EAT: Spring Specials at Susu and Jing Yaa Tang, Qingtuan Making, Hot Cross Buns

EAT: Your bite-sized guide to the best eats to be had in Beijing this week.

Apr 3: Learn how to make Qingtuan at The Hutong

It's Easter weekend, so we're sure many people will be preoccupied with eating as many chocolate eggs and other Easter treats as physically possible. However, don't forget to leave room for some foods from the other festival taking place this weekend: 清明节 Qingming Jie or Tomb Sweeping Day. The most popular snack enjoyed around Qingming is 青团 qīngtuán, a type of glutinous rice dumpling with a dough flavored and colored with seasonal herbaceous plants like Chinese mugwort. Learn how to make your own qingtuan at The Hutong this weekend, while also tasting fresh spring tea (in addition to other fantastic handcrafted teas) and learning the history and techniques behind these traditions. The class is priced at RMB 260 per person (or RMB 180 for kids under 13). 

Hot cross buns available now at Intercontinental Beijing Sanlitun

Get that essential British Easter treat, hot cross buns, baked fresh from Top Tapas at Intercontinental Beijing Sanlitun. The buns are available in either cinnamon flavor or the less-traditional chocolate, priced at RMB 120 for 12 or RMB 220 for 24. Scan the QR code in the event listing to order.

Spring awakening at Jing Yaa Tang

Jing Yaa Tang's Chef Li Dong has put together a seasonal menu showcasing some of the best ingredients available right now, available until Apr 30. Try dishes like fried sea conch with Chinese yam in XO sauce (pictured above), 马兰头 mǎlán tóu (Kalimeris Indica) with dried tofu in olive dressing, and braised pork ribs with burclover. 

Spring special dishes at Susu

Spring is definitely here, and Susu's restaurants (they now have five venues across the city) are celebrating with some seasonal specials. Sample creative dishes like their twist on the traditional northern Chinese dish 凉皮 liángpí (cold noodles, pictured above) or Vietnamese-inspired buffalo wings, or try something adventurous like "Minh's sea snails," flavored with chili and lemongrass. 

READ: Once Again, None of Asia's Best Restaurants are in Beijing, Apparently

Images courtesy of the venues