WAB Dining Strip Reloaded with New Choices

The strip of shops just outside the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) campus on Laiguangying Dong Lu has seen a rapid revitalization in recent weeks, starting with Hulu taking over the space formerly occupied by Fella’s and ending with the opening this week of another branch of popular Japanese spot Hatsune.

In between, a new Indian spot operated by a former Ganges manager — Ganga Impression — has opened, as well as Hulu’s fast-casual/healthy dining option Peach in the spot formerly occupied by Doko.

All in all, the four new dining options have added variety to the strip and made it more of an attraction for the dense residential compounds that surround nearby school campuses such as WAB, the French International School of Beijing (LFIP), Harrow Beijing (HBJ), Daystar Academy, and The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB).

The new openings make for stellar compliments to other, longer-term food options on the strip, including South African restaurant Pinotage, Michael’s German Bakery, and the Secrets of Africa bakery/coffee shop (not to mention the Annie’s and the Comptoirs de France just a stone’s throw away).

In addition, rumor has it that Pie Squared, the Detroit-style pizza joint currently located in the shopping area north of Beijing Riviera, will be moving into the strip soon.

Ganga Impression brings an expansive new Indian menu and takeout options in the WAB area

While all this dining action may not merit a special trip from downtown, the revitalized row is a breath of fresh air for everyone living in the far northeastern corner of Chaoyang district between Wangjing/Lido and Shunyi.

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Photos: Michael Wester, Uni You