Beijing Christmas Dining on a Budget
Christmas can be a tight time, budget-wise. What with all the gift shopping, the office parties and the "just one more mulled wine for the road" drinking sessions, there's not much money left to spend on what should be one of the most important parts of Christmas (or, you know, any occasion at all): the food.
RELATED: Mo Money, Mo Christmas: Beijing's Most Luxurious Christmas Dinners
Read on for our suggestions of the places where you can make sure your bill stays like the meal pictured above: miniature.
Three Course Christmas Menu at Q Mex - RMB 198
Q Mex may seem like an unlikely spot to spend Christmas, but the quality of their cooking has certainly improved since they took on new management earlier this year. For Christmas, they have put together a solidly traditional festive three course menu, including choices like chestnut soup, roast turkey and ham, and cinnamon sugar baked apples. The price also includes a pint of Carlsberg or glass of house wine. Menu available from December 24-26, booking required three days in advance.
A Very Merry Christmas Brunch at FACTORY - from RMB 250
Let the talented team at FACTORY (by Salt) take care of your Christmas Day cooking with a menu of innovative seasonal fare. Prices start at RMB 250 for two courses, going up to RMB 280 for three courses. At that price, it seems Scrooge-like not to add on free-flow Champagne for just RMB 150. It is Christmas, after all.
South African Christmas at Pinotage - RMB 288
On Christmas Eve, Pinotage is serving up a four course dinner featuring a soup, turkey and ham, a main course and a dessert. For bookings of more than three, their head chef will even customize you a special sharing menu, adapted to any and all dietary requirements you might have. Make it a party by visiting the South African Wine Festival booth, serving up a selection of the competitively priced wines Pinotage has become known for.
Italian Christmas Feast at Mercante - RMB 350
Hutong favorite Mercante is going back to its roots for its "di abbondanza" Christmas Day feast – just like nonna used to make. The five course menu, which costs just RMB 350, is available for lunch from 12-4pm and for dinner from 6pm-midnight. Be sure to match it with a bottle of one of their fine Italian wines.
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Email: robynnetindall@thebeijinger.com
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