Whether you’re in Beijing for a short time or here for the long haul, there will always be things from home that you’re sure to miss. With all that Beijing has to offer, the capital can be your home away from home, or your window into another culture. Whether you’re reminiscing or exploring, dig into an American breakfast, bite into an Aussie burger, watch a French film, read some Japanese manga, or sway to the rhythm of Bollywood music.
The US Head to American Steak and Eggs, Chef Too or Grandma’s Kitchen for a hearty American breakfast. If it’s bagels you’re after, try Moss Coffee and Bagels or Mrs Shanen’s Bagels. Grab a piping hot slice of pizza at kid-friendly Kro’s Nest or Hutong Pizza before indulging in an Auntie Anne’s soft pretzel. Nothing says U-S-A like a piece of sweet apple pie – head to Alba or call Pie House. All-American threads are sold at American Apparel (all clothing is made in Los Angeles), Levi’s and Gap. Thrifty spenders who miss Goodwill and the Salvation Army should drop by the stores at the north entrance of Nanluogu Xiang or head to Roundabout Charity Store in Shunyi. Check out Kidsland for American toys like Barbie, Transformers and Matchbox cars.
Indonesia Beijing lacks an authentic Indonesian restaurant, but there are two Thai-Indonesian eateries that might give you your Indo fix: Bali Thai and Bali Papaya. To stock up at home, head to Jenny Lou’s, BHG or Sanyuanli Market. Alternatively, place an order at Indocentre, then stop by to collect your goodies. Some of Indonesia’s best treats include Indomie and Mie Sedap instant noodles, Teh Sosro bottled tea, Indocafe coffeemix, Kecap Bango and ABC sweet soy sauce, as well as Indofood and ABC chili sauce. Indocentre can also help you book plane tickets to Indonesia.
India Head to Sanlitun to purchase fragrant spices at the Indian grocery store Qi Yuan, or have them delivered to your door. Dip into a delicious curry with homemade naan at one of Beijing’s finest Indian restaurants: Ganges Indian Restaurant, The Taj Pavilion or Indian Kitchen. Ganges also has live Bollywood dance performances every Thursday to Sunday (7-9.30pm) at its Sanlitun Village and The Place locations. Adults can dance away at Bollywood classes with Irit and kids can join Bollywood classes through Family Fun with Yuliya. And if you’d like henna done for a special occasion, contact Ms. Sangeeta and Rakesh at 130 5145 8559.
Canada If poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy) is what you’re after, head to The Box. April Gourmet and Jenny Lou’s stock maple syrup and Boucherie Michel, while French, has tasty smoked salmon for hungry, nostalgic Canadians. Those missing time on the ice should lace up at Ice Zone or All Star Champion Skating Rink (All Star). For ice skating and hockey gear, try the shop adjoined to All Star and Hosa Skating Center. Beijing is brimming with ski resorts, but Nanshan Ski Village is a true winter wonderland for both skiers and snowboarders. The kids will beg to go snow tubing and luging. Wanlong Ski Resort has longer runs for more advanced skiers. In the hot summer months, carve the slopes indoors at Qiaobo Ice and Snow World. Hiking enthusiasts should contact Beijing Hikers for their upcoming hikes around the capital.
Australia Jenny Lou’s, April Gourmet and BHG have Australian goodies like Tim Tams, Arnott’s Mint Slices, and Vegemite. Shop on Taobao if it’s Minties you crave. Chow down on a true Aussie burger with egg and beetroot at Let’s Burger and Blue Frog. Or make your own burger on the barbie with a Villa Lifestyles grill. Located behind the Australian embassy, Cafe Flatwhite has long blacks and flat whites (Australian for Americano and milky café latte respectively). The Wine Republic sells a wide variety of Australian wines. Aunew stocks Australian and New Zealand goods ranging from Ugg boots to imported milk powder and vitamins. The coveted Bonds range of T-shirts and undies can be found at Red on Nanluogu Xiang. Amazon.cn sells books by popular Australian children’s author Mem Fox. For sport enthusiasts, Beijing Bombers has both Australian Rules (AFL) and cricket leagues. Cricket players can also check out Beijing Cricket Club.
Japan Authentic Japanese restaurants can be found close to the Japanese embassy. Amble along Anjialou Lu, just off Liangmaqiao Lu and you’re sure to find a Japanese restaurant to your liking. Open-kitchen Takenosuke serves up a tasty pizza-style omelette and tasty lotus crisps (warning: it is not a smoke-free environment). Sanyuanli Market sells fresh seafood and other Japanese produce, or stop by the Japanese supermarket chain Freshness. Uniqlo carries fashionable threads from Japan. For all things Japanese, shop at Muji for stationary, furniture, homewares, kitchenware, clothing and shoes. And if you can’t find manga at Wangfujing Foreign Bookstore, try Taobao.
The UK Dive into fish and chips at Orange Tree Bistro or Let’s Seafood; or enjoy bangers and mash at Parkside Bar and Grill. In the afternoons, Raffles Beijing offers a delightful tea set, complete with finger sandwiches, scones and other pastries. There is also sparkling wine for adults. For British Marmite and HP brown sauce, stop by Jenny Lou’s, April Gourmet or BHG. And stock up on harder to find items, like Kendal mint cake, Tetley tea, and scones at Sanyuanli Market. Looking for your favorite characters? Wangfujing Foreign Bookstore carries Peter Rabbit books and Amazon.cn has Paddington Bear, the Spot series and Kipper the dog books. For British Beano comics, search Taobao.
Brazil Get your Brazilian grill on at Latin Grillhouse, Brazilian Barbeque Gauchos or Brazilian Churrascos. Adults can try Brazilian martial arts: The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club offers Brazilian jiujitsu as well as Thai boxing, Western boxing, judo and wushu. Instructors are internationally trained and certified. For capoeria, contact Capoeira Beijing. Or move your body to authentic Brazilian Samba with SambAsia Beijing Club. They also teach Samba drumming techniques.
France For all things French, head to the French Cultural Centre. It has a full library of French books, movie viewing stations, a kids’ corner, a movie theater, a café and a bookstore. Check www.ccfpekin.org for movie listings. Jacadi carries French clothes for babies and children, and Lacoste has French apparel for adults. Pick up a fresh baguette or croissants at Comptoirs de France. For French cheeses and wines, stop by international supermarkets like Jenny Lou’s and April Gourmet. Parents can have a romantic dinner for two at Maison Boloud or Café de la Poste. Satisfy your crepe craving at Crêpanini or Jaya Cafe.
South Korea There is plenty of tasty Korean hot pot and perfectly grilled barbeque meats and veggies to be found in one of Wudaokou’s many Korean restaurants. But if the trek is too far, try Ai Jiang Shan in Lido, Saveurs de Corée in Nanluogu Xiang, or Han Na Shan – a popular chain restaurant with various locations. Check the Korean Culture Center website (http://china.korean-culture.org/welcome.do, Chinese only) for Korean art-centric events, such as photo exhibits, art auctions and film screenings. For the latest Korean trends, head to the Korean Fashion Market in Haidian and don’t forget to bargain.
Gap
Daily 10am-10pm. 138 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District 东城区王府井大街138号
Indocentre
Pick up only, no delivery. Contact Ali 159 0118 6491
Qi Yuan
Daily 9am-9pm. Located behind Yashow, opposite the Sanlitun PSB, 8 Sanlitun Nanxiaojie, Chaoyang District (6415 0392) 秀后面，三里屯派出所对面，三里屯南小街8号
The Box
Daily 11am-midnight. 5A Qianmachang Hutong (opposite Café Sambal), Jiugulou Dajie, Xicheng District (6401 3293) 西城区旧鼓楼大街前马厂胡同甲5号
Hosa Skating Center (Hokay)浩沙冰上运动中心Rink: Daily 2-5pm. RMB 40/person. Store: Daily 10:30am-7pm. Nearby Civil Aviation Hospital, Yaojiayuan Lu, Chaoyang District (8578 2590)
朝阳区姚家园路民航医院边上
Wanlong Ski Resort 万龙滑雪场
Wanlong is located 249km from Beijing. The resort has 5 ski runs for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and also offers snowmobile hire and sledding. Weekend price starts from RMB 180 (2 hrs), RMB 240 (4 hrs), RMB 350/day, RMB 470 (1.5 days), RMB 580 (2 days) (Rental RMB 40-240). Lodging ranges from RMB 718-2,280. Daily 8.30am-4.30pm. Honghualiang, Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province (0313 478 5111/8888) 河北省张家口市崇礼县红花梁
Cafe Flatwhite 仙英咖啡
Daily 8am-9pm. Unit 2, Bldg 6, Tayuan Diplomatic Residence Compound, 1 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District (8532 1992) 朝阳区朝阳区新东路1号6号楼2门12室
Freshness 生鲜馆
1) Daily 9am-10pm. 2/F, Longbao Dasha, 36 Maizi Dian, Chaoyang District (6591 9262) 朝阳区麦子店36号龙宝大厦2楼; 2) Daily 9am-10pm. Inside of Longtou Gongyu, 8 Nanxinyuan Lu(behind Nation Library), Chaoyang District (8732 8650)朝阳区南新园西路8号龙头公寓内（首图后）
Let’s Seafood
Daily 11.30am-midnight. 1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (5208 6038) 朝阳区三里屯北街81号那里花园1层
Beijing Cricket Club
RMB 300 for social membership, RMB 100 per match (league game), RMB 30 per match (Twenty20 game). www.bjcricketclub.org
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club 北京巴西柔术俱乐部
Mon, Fri, Sun 6.30-8pm, Tue-Thu 8-9.30pm, Sat 4-6pm. RMB 680/month. 17 Hepingli Zhongjie, Dongcheng District (5129 5028, 138 0137 8214, 139 0110 2019, andypi@mmachina.com) www.mmachina.com 东城区和平里中街17号
Capoeira Beijing
First class is free. RMB 400 (10 lessons), RMB 60 per lesson, RMB 15 class on Sunday. Worker’s Stadium: Tue 7-8.30pm and 8.30-10pm, Wed 7-8.30pm, Thu 8.30-10pm. Wudaokou, Haidian District: Sun 3.30pm. Martial Arts Studio, 3/F, Worker’s Stadium. Contact Morena at 186 1170 5854. www.capoeira-beijing.com 工人体育馆北武术馆
SambAsia Beijing Club
(sambasiabeijing@gmail.com) www.sambasiabeijing.com
Lacoste 鳄鱼
Daily 10am-10pm. S8-12, 22, Sanlitun Village, Chaoyang District (6416 8301) www.lacoste.com 朝阳区三里屯北路8号楼12-22商铺
Maison Boloud 布鲁宫法餐厅
Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm, 6-10pm; Sat-Sun (brunch) 11am-4pm, 6-10pm. 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (6559 9200) 东城区前门东大街23号
Cafe de la Poste 云游驿
Daily noon-2.30pm, 6pm-midnight. 58 Yonghegong Dajie, Dongcheng District (6402 7047) 东城区雍和宫大街58号
Crepanini 可百尼尼
Sun-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri-Sat 9am-2am. Unit A110, 1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang District (5208 6092/93) 朝阳区三里屯北路81号那里花园1层酒吧街对面
Korean Fashion Market 韩国服饰城
Daily 10am-9pm. 1/F, Dongsheng Dasha, Chengfu Lu (east of Wudaokou Cinema), Haidian District 海淀区成府路东升大厦1楼韩国服饰城(五道口电影院东侧)
Park Side Bar and Grill 园景
Daily 10am-late. 9-6 Jiangtai Xilu (opposite Rosedale Hotel), Chaoyang District (6444 6555) 朝阳区将台西路9-6号（珀丽酒店对面）
