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

Tucked into an alley slightly off the beaten path in Beijing’s Gulou neighborhood, there is a bar and restaurant serving an Indian-inspired menu. Easy to miss, the aptly named Side Street is housed in a fairly small space, decorated with local art. The brain child of two young entrepreneurs, Side Street fuses together different culinary experiences, namely Indian and American. For their entry into the 2019 Burger Cup, co-owners Uday Phalgun, Purnima Sharma, and cook Henry Timberlake developed three awe-inspiring new burgers with fantastically flavorful twists. Narrowly missing out on 3rd place in this year’s competition, these burgers are still definitely something we recommend you try.

K.O.

The K.O. (RMB 68) – the first of three new additions to the Side Street menu – features two 100g patties, dueling cheeses, IPA caramelized onions and their signature “Secret K.O.“ sauce, whose ingredients (though pressed) the owners would not disclose. Arguably the most meaty of the three, this burger is a prime example of what we imagined a fusion theme would inspire in a dish. Bursting with flavor, the caramelized onions are definitely a highlight which readily merges with the beef.

The Mountain (RMB 75), features BBQ sauce, a mound of keema (Indian Beef Chili), Jalapeños, Frito chips, and pickled red onions, making it an indisputable favorite among loyal patrons. The crunchy Fritos add a wonderful texture to the burger, which radiates aromatic spices. Like “The K.O.“, “The Mountain“ is served with an additional pickle – a welcome, though not overly spicy, surprise with an almost fruity flavor.

Southern Tikka Masala Burger

For those of you seeking to divert from the classic beef burger, Side Street features the Southern Tikka Masala Burger (RMB 58), featuring fried chicken marinated in jalapeño buttermilk, homemade masala gravy, melted cheese, tamarind aioli, and grilled slaw. Crunchy and flaky on the outside while wonderfully juicy on the inside, this chicken is packed with concentrated flavors – delivering in both taste and texture. The fresh veg is a welcome addition to this burger – adding a fresh feel while simultaneously satisfying your plan to eat healthily this summer.

Finally, if you are meat free, Side Street also has you covered as their vegan and vegetarian burgers are among the best in town, including the signature Hutong Hipster, which features a potato and spinach patty paired with a combination of tamarind and spicy mint chutney.

The Mountain

All of these massive burgers are served with a healthily portion of thinly sliced fries, a characteristic which allows them to retain their delicious crunch. This is also great because you don’t need to order it additionally on the side like some burger-focused venues, which makes for an added (ungracious) cost to those seeking the perfect burger experience. Who orders a burger without fries? Needless to say, if good service and fair prices are your game – check out Side Street. You won’t be disappointed.

Side Street

Daily 5pm-late. 113-02 Jiaodaokou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District

东城区交道口东大街113-02

(156 5280 3365)

This article appeared in the beijingkids July-August 2019 Teen Takeover issue

Photos: Kipp Whittaker

I always regard Christmas as the ultimate holiday for the young ones and it’s an absolute delight to see their joy whenever they receive a gift, especially if it’s a toy! But sometimes, kids receive too many playthings that end up being packed up or worse, thrown away. Toys have an innate magic of bringing out smiles and creativity in children. Many of them don’t always have the opportunity to receive these wonderful items, so if given as a special present, expect the grins to be far bigger!

If you’re thinking of where to bring those spare toys that your child doesn’t play with anymore, then you might like to know that the Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF) is holding a toy donation drive until December 20 (Thursday). They have four locations across the city, in the Chaoyang, Dongcheng, Shunyi, and Yizhuang districts, to make it easier for donors coming from different neighborhoods.

– For Wangjing, Lido, and nearby neighborhoods: Oasis International Hospital (Building C1, #9 Jiuxianqiao Beilu)
– For Dongzhimen or inner east Second Ring Road: Side Street (113-2 Jiaodaokou Dongdajie)
– For CBD, Shuangjing, and Chaoyang Park neighborhoods: Little Oasis (L3-02 Parkview Green, No. 9 Dongdaqiao Lu)
– For Yizhuang and nearby neighborhoods: The Roots (Yizhuang Creative Life Plaza, No. 6 Wenhuayuan Donglu)

As much as possible, share whatever gently used or new-but-not-wanted toys that you have. 

Meanwhile, if you wish to donate gifts, you can put a creative touch and make use of reusable or upcycled materials to wrap these presents. You can also make a box out of spare crafting materials, which makes for a creative and artful donation for the lucky child.

For more information, scan the QR code on the poster below.

Photos: Courtesy of MCF

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. 

Lord of the Rings in Concert, Dec 18-19
Grab some popcorn as well as your fanciest threads for this cinema and high art mash-up. China’s National Opera House Symphony Orchestra will take you on a journey through Middle-earth, performing the epic and soul-stirring classic score by Howard Shore alongside The Fellowship of the Ring. All ages. RMB 880-1,280. 7pm. Beijing Exhibition Center Theater.

The Orchid Dumpling Making Class, Dec 18 and 25
Each Tuesday night, The Orchid hosts Lu Jie’s fine dumpling making skills in a group class where anyone staying in Beijing can join in. Get the chance to learn how to make dumplings for special occasions, as well as eat and drink together with your classmates. All ages. RMB 350, RMB 200 (kids 12 and below). Sign up here. 7.30-10pm. The Orchid.

Jing Sing Acapella Christmas Show at Modernista, Dec 20
Modernista invites everyone on the evening of December 20 to witness Jing Sing a capella group who promise to astonish guests with their joyful vocal performance and get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Adults. Free. 9-11pm. Modernista.

MCF Toy Drive, until Dec 20
Do you have a new or gently used toy that your kid will not play with anymore? This is the time to turn that into something that would make a kid smile! The Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF) is conducting a Christmas toy drive until December 20 at four drop-off locations in the city: (1) Oasis International Hospital; (2) Side Street; (3)
Little Oasis, Parkview Green; and (4) The Roots, Yizhuang Creative Life Plaza. All toys will be donated to MCF. For more information, contact MCF through the QR code in the poster.

The Orchid Noodle Making Class, Dec 20 and 27
You might have seen 油泼扯面 (yóu pō chě miàn), or the flat wheat noodles sold at food carts on the street. At this workshop, you’ll be able to make your own flat wheat noodles — no experience necessary! Get an idea about how you can make it extra special from a chef too. The class fee also includes wine, draft beer from Great Leap Brewing, soft drinks, and juice. All ages. RMB 350, RMB 200 (kids 12 and under). Sign up here. 7.30-10pm. The Orchid.

Russian Christmas Party at ART+798, Dec 22
Explore how Christmas is celebrated in Russia, what Ded Moroz (Russian Santa) looks like, and how you can bring a white Christmas to Beijing through a snow globe crafting workshop. Feel free to bring your small toy as kids will be able to make a little snow house as well. The program includes a book reading session, snow globe crafting, gingerbread house making, and there will be games and more kid-friendly activities too. All ages. RMB 299 (members price for 1 adult + 1 child). RMB 399 for non-members. Registration fee includes all materials. 1.30-4pm. Art+798 International Art Education Center. (173 0105 7981)

Little Chefs at Domain: Gingerbread House Making Class, Dec 22
Join Domain’s weekend kids’ cooking classes and enjoy quality time with your family. Every class includes a glass of free juice for the kids. In this series, kids will enjoy constructing and decorating gingerbread houses, a great decoration to bring home for the Christmas season. All ages. RMB 328 (RSVP needed). 2pm. Domain. (8414 9830)

Treasure Trove: Last Minute Christmas Market, Dec 22-23
Get your last minute gifts at the Treasure Trove Christmas Market, held in partnership by Cultural Keys and Yoolee Plaza. This Christmas market stays open late for everyone to get some holiday shopping done. All ages. Free admission. 10.30am-9.30pm. Yoolee Plaza, north of Worker’s Stadium.

Christmas Camp: Discover Chinese Arts at Art+798, Dec 24-28
Looking for a different way for your kids to celebrate Christmas? Art+798 International Education Center holds a five-day Christmas camp, wherein kids get a chance to immerse themselves in various Chinese arts like painting, drama, shadow play, as well as ancient architecture. The camp also includes two field trips to the 798 and 751 Art and Design Districts and the Forbidden City. All ages. RMB 5,800 (including materials and lunch). ART+798 International Education Center.

The SLab Kids’ Winter Camp: Metalsmithing 101, Dec 26-28
The SLab’s Metalsmithing 101 winter camp gives an opportunity to older kids and students with no prior experience to learn how to pierce, saw, and finish metal pieces. At the camp, kids will work with brass and silver to create their own jewelry or accessories just in time to wear for the New Year. All classes will be taught in English. Ages 12+. RMB 1,888 (lunch included). 10am-4pm. The SLab.

Atelier Winter Art Camps, various dates in Dec
The Atelier team has created a special series of holiday-themed workshops mixing art, architecture, painting, history, culture, and history. Discover Venice and its Carnival, explore a revolutionary artistic movement or step into the world of Native Americans. Workshop 1: The Blue Rider (Dec 17-21) Discover Expressionism, Cubism and abstract art by different artists and artworks related to The Blue Rider including Kandinsky and Franz Marc. Workshop 2: A Journey to the World of Native Americans (Dec 24, Dec 26-29) Learn how to draw animals, make Native American totems and animal symbols, and create teepee models. Workshop 3: Venice and Its Carnival (Dec 31, Jan 2-5) Create a mask inspired by the Venetian masks and learn to sketch a landscape (veduta) with perspective. For ages 5-7: 10am-noon, RMB 2,000. For ages 8+: 1-3.30pm, RMB 2,500. Atelier Sanlitun and Shunyi. (www.atelier.cn.com)

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. 

DayDayUp Art Class – Colored Pencil Class, Aug 30
All ages. Colored pencil is an art technique used to combine sketch and color. Its uniqueness is associated with the rich and exquisite colors used, allowing artists to show a light and transparent texture. RMB 30 (register here). 6.30-7.30pm. DayDayUp.

BenCham Presents “A Dutch Night”, Aug 31
Adults. BenCham invites everyone to a special evening with a Dutch-themed dinner at Cindy’s Umami by Han, the first modern Dutch restaurant brand in Beijing that features a creative fusion between Western and Asian cuisines. Dutch Michelin star chefs Han Ji and Frank Naar have developed a creative western-style cuisine according to the oriental “five elements theory”, which highlights the original taste of all ingredients with a signature sour twist that will please the taste buds. RMB 499 (buy tickets here). 6-10pm. Cindy’s Umami By Han.

Hawaiian Themed Charity Party, Sep 1
Adults. Support mental health care in Beijing at this charity party at Side Street. Reduce stigma and open minds as you try out hula dancing, a Chinese tea ceremony, and take part in a raffle with amazing prizes. Even better, there are great drink specials like RMB 15 tequila shots and RMB 35 pina coladas. Free admission. 6pm. Side Street.

BICF Arrival Hall (Ladies Edition), Sep 1
Adults. Are you new to Beijing and unsure how to thrive in this new city? Or you’ve been here a while and need a chance to make new friends? Join a ladies’ day out on September 1 with Beijing International Christian Fellowship (BICF). Several seasoned expat women will share how they’ve learned to thrive in Beijing. Enjoy an opportunity to both give and take in a free household items and clothing swap, and more. RMB 50 (includes lunch and snacks). 10am-5pm. BICF 21st Century Office, Rm 800-900, Twenty-First Century Hotel. (citychurch@bicf.org)

Dream Big Dance Bigger, Charity Pool Party, Sep 2
Adults. This pool party for a cause supports Migrant Children’s Foundation. Celebrate while helping in exciting end-of-summer activities like live music, Zumba dancing, a crazy ‘Floating Gladiators’ game hosted by Imagine, and food and drinks from Doko and Yeah Lab. RMB 100 (available at the reception area of Beijing Riviera). 4pm. Beijing Riviera Country Club. (WeChat ID: chenshihhan)

Mommy and Me Yoga, every Tue from Sep 4
Ages 0-3.5 and adults. Yoga instructor Rose Scott leads a yoga class for mommies and their young ones (daddies are also welcome). The class aims to promote the parent-child bond through a physical activity while encouraging joy and health in movement. Classes are taught in English and are limited to a maximum of 10 participants per group. RMB 60 (scan the QR code on the poster to register). 9.45-10.30am. Ivy Bilingual School OE Campus.

Photo: Burst via Pexels; courtesy of event organizers