Has a New Spring Menu

Images: Moka Bros, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

Moka Bros – the restaurant name rings familiar in every teenager’s ear in Beijing. It is a token for good music, healthy foods, and casual drinks. It can be a brunch hall, a dinner kitchen, or a midnight lounge. It’s the one place to go for all.

Moka Bros founded its first store in 2013 in Sanlitun. Now in 2022, it has eight locations across Beijing’s most vital malls: Solana, The Place, Joy City, Soho, and more. So what makes Moka Bros so uniquely popular? The founder Alex has a great story to tell.

Two things motivated Alex to create his iconic brand: health and affordable pricing. Not only did he want to promote healthy diets, but also a healthy lifestyle. This includes cheerful music, jokes on the wall, and menus filled with exercise motivation. They radiate positive “energy”, so that customers feel healthy instead of just eating, acting, or looking the part.

Moreover, everyone can be healthy, not just models and athletes. This is why Alex keeps things “at the right price”. Moka Bros does not offer VIP Pilate classes and private nutritionists, but rather affordable F&B: Ginger shots and vodka, smoothies and salads.

Alex also debunked another myth around healthy eating –– being “purists”. Some purists eat carrots, cucumbers, chicken breasts, and tofu every day, thinking that it’ll make them “pure” and “healthy”. But according to Alex, they are not healthy because never enjoy life to the fullest.

Instead, Alex promotes “eating with balance”. Eat a little bit of everything and eat “good food made with care”. Taste matters. If a dish is made with love, effort, and thought, it is worth tasting.

Alex picked Moka Bro’s Mexican Bowl as his favorite dish. Luckily, it also a favorite of many teenagers. Alex did not expect his restaurant to be a secret routine for middle and high school students. Instead, he laughed and said, “I created Moka Bros for everyone”. Teenagers on their first date, parents with children, business partners making meetings, entrepreneurs polishing their latest adventure, and so on. The emphasis is that all are welcome.

On top of having healthy delicious food and a great ambiance, Moka Bros also support many charities, most notably Operation Smile, a global charity dedicated to helping children with lip clefts. Alex wants to “help as much as he can [to]the community he is part of”. He prefers organizations that make “direct impact”. Something lofty does not help, so “as direct as possible” is the way to go.

Have you tried Moka Bros? If so, what is your favorite dish? Tell us below in the comments!

Images: Moka Bros, Dianping

For many people around the globe, the holidays represent a time of joy, coming together, and an opportunity to give back. And yet, for some of us, it’s precisely during this time – and only this time – that we feel compelled to do charitable work. Nevertheless, some of the most beloved companies in Beijing are founded on an ethos of helping year-round, by not only filling the bellies of hungry Beijingers but also nourishing the soul of our local community.

Chi Fan for Charity 2020

The TRB Group is one such company, made up of eight individual restaurants and a top-notch catering team. Though the brand may not be familiar to all, its many restaurants – including TRB Hutong, TRB Forbidden City, Hulu, and Peach – as well as owner/founder Ignace Lecleir are luminaries in the F&B scene, having contributed to the capital in more ways than one over the years.

Earth Day Tree Planting 2021

What’s interesting, however, is that even the most ardent fan of TRB Group may be wholly unaware of their many behind-the-scenes charitable causes, and that’s no accident. As TRB’s Jenny Lee explains, “To be honest we don’t really market this, we don’t take the initiative to tell people that we are donating or giving back to the community.” That’s because part of their company philosophy is aimed at “relentlessly refining and improving,” and in this pursuit, they are often giving back in ways that elude public knowledge. While their involvement with some high-profile events – such as the city’s premier dining fundraiser Chi Fan for Charity and annual galas such as the British Ball, Irish Ball, and AmCham Banquet – are well known, it is their donations to groups like Migrant Children Foundation, Wild Women On the Wall, and numerous school events that more often fly under the radar.

Peachy Run 2021 with Wild Women

If TRB has cornered the charitable fine dining market then Moka Bros, first established in 2013, is doubtlessly their casual dining counterpart. According to Moka Bros Group Marketing Director Anna Lin Yip, “We are renowned for being a restaurant chain with a unique personality, hosting events like tattoo parties, and also offer customers the opportunity to donate-your-coffee-for-charity and more.”

Oasis International Hospital Blood Drive 2021

That, however, only begins to scratch the surface of the many ways Moka Bros gives back. For instance, the brand is known for regularly changing up its menu and offering special dishes, with a portion of these sales going to different charitable causes. Yip explains, “We’ve done a lot of things in the past for Educating Girls of Rural China (EGRC), Smile Angel, and supporting pet adoptions, just to name a few.”

Puppy Adoption Event 2021

While that’s admirable to be sure, there is one cause that’s particularly close to their leadership team’s heart, and stands as a testament to their passionA for community service. “The management of Moka Bros has a proportionally high degree of female leaders,” says Yip, “and we are aware that the opportunities we have been given are not the norm anywhere in the world. Our favorite charity at the moment is EGRC.”

Needless to say, when companies do their part, we are reminded of the importance of doing ours, which is made all the easier thanks to dedicated restaurants like TRB Group and Moka Bros. And much like these two great companies, more will continue to contribute to causes bigger than themselves when we share our appreciation for what they are doing and continue supporting those who support others. As Yip so succinctly puts it, “Our business does not per se benefit from the donations, but it warms our heart, and hopefully, our guests will see that we are here to be a part of the community.”

This article appeared in the jingkids 2021 November-December issue

What could be better than a night off from the kitchen or a fantastic lunch with friends? How about eating well and giving back to the community at the same time? Between fundraising to educate girls in rural China, to providing jobs for the blind, these Beijing eateries have the heart to give back.

At a time when succeeding in business is harder than ever, these places find that satisfying diners’ desires for a great meal while serving the community is a recipe for success. So ditch the apron and head for one of these local restaurants. Eat a meal you can feel good about!

Miam Miam – Love is Blind

Bridget’s smile lights up her face when she talks about her job.

“Making juice is my favorite. I like making coffee too, but sometimes the cups are too hot,” said Bridget, who is visually impaired and has worked at Miam Miam for about three years.

“Bringing blind people into hospitality opens another opportunity for them,” said Managing Director of Groupe FLO Asia Jimmy Loh. He explained that Bridget works full-time, lives in a dormitory, and takes the bus to work.

“Hiring handicapped people is relatively new in China. You have to create an environment for success,” explained Loh, who installed a fully automatic coffee machine for Bridget to use. She has since graduated to a semi-automatic machine and dreams of becoming a barista one day.

In addition to hiring Bridget, Miam Miam partners financially with the non-profit Bethel China to support children with visual impairments by donating a portion of sales from three popular menu items.

“I tell my team to treat her like everyone else. She has the best attitude, and now my staff complains less and enjoys work more. They realize how blessed they are,” he said.

“Charity should be from the heart, not just a marketing gimmick,” said Loh. “Bridget is the glue that holds us together. She brings out the best in all of us.”

Address: 40, B1, Ground Floor, Fenghuanghui Shopping Center, 5, Shuguang Xilijia

曙光西里甲5号凤凰汇购物中心地下一层B1 40号

Hours: Daily, 10am-10pm

Phone: 8436 7501

Moka Bros – Eat Well, Feel Good

“Being involved in the community is part of our DNA.” –Anna Lin Yip

It’s easy for your taste buds to be satisfied after feasting on power bowls, salads, and wraps, but with four locations across Beijing, Moka Bros gives customers something else to warm our hearts. Their list of do-good deeds is as colorful and varied as their menu:

• Power Up smoothie sales benefit Smile Angel, a charity that helps kids with cleft palates regain their smiles.

• Wooden cutlery sales from takeout orders generate revenue for Roots & Shoots’ tree-planting project.

• A special Lanzhou Power Bowl provides schooling for girls in rural China.

• Even natural disasters have a silver lining. In the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, Moka Bros donated half a day of income from all locations across China to disaster relief.

Now that’s something to smile about.

Address: Sanlitun, 1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu

朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园1层

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11.30pm

Phone: 5208 6079

Hulu by TRB – A Helping Hand

Being involved in the community has been the core value for Hulu since the beginning.

“Including my guests or being included in their charitable events allows me to have a deeper connection and better understanding of what our guests truly need,” said Ignace Lecleir, owner and founder of Hulu/TRB Hospitality Group.

Attend just about any citywide event and you’re likely to see Hulu’s presence, from WAB’s Winter Charity Bazaar benefitting Migrant Children’s Foundation to ChiFan for Charity, where Hulu/TRB donated this year’s grand raffle prize: a 12-course wine dinner for eight at TRB Forbidden City, valued at over RMB 20,000.

“I’m trying my best to cover as many topics and [have]as much diversity as possible,” said Lecleir, whose hospitality group has supported animal rescue, library projects, and Wild Women on the Wall (WWOTW), a group of women who raise money for charity through fitness endeavors.

“Ignace has been extremely generous,” says Désirée de Wit, Head of Fundraising for WWOTW. “He supported our spin-a-thon with canapés and cocktails and sponsored us with sparkling wine for our celebration at the end of our three-day run/hike on the Great Wall last year.”

“I personally enjoy giving back in any form. Knowing those in need are being helped and taken care of is a good feeling indeed,” Lecleir said.

Address: 3/F, Taikoo Li South, Sanlitun

朝阳区三里屯太古里南区三楼

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight

WeChat: HuluBeijingOfficial / ilovehuluforever

Side Street – Showing the Love

This year’s Burger Cup Champion believes it’s just good karma to give back.

Side Street changes things up by letting patrons take over the kitchen twice a week. Chef Mannu cooks up Venezuelan Arepas on Saturdays, and Chef Hakan rolls out Turkish Pide on Thursdays.

“It’s a special thing. We’re offering something unique,” said Uday Phalgun, one of Side Street’s partners. “They have quite a following. It helps them out because they share in the revenue, and it brings us new customers.”

But it’s not just humans that get the love; Side Street has a big heart for furry friends. In July they hosted Pints for Pups, a fundraiser for Lost Puppies of Beijing which cares for rescue dogs. Feline companions have something to purr about thanks to Side Street’s “Cocktails for Cat Tails” events, which donate a portion of vegan burger and cocktail sales to cat welfare charities.

“These events are about giving back to the community, but since more people hear about us, it promotes our business too,” Phalgun said.

That’s a win win in our book – and stomachs.

Address: 113-02 Jiaodaokou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District

东城区交道口东大街113-02

Hours: 11.30am-late

WeChat: SideStreet街旁

KEEP READING: The Foster Fail Puppy: One Beijing Family Finds Value in Lost Puppies

Photos: Uni You, Moka Bros.

This article appeared in the beijingkids 2020 December issue

At the best of times, running a business is an uphill battle: a struggle to innovate ideas that put you ahead of the competition and turn a profit. In a post-COVID-19 world, however, those challenges have not only grown in scale but morphed into something unrecognizable. In this series, we talk to expat-entrepreneurs and find out what they’re doing to remain both successful in business, and happy at home.

It is not an easy thing for an entrepreneur to decide to fold their business, but that was the decision with which Eva Molina Biorck, founder of Mosto Group Beijing, was faced with at the height of the crisis. With stringent measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the capital, it was eateries and restaurants just like Biorck’s that were first to shut their doors.

So how do you remain optimistic despite dire predictions, and how do you trust that the city you have grown to live, love, and work in, will not cannibalize what you have poured your blood, sweat, and tears into? In a word, community. At least that is according to Biorck. And she might have a point since she is still here and still kicking.

Biorck and her husband opened their first restaurant, Mosto, in 2008

How long has the business been in operation?

We founded our first restaurant, Mosto, in 2008.

How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this far East?

I moved to China in 1996. I moved here originally after studying East Asian studies at University back in Sweden. I was drawn to the culture, history, and the element of the unknown. After University I got a job with Scandinavian Airlines and moved to Beijing.

What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?

For us, it was a very uncertain time. I was worried about my children and how they would be affected. And of course, since my husband and I are entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry, we were concerned about our business’s future.

The Mosto empire has grown to include the successful Moka Bros cafe brand

What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business in Beijing?

I think everyone, not just for those of us in Beijing and China, but across the world, will all have to make adjustments both in the way we operate as businesses and in our daily lives. I don’t think it’s clear yet what this “new normal” will look like, but I do think that this pandemic has completely changed the landscape of our future.

What has been the reality for you and your family during the peak of the virus?

All three of our kids are home from school, we are doing our best to try to help them with homework and online classes, while also spending quality time with them, and balancing that with the increased pressure we have on our business too. The reality is that it has been a very stressful time, but it’s also made us incredibly grateful for what we do have. We are happy, healthy, and safe.

“Our kids have surprised and impressed us during this time”

How, if at all, has your business been affected by the current situation?

Our business has been hugely affected by this, and I think it will continue to be. It still feels like the situation is changing every day, so the most important thing is to be flexible and creative. Although it’s been a tough time for the industry, we have been lucky to have dedicated staff and a loyal clientele that have supported through this time.

What form of support have you received from the expat community here in Beijing for both your family’s and business’s wellbeing?

We have received amazing support from the expat community. So many customers and friends have reached out to support and offer words of encouragement. It’s meant so much to us because part of our family’s wellbeing does depend on our business.

As the city continues to return to business as normal, what are some of the plans you have set in place for your business to ensure it is not adversely affected by such an unexpected situation in the future?

I think this situation was so unprecedented it was impossible for us to have prepared for, however, going forward, we are working on streamlining operations, having clear communication channels, and crisis communication plans.

“We are working on streamlining operations, having clear communication channels, and crisis communication plans”

As a business owner, what has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?

Sometimes as an entrepreneur, you can doubt yourself, but the support that we have received during the outbreak has reinforced the strength of our brand to us. Even at the height of the crisis, we were lucky enough to have customers and dedicated staff who made running our business possible. Initially, we considered closing Mosto permanently, but after the huge outpouring of support, we decided no not only to reopen but to renovate the space to create a fresh atmosphere.

As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in the future?

Our kids have surprised and impressed us during this time with how independent they are. Even with online schooling they have stayed on top of their homework and classes and demonstrated a lot of maturity.

Biorck and her daughter catch up on schoolwork in the restaurant

Has the current situation deterred you from continuing to be a part of the business landscape in Beijing or are you here to stay?

Beijing has been my home for over 20 years, my children were born here and have grown up here, if it is up to me, I will do everything I can to stay and make sure that we can have a happy life here.

What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?

We are big believers that cooperation is stronger than competition. Don’t be afraid to support each other and lend a helping hand when you can. We are definitely stronger together.

How can other expat families show their support for expat business owners in Beijing?

The best way to help is to support your favorite local businesses that you want to see on the other side of this crisis.

Any words of encouragement or hope for the international community as a whole in Beijing?

Stay strong, be positive, and support each other. It might sound cliché, but we really are all in this together.

KEEP READING: Viral COVID-19 Workbook Now Available for Adults & Kids

Images: courtesy of Eva Molina Biorck

Let’s be real, New Year’s resolutions are notoriously difficult to keep up. Maybe it’s because of the capricious and arbitrary nature by which we decide to take them seriously — do you really need the start of a new year to overhaul some part of yourself that you’re unhappy with? Or maybe it’s because implementing a lifestyle change sounds all well and good when we’re enjoying the freedom of a holiday break, but becomes increasingly difficult to stick to as the drudgery of everyday life swallows up our routines, leaving little to no room for self-care and wellness.

Either way, it’s safe to say that we begin each year with the best of intentions (New Year, New You!), and come February, we’ve slipped back into our old habits and ways of being.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way.

And with plant-based diets ever on the rise, many of you may be considering vegan or vegetarian diets as your resolution this year. After all, 2020 marks the peak of a predicted 17 percent growth in China’s vegan market, and we’re but a scant ten years away from a goal laid out in China’s 2016 Health Ministry Dietary Guidelines, which calls for a 50 percent reduction in meat consumption, nationwide, by 2030.

Statistics and figures notwithstanding, if you’re flirting with the idea of making 2020 the year you cut animal products from your repertoire, or if you’ve already made this change, then Moka Bros’ Veganuary promotion is for you.

During January and February, customers can get a Veganuary Punch Card from any Moka Bros location. Every vegan or vegetarian meal ordered earns you a punch on the card, and once you’ve accumulated ten punches, you’ll get a vegan or vegetarian Power Bowl on the house. It’s a pretty sweet deal, and the requisite incentive some of us need to successfully conquer our seemingly lofty resolutions.

Spicy Cauliflower Quinoa

According to Rocky Liu, a marketing manager at Moka Bros, the reasons for doing a promotion like this are two-fold. For one, a plant-based diet is in line with Moka Bros’ mission and vision. As Liu explained to beijingkids, “A healthy lifestyle begins with great food. Fresh, wholesome goodness prepared with love! The result; balance, flavor, and guilt-free goodness.”

Buddha Bowl

Similarly, Moka Bros’ head chef Daniel Urdanata states that “Leading a healthier lifestyle means something different to everyone. We believe in variety and balance. To us it’s about using the freshest produce we can get our hands on, and preparing it with health in mind.”

The second tenet of Moka Bros’ Veganuary promotion is steeped in their strong connection to the community and love of cooking. “We have good connections with our guests and some of them are vegan or vegetarian,” says Liu. “We share ideas and we work together to make things happen.”

Perhaps most importantly though, as Liu proudly states, and as many of their customers will attest to, “We are good at cooking, and we make plant-based food tasty for everyone.”

Moka Bros has three locations across Beijing. To find one near you, click here.

Photos: YHouse.com, Moka Bros

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids’ social platforms!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Magic Drama: One Starry Night & Out of the Blue, Jul 12-21 

Ages 2+. This stage work for kids and families gives children a taste of 28 pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Kandinsky, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo, telling the story of Lena, a little girl who falls asleep while reading a book of classical paintings her grandfather sent her. This performance is suitable for children over the age of 2, and is performed in English.

RMB 180-480. 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. (Go here for more information or to buy tickets).

Beijing Hikers Kids Club: Intelligence Valley, Jul 21

Ages 5-12. Kids Club, by Beijing Hikers, is a relaxed outing for kids to enjoy some family time in nature. Hike an easy 5km down Intelligence Valley, using stepping stones to cross small streams, and stopping midway to picnic and explore a small, rocky beach by a bend in the river. Make your booking through their website, and they’ll email you all the information you’ll need for a fun day out, including contact details for your guide and information about where to meet.

RMB 380, RMB 340 (for members), RMB 180 (kids 5–12), RMB 150 (kids 3–4). 7.30am. Go here for more info and to book your spot.

Brunch for A Cause at Moka Bros (The Place), Jul 21 

All ages. A Charity brunch will be held at Moka Bros (The Place) this Sunday. Roots and Shoots is teaming up with this health-focused restaurant to bring you an alternative brunch packed with plant-based goodness! Try something different with your little ones and lower your carbon footprint for a day. Enjoy a lovely Sunday with nice food and joy!

RMB 140. 11am. Moka Bros. (The Place). Scan the QR code above for menu and to RSVP.

Keystone Academy China Discovery Program, Jul 15 – Aug 2

Kids aged 8-17. Keystone’s Summer Archway language immersion program serves Western students in mastering their command of the Mandarin language. In three weeks, students will explore the past, the present, and the future of this exciting and influential city while simultaneously strengthening the communication skills of Chinese language learners. In the classroom, students will interact with creative and experienced lead teachers through discussion and exploration activities. Outside the classroom, students will visit historic and contemporary sites that demonstrate the diversity of experiences that make up Beijing’s cultural environment.

For more info please contact Keystone Academy (8049 6008 ext. 2777 or summer@keystoneacademy.cn).

Japanese Animation & Studio Ghibli Manuscript Exhibition, Now-Aug 29

All ages. Studio Ghibli is best known for its animation feature films, with notable pieces like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, which are loved widely by many. Polar Bear Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of rare production celluloids – original artworks featuring some of the fascinating scenes from these celebrated films, traditionally hand-drawn before the advent of computer animation.

RMB 68. 10am-6.30pm. Polar Bear Gallery 798 Art District. (Go here for tickets and more information)

Picasso – Birth of a Genius, Now-Sep 1

All ages.  “Picasso – Birth of a Genius”—the most significant exhibition of work by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) ever to take place in China—will be presented at UCCA between June 15 and September 1, 2019. The exhibition, which offers a comprehensive overview of the first three decades of Picasso’s career, is drawn from the collection of the Musée national Picasso-Paris. It includes 103 works in total, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.

RMB 138-188. 10am-7pm. UCCA. (Go here for more information or to buy tickets).

The Beatles: Beat On, Now-Sep 15

All ages. The Beatles were a legendary rock group that formed in Liverpool, England, in 1960, and went on to transform popular music as a creative, highly commercial art form over the next decade. The Beatles were one of the most popular bands of all time, producing songs like “Yesterday, “Hey Jude,” “Penny Lane, “With A Little Help From My Friends,” “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” “Day Tripper” and “Come Together.” Apart from the music, the exhibition is also a panoramic look back into the Beatles’ golden eras, to comfort Chinese fans of the years they missed.

RMB 98, RMB 68 (advance). 10am-10pm. Joy City Chaoyang. (Go here for tickets and more information).

Anthony Browne’s Happy Museum, Now-Sep 22 

All ages. The exhibition displays 162 original paintings from renowned British writer and illustrator Anthony Browne, who is a winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international recognition given to creators of children’s books. Themed ‘happiness’, the exhibition shows how Browne portrays his characters with impeccable details and pencil strokes to truly bring them to life. The exhibition is filled with paintings and interactive activities that people of all ages can relate to. As Browne has said: “Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older.”

RMB 58. 10am-6pm. National Museum of Classic Books. (Click here for more information and tickets). 

Van Gogh Immersive Experience: Fantasy of the Inner World, Now-Sep 22 

All ages. Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to get the kids excited about a trip to the museum. But, when you throw VR into the mix then you have another thing all together. From now until Sep 22, The National Museum of China is hosting this immersive VR exhibition, bringing to life some of the most famous works of famed Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. The experience has more than 200 works by Van Gogh, reconstructed into a multi-sensory experience for new audiences.

RMB 55. 9am-5pm. The National Museum of China. (6512 8901,For more information or to buy tickets, visit here). 

Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium, Now-Oct 11

All ages. This summer, M WOODS presents 70 masterpieces recreated by Lucy Sparrow, one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the UK today. Each piece was hand-crafted from the annals of art history and covered the entirety of the museum in her signature, colorful felt. Having received worldwide attention for felt installations in London, New York, and Los Angeles, Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium marks the artist’s debut in Asia, and creates an immersive installation commissioned specifically for this Beijing gallery.

RMB 80 (RMB 50 for students).Tue-Sun 10.30 am-7 pm. M Woods 

NBA Exhibition: Unstoppable Beijing, Now-Oct 13

Aimed at showcasing the excitement of the game and the rich history of the league, the NBA is launching its touring exhibition in Beijing. By using interactive exhibits, video, and exciting memorabilia, the multi-level experience will showcase the passion of the league, its teams and players, and will explore the many ways the NBA has evolved since its founding in 1946.

RMB 90 (Before Jul 12 early bird ticket: RMB 66 per person). 10 am – 8 pm. Yang Art Museum.  (Go here for tickets and more information)

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers

This year’s Easter Sunday falls on April 21, and this holiday weekend for the family will be made more fun courtesy of various brunches and egg hunts happening in various locations in the city. So bring a basket because this is the time to put all those Easter eggs together!

Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

Easter Specials at Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, Apr 16-21
Kempi Deli, Via Roma and Signature’s Restaurant are holding special events and packages for the family this Easter. Kempi Deli has new and “eggciting” packages, perfect for Easter gifts. Stop by Saturday’s special Easter brunch at Signature’s Restaurant for open-kitchen meat favorites, free-flow drinks offers, dessert stations and live DJ. And on Easter Sunday, spend the morning at Via Roma’s Little Italy Family Buffet where kids can take part in the traditional Easter egg hunt and enjoy the kids’ playground area. Live music, Italian Easter dishes, and a great dessert station will be available all throughout the event.

All ages. Prices vary. 7am-10pm. Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center.

Decorate Easter Eggs at Domain, Apr 20
Are your little ones getting excited about Easter? Take them for a special treat at Domain and have them paint edible Easter eggs, courtesy of Domain’s pastry chef. All you need is your child and some imagination!

All ages. RMB 248. For more information or to register, visit this page. 10.30am-3pm. Domain.

Weekend Easter Brunch at Kerry’s Kitchen, Apr 20-21
Celebrate the Easter weekend with Kerry’s Kitchen, which will curate a range of culinary classics, fun family activities, and games such as egg painting, egg hunting and more. The buffet will feature favorites such as Oven-Roasted Lamb, Sweet-Hot Plum-Glazed Ham, and Hot Cross Buns.

All ages. RMB 418 per person, RMB 209 per child. Noon-3.30pm. Kerry’s Kitchen. (8565 2088)

Egg-Citing Easter Party at Kerry Hotel Beijing, Apr 21
Spend a productive family day taking part in fun activities such as egg painting, egg hunting, face painting, cupcake making, family games, family photoshoots and more at Kerry Hotel Beijing. Other entertainment such as arcade machines, dance performances, and JiaBao’s appearance will keep your little ones happily occupied. Food and drinks are also on sale. Make it a day to remember and add on access to Adventure Zone where your child can continue to play on the giant slides, obstacle courses, ball pit and more.

All ages. RMB 388. 9.30am-5pm. Kerry Hotel Beijing. (6561 8833)

Mosto Easter Brunch, Apr 21
Celebrate Easter Sunday at Mosto with a classic brunch spread full of your Easter goodies. Think of blueberry pancakes with crispy bacon and ricotta cheese, juicy Wagyu beef cheeseburger with house fries and Eggs Benedict topped with heavenly béarnaise sauce! Mosto has also got festivities for the kids too, with an Easter egg decorating to all of the little ones so they can do some creative fun while adults feast on Easter brunch.

All ages. Prices vary. 11am-3pm. Mosto.

Easter Brunch Special at Latina, Apr 21
Easter is about coming together with family and friends, treating yourself to good food and drinks! Celebrate your holidays with Latina and enjoy great food in a welcoming setting, live music with a unique Brazilian twist, all you can eat and all you can drink options. Brunch guests will also enjoy complimentary fun-filled children’s activities, including Easter egg hunts, face painting, clowns and egg painting. Easter brunch includes a special buffet, from appetizers to desserts; the menu features the first hints of spring.

All ages. RMB 266. 11am-3.30pm. Latina. (RSVP: 8531 5287)

Bunnies Abound at Chapter This Easter, Apr 21
This lovely Easter affair for family and friends at Chapter will wow not only the little ones with special egg gifts and creative Rabbit art but also the adults with a seasonal and traditional buffet heaped with savory and sweet delights with free flow of wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Stand out Easter favorites will fill the buffet to overflowing.

All ages. RMB 328 per person + 15% surcharge (price includes free flow of wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea). 11am-2.30pm. Chapter. (RSVP: 6584 6270)

Live Jazz Easter Sunday Brunch and Egg Hunt at Brickyard Retreat, Apr 21
A decadent live jazz brunch and egg hunt will take place in the fabulous Great Wall view gardens at The Brickyard Retreat Center. Packages are available for those who’d like to stay there the night before, waking up to an Easter Sunday sunrise in the fresh country air.

All ages. RMB 268 (adults), RMB 138 (children). 11.30am-4pm. The Brickyard Retreat Center. (info@brickyardatmutianyu.com)

Moka Bros Eggcellent Easter Egg Decorating, Apr 21
Moka Bros Solana invites everyone to celebrate Easter Sunday with an “eggcellent” Easter Egg Decorating Party! Easter pros and first-time egg decorators alike are welcome while Moka staff will be on hand to help! While you get in the Easter Egg decorating groove, sip on a smoothie as all medium-size smoothies will be buy-one-get-one-free from noon to 3pm.

All ages. Noon-5pm. Moka Bros Solana.

The SLab Collabs: Easter Egg Hunt at That’s Mandarin, Apr 21
This Easter, The SLab collaborates with Palette and That’s Mandarin to put on a treasure hunt for kids ages 8-12.
Complete crafting activities, Easter egg hunts, and games to win a basket of goodies. Families are welcome to That’s Mandarin anytime from 2-4pm to take part in the treasure hunt. There is no time limit to the hunt and each participant can begin as soon as they have registered. Tasks include problem-solving questions which are best suited for participants ages 8-12, and parents are not allowed to take part in the hunt!

Ages 8-12. RMB 99. 2-6pm. That’s Mandarin. (RSVP: Chloe Zhang 8448 9799)

If you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings, let us know by submitting event information here. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Half Priced Kids Meals for February

Moka Bros will be celebrating Chinese New Year all month long with half-price Kids’ Meals for all of February! The Moka Kids Meal is regularly priced at 48 RMB.  For the month of February, RMB 24 will get you a child-size portion of a main dish and a medium smoothie. Kids. RMB 24. 11am-10.30pm. All locations.

Niki de Saint Phalle: Legendary Female Artist of the 20th Century and Her Wonderland, until Mar 10

Today Art Museum is currently presenting a large retrospective of work by Niki de Saint Phalle. The inspiration of the whole exhibition is the “Tarot Garden” originally built by Saint Phalle in Italy. Meanwhile, the exhibition also presents important works of Saint Phalle from the 1960s and her comprehensive practice in painting, sculpture, performing art, conceptual art, feminist art, large-scale public art, and film. All ages. 10am-5pm. Today Art Museum. Pingod Space, 32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区百子湾路32号 (5876 0600)

Taste of India – Indian Snacks with Masala Chai, Feb 13

Chai is part of a long-standing tea culture in India, which creates its unique flavors by mixing together tea, milk, sugar, and spices, and Masala Chai is a refined example. The Hutong is running a Masala Chai party, where you will taste authentic Masala Chai and various Indian snacks. All ages. RMB 350. 7.30-11pm. The Hutong. For more information or to RSVP, please visit this page. 1 Jiudaowan Zhongxiang Hutong, Dongcheng District. (southeast of Beixinqiao subway station) 东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号(北新桥地铁站东南边)(6404 3355)

Aphrodisiac Delights with Pauline’s Cuisine, Feb 13

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Pauline’s Cuisine brings you Aphrodisiac Delights, a class of delicious treats for your special someone. Learn to make caprese salad, roasted figs, seafood risotto, and chocolate mousse in an intimate setting. For more information or to register, scan the QR code in the image or visit: http://beijingmothers.com/2018/08/20/paulines-cuisine-class-scedule/. Adults. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. Pauline’s Cuisine, Lido. (www.beijingmothers.com)

Lantern Festival Celebration with Cultural Keys, Feb 17

As Lantern Festival approaches, marking the end of Spring Festival, Culture Key is holding a Lantern Festival Celebration for families, where you will learn about Lantern Festival customs and language, paint paper lanterns, solve riddles, make Tangyuan (sweet dumplings), and enjoy a meal together. All ages. RMB 488 (includes all materials and food), RMB 888 for two people (eight seats only). Cultural Keys. Pickup: 2pm at Tuanjiehu Subway Station (Exit D), drop off: 9pm at Tuanjiehu Subway Station (Exit D). For more information, please contact this email: events@culturalkeys.cn. 191,Xiaopu Beijie, Xiaopu Village, Songzhuang Town, Tongzhou District. 通州区宋庄镇小堡村小堡北街 191号。（ Wechat: NicD1280） 

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers, beijingkids