Hot on Dianping: Superlative Service, Mouthwatering Sushi, and Authentic Beijing Cuisine
We're bringing back Hot on Dianping, a semi-regular blog series where we introduce the restaurants that are whipping up hype on China’s favorite review app: Dazhong Dianping.
As editors, we do our best to get around to as many restaurants as possible but given we only have so much time and stomach room to spare, some slip through the cracks. So we decided to bring you what's hot direct from the mouths (and keyboards) of diners, instead.
Ye Ye Puti (叶叶菩提) (Xidan branch)
Dianping ranking (as of Jun 17): 2
Average rating: 5/5 stars (1,413 reviews)
Average price: RMB 680
This modern vegetarian Chinese restaurant boasts serene, zen-like decor. They only serve set menus, ranging from RMB 300 plus to more than RMB 1,000. Diners recommend the quinoa salad, the rich soups, and the homemade yogurt. There are also branches in Dongsi, Wanda Plaza, and Sunshine 100 (on Guanghua Lu).
Users say:
“The service was very thorough. I was chatting with a friend and let my noodles go cold, so the waitress went and got me another bowl as she was concerned it would upset my stomach if I ate them cold... The quinoa salad was the best salad I've ever had.” (.wowo)
"The dishes focus on the natural flavors of the vegetarian ingredients, much better than those fake meat type places... This was my first time trying mushrooms from Nepal and the taste and texture were fantastic." (Libertyfan)
Bao House (宝屋料理)
Dianping ranking (as of Jun 17): 3
Average rating: 5/5 stars (619 reviews)
Average price: RMB 859
Bao House is a Japanese restaurant located in the Topwin Center serving omakase-style sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. Omakase ("I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese) means that there is no menu; instead, you'll be served whatever the chef deems freshest and best that day. Be sure to book ahead, as there are only 12 seats available at the sushi bar.
(Ed's note: This is the only one of these three restaurants I have tried personally and I cannot recommend it enough. It's not cheap but it's worth it for the quality of ingredients and the experience of dining with knowledgeable chef/owner Alan Bao).
Users say:
“The best place to sit is at the bar so you can watch each dish on its journey from preparation to serving. You can also ask the chef questions about the dishes and ingredients.” (yyyy_4102)
"This is the third time I've been [to Bao House]. As always, there is no menu, just what the chef serves on the day. Apparently, almost all of the ingredients are flown in from Japan." (Mikiro)
Peking Building (北平楼) (Lishuiqiao Tiantongyuan branch)
Dianping ranking (as of Jun 17): 7
Average rating: 5/5 stars (443 reviews)
Average price: RMB 100
The slightly oddly named Peking Building (we prefer the Chinese name, Beiping Lou), serves – you guessed it – Beijing-style cuisine, including old favorites like Peking duck and zhajiang noodles. Diners praise the authentic dishes and the old-school hutong-style decor. This is the hottest branch at the moment, but there are several other locations around the city, including one near UIBE.
Users say:
“The lamb chops are fantastic; crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The flavor really came through when eaten wrapped up in pancakes and the pickled cucumber served on the side helped to cut through the richness... The decor has been carefully thought out and has a real sense of old Beijing.” (ggl_618)
"The Beijing-style decor is apparent as soon as you walk in the restaurant, including lots of interesting sculptures, and it transports you to Beijing in the previous century... Peking duck is their specialty, and the portion size is very good." (小茶仙)
READ: Stay Sprightly With These Five In-Season Summer Vegetables
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Photos: manchebo.com, Dianping
