Jingle All the Way to These Beijing Christmas Dining Events
Christmas is only a week away, which means that those of us returning home are flapping around doing last-minute packing and trying to think of gift ideas that don't scream "I bought this at the airport," while those of us staying in Beijing are wallowing at work wondering if the Christmas mood will ever kick in this year. Even if your colleagues aren't in the holiday spirit, we can promise that you'll find some festive cheer at these dining events. These are our top 12 picks (although there are many, many more in our events section), with options for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Dec 24, 6pm: Eudora Station
A good option for families or those who just want to kick back in a relaxed, pub-style setting, Eudora is offering a Christmas Eve set menu priced at RMB 598 per person or RMB 1,198 per couple, featuring dishes like roasted pumpkin soup and grilled Angus beef fillet (there is also a special kids menu). There will be a live band later in the evening.
Dec 24, 6-10pm: Paulaner Brauhaus
Don't let the German Christmas cuisine end with stollen! Enjoy a German Christmas Eve set dinner at Paulaner Brauhaus accompanied by a delectable dessert buffet with options ranging from a sweet apple strudel to a slice of black forest chocolate cake this Christmas Eve. Dinner is priced at RMB 688 per person including free-flow wine and Paulaner beer.
Dec 24, 5.30-10.30pm: Mosto
Mosto's annual Christmas Eve dinner is always a fun atmosphere and the food is great to boot, with a menu featuring starters and desserts to share and a choice of main courses like black shrimp ravioli or glazed duck breast. Dinner is priced at RMB 450 with the option to add free-flow drinks for RMB 188.
Dec 24, 6.30-9pm: Home Plate BBQ
Eat and drink the night away at Home Plate BBQ Sanlitun, where they'll have a buffet of whole smoked hog, smoked turkeys, and Christmas sides for RMB 188, with a welcome drink of prosecco, mulled wine, or sweet tea included. Add free-flow drink for RMB 150.
Dec 24, 5.30pm: New World Beijing Hotel
Indulge in a festive feast featuring roast turkey with all the fixings, pan-fried salmon with Champagne sauce, braised venison with root vegetables, and traditional European desserts like chocolate yule logs. Dinner is priced at RMB 688 per person.
Dec 24, 25, 6-8pm: The Local
The Local will serve a Christmas dinner set of turkey and all the trimmings (including their delicious mac and cheese) for RMB 338 per person (vegetarian option available). If you’re looking to chow down with your crew, they’ll be serving a reservation-only Christmas feast for 8-10 people until Dec 29 (RMB 2,480), also available for delivery.
Dec 25, 11.30am-9pm: Feast (Food by EAST)
Eat your fill at the time of your choosing at Feast's festive buffet, which runs all day from 11.30am-9pm (dining time is limited to three hours). The buffet is priced at RMB 398 per person, including free-flow wine and soft drinks.
Dec 25, 11.30am-2.30pm: Grand Hyatt, Wangfujing
Head to the Grand Café at Grand Hyatt Wangfujing for a great value Christmas brunch featuring all your festive favorites such as roast turkey, trimmings, and even some seafood, as well as indulgent, Christmassy desserts. Brunch is priced at RMB 298 per person (plus VAT and service).
Dec 25, Dec 26, 11.30am: The Orchid Lodge
Indulge a-new or recover from the night before with The Orchid Lodge's sumptuous brunch spread, featuring cured salmon, truffle mushroom strata, sausage and potato hash, and breads from The Bake Shop. RMB 388 per person including wines and other beverages.
Until Dec 31: Beersmith, Hotel Jen Beijing
Perfect for large family or friend gatherings, Beersmith's turkey set serves up to eight people and features a 5-6kg bird with chestnut stuffing and an array of sides including sweet potato and squash with dried cranberries and pecans, braised red cabbage, carrots cooked with chardonnay, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Get your turkey for RMB 1,288 to eat in or RMB 988 to take away.
Until Jan 1: Bottega
Have a buon natale Pechino (Beijing Merry Christmas to you and me) at Bottega, where they will be serving festive Italian dishes like polenta crostini and spaghetti alle vongole. They will also have deals on sparkling wine and Champagne from 9pm onwards on Dec 24-25. Dishes available at both branches.
Until Jan 5: Jing Yaa Tang
Jing Yaa Tang's Chinese Christmas menu puts a local spin on festive favorites, with dishes like Brussels sprouts stir-fried with smoked pork and potatoes roasted in duck fat, as well as their signature Peking duck. The set menu is priced at RMB 888, comfortably serving three-four people.
Not enough choice? There are dozens more Christmas events where these came from, right here.
More stories by this author here.
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Images: Flipboard, courtesy of the restaurants
