Peking Cafe: A Roof With a View

Recently transplanted to Nanluogu Xiang, the Peking Youth Hostel has brought with it Peking Cafe which, unlike much of the other street offerings, caters to both the Chinese and foreign crowd and offers an amazing view of the lane.

Occupying the front space of the hostel, the cafe is an escape from the manic crowds of the tourist-haven half of Luogu Xiang – and from the look of things this space isn't aimed at just the overnight guests. In fact, if the outside sign didn't spell it out, it would be easy to overlook that half of the business. The cafe offers the standard drink options from coffee to juice while the food half of the menu includes a selection of pastas (RMB 45), pizzas (RMB 66), salads (RMB 23-25) and a grab-bag of Chinese dishes. The Caesar Salad was fresh and light, and though the dressing was thinner than expected, the flavors, especially from the bits of salty bacon, all came together well. While the salad was satisfactory (a high mark in comparison to other Western options on the street), the pesto pasta with chunks of tomato and whole pine nuts was a quite pleasing dish. Portions are on the smaller side but work well for a quick daytime bite.

The biggest draw for Peking Cafe will undoubtedly be its rooftop terrace overlooking the hustle and bustle below. During a summer day, the roof may be too hot – even with the shade from the umbrellas – but for a bit of day drinking or relaxing over pints with friends in the evening this open air space will definitely be a hit. The owners seem to be on to that fact as well, based on the small bar set up on the roof. Here, one can enjoy a wide range of Belgium and other imported beers by the bottle (RMB 20-40) as well as a few choices on draft.

Peking Youth Hostel 113-2 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (8403 9098) 东城区南锣鼓巷113-2号

By subway: 1.2km west of Beixinqiao stop (Line 5)

Photos: Lauren McCarthy