CHINESE RESTAURANTS

Bai Zhou Xiang

Rice porridge in all its many forms, supplements the congee collection with a variety of homestyle snake.

1F Bldg A, Donghuan Guangchang, 9 Dongzhong Jie, Dongcheng District

10am to 11pm

Chenghuangmiao Xiaochi

Over twenty locations around town. Good for Shanghai fast food any time of the day.

Daily 24 hours.

37-4 Huayuan beilu

 Beijing Roast Duck Restaurant

A good location near Sanlitun and possibly the best Peking duck (RMB 98 each) in the city explain this restaurant’s enormous popularity, so call ahead to make a reservation.

The seafood and vegetable dishes are also tasty. Photographs in the menus make ordering a cinch.

Building 3, Tuanjiehu Beikou, Chaoyang District (across Sanhuan Lu from the Zhaolong Hotel)

 11am to 10pm

 Bellagio

This Taiwan-style restaurant boasts chic, minimalist decor, solicitous service and good prices. More importantly, the food is superb and brings together dishes from throughout the Chinese diaspora. Favorites include three-cup chicken (san beij ) beef and fried dough(youtiao niurou and Singapore-style- noodles(xinjiapo chaomian.

No. 87 Jianguo Rd. Chaoyang District

10am to 10pm

Donghuamen Night Market

Every evening at 6pm, an entire block of this avenue is closed off and filled with food carts manned by cheerful chefs serving a galaxy of inexpensive Chinese snacks like dumplings, red bean soup and succulent burrito-like rolls. More exotic offerings include the scorpions, deep fried silkworms and sparrows on a stick. Good times guaranteed.

North of the Wangfujing pedestrian street

East Ocean Seafood

The numerous Hong Kong natives who flock to this fancy Cantonese restaurant attest to the authenticity, consistency and quality of its dishes. The tea is fragrant and the seafood is swimming in gleaming tanks minutes before it’s on your table. Dim sum is served daily.

39 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang District

(near the Lufthansa Center)

11am to 11pm

Fangshan Restaurant

Opened in 1925, Fangshan reproduces the dishes of the imperial kitchen during the Qing dynasty. The well-appointed banquet rooms, the solicitous costumed staff, and the gorgeous location on Beihai Lake create a lovely setting for a meal. You can eat a la carte, but most patrons select set meals since these feature a well-balanced combination of different tastes. If you really want to feel like an emperor, order the 20-course meal that features such exotica as bird’s nest soup with deer tendon and turtle with Chinese herbs. Simpler fare is available. Reservations are recommended.

East Gate of Beihai Park, Xicheng District (on Jade Isle inside Beihai

Park -enter through the east gate and cross the bridge to the island)

 11am to 2pm, 5pm to 8pm

 Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

 The most famous duck restaurant in the city, Quanjude has been serving up fowl since 1864. Crowds of tourists and locals come here for the Peking duck which are RMB 168 each.

The duck is roasted in a fragrant fire of date, peach and pear tree wood. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the duck tongue or duck feet appetizers.

 32 Qianmen Da Jie, Dongcheng District

 10: 30am to 2pm, 4: 30pm to 8: 30pm

 The Red Capital Club

inside an exquisitely renovated courtyard home that lies on a sleepy hutong (look for the A meal at the Red Capital Club is an unforgettable experience. The restaurant is housed old Red Flag limousine that’s often parked in front). Inside, you’l1 find a comfy bar decorated entirely in vintage Communist memorabilia from the 50’s to the 70’s. You can dine either under the stars in the courtyard or in a second room that features classical Chinese art. Containing entertaining descriptions of each dish, the menu features a mix of imperial cuisine and the hearty favorites of China’s early communist leaders. Other draws are the extensive wine list and cigars.

66 Dongsi Jiutiao, Dongcheng District

 South Beauty

With several other branches in the city, South Beauty has clearly found the right formula. Tasty Sichuan food, elegant decor and good service produce happy, repeat mers customers. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, try the lazi ji pieces of fried chicken swimming in hot peppers.

 3/F, Pacific Century Place, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang Distric

 11am to 11pm

 Xihe Yaju

This delightful restaurant abutting leafy Ritan draws clientele of journalists executives and diplomats who come for its extensive menu of dishes from all over China.The outdoor courtyard is idyllic in the spring and autumn at other times you can eat in the comfortable indoor rooms. The service is good and the menu is bilingual.

Northeast corner of Ritan Park, Chaoyang District 1lam to 2pm, 5pm to 10pm.

qingquang

See author's posts