New Fork by TRB Was Not What I Expected

Mina Yan | Jan 19, 2023 10:21 am | Add a comment | 1006 reads

If you’ve only got a limited time to explore Beijing’s best restaurants, then a visit to Fork by TRB has got to be on your list. Fork is the latest addition to the TRB Hospitality Group, which also owns TRB locations Hulu and Peach – both of which are renowned for offering excellent food with a personalized touch.

The new Fork is no exception.

Now, I don’t know why I was expecting Fork to be similar to Hulu. That was definitely my mistake. Fork is unlike any of its sister restaurants. It’s unique, offering its own interpretation of global fusion that seeks to blend together highlights from different cultures.

There are dishes like the classic French escargot (RMB 98) and the Southeast Asian flavors of Tom Yum Kung seafood (RMB 158), as well as Fork’s own spin on the classic Beijing stinky tofu (RMB 78) made with Yunnan shiping tofu and blue cheese, and which tastes unlike anything you’ve ever experienced – the perfect blend of Asian and European flavors and one of our favorites from the meal.

Hidden away in Yangfang Hutong, by Houhai, Fork is behind the (also) new Peach by Hulu, where Pink Rabbit once was. For those who had a chance to visit Pink Rabbit before it closed, the interior of Peach by Hulu is still rather similar, but with a more elegant and refined feel to it instead of the previous party vibe. But the iconic pink rabbits on the rooftop remain, perfect for 2023, the Year of the Rabbit!

Before jetting off for Chinese New Year holiday, we hoped to find somewhere for a girls lunch away from the families and the kids. Fork was the perfect place.

“Good choice, this one is my favorite,” restaurant manager Kyle said for a surprising number of dishes we ordered. He’s passionate about the restaurant and proud of the excellent menu that they’ve created, and it shows in the way he talks about each dish and the pride he takes in presenting them. And there were multiple dishes that really helped elevate our lunch into a whole dining experience.

Wheeling out an entire leg of 48 months Iberico ham (RMB 298), Kyle took the time to explain how it’s aged and kept. And as each dish came out his eyes just kept lighting up like those of an excited kid eager to show off his cool new toys with friends. Even through his mask, you could see him smiling for ear to ear.

The razor clams (RMB 68) were some of the best I’ve ever had. This Asian-inspired dish is served cold and covered with a generous spoonful of Fork’s own XO sauce blend and garnished with spring onions. Don’t be fooled by the one-bite size of these razor clams. They pack such a strong flavor that it’s like an umami explosion in your mouth.