There are half-open boxes lying all over the house, and the kids are clamoring for pizza. What is a harried newcomer to do? Luckily, Beijing has a host of reliable delivery options, many with English hotlines and online menus. If you happen to speak and read a modicum of Chinese, the list of possibilities expands even further.
Delivery Networks
Sherpa’s
Founded in 1999, Sherpa’s is one of several delivery aggregators that partner with restaurants across central Beijing. There are offerings from several family-friendly eateries such as Wagas, El Gran Bocado, and Pizza+ (which also has its own delivery service). Most restaurants don’t require a minimum order.
Delivery zones: Chaoyang District and Dongcheng District
Delivery fee: Starts at RMB 15 and increases according to distance. However, Sherpa’s has a happy hour promotion from 1-6pm (including weekends) where the delivery fee is waived if it totals RMB 20 or less.
Average delivery time: 45 minutes
English service: Yes, English-speaking operators and English website.
How to order: Sherpa’s has a four-step process. First, enter your street name or neighborhood in the search bar. A list of the restaurants closest to you will appear on the next page, along with the delivery fee for each. After you choose a restaurant, you’ll be prompted to choose what you want to order. Confirm your order, after which an email is sent to you with the total and estimated delivery time.
Contact and delivery hours: Daily 10.30am-10.30pm, closed during major holidays. 400 600 6209, www.sherpa.com.cn
Jinshisong 锦食送
Along with Sherpa’s, Jinshisong is one of the larger delivery networks for western restaurants. Boasting an English interface, it has international and Chinese selections.
Delivery zones: Chaoyang, Dongcheng, Xicheng, and Haidian
Delivery fee: Starts at RMB 15, though many restaurants offer free delivery within 3km. There is a minimum order of RMB 68.
Average delivery time: 45 minutes
English service: Yes, English-speaking operators and English website.
How to order: Select a type of cuisine on the website, followed by the restaurant and menu selections. When checking out, fill in your name, phone number, and address. Click on your area on the map to find out how much the delivery fee costs. After finalizing your order, you’ll receive a text message on your mobile. Registered users can track their order via GPS on the website. A free bottle of water and fortune cookies come with every order.
Contact and delivery hours: Daily 10.30am-10.30pm (hotline). 400 030 0517, www.jinshisong.com
KK Rabbit
Though more limited than Sherpa’s or Jinshisong, KK Rabbit offers a range of international and Chinese cuisine. It’s also notable for being the only service that supports orders through MSN and Skype.
Delivery zones: Guomao, Sanlitun, and Chaoyang Park
Delivery fee: RMB 15 for addresses within 3km of the restaurant. There’s an extra RMB 7 for every kilometer after that. When you place an order through the website, KK Rabbit will call you within ten minutes to tell you the correct delivery fee; the website tends to overestimates the fee as a conservative measure.
Average delivery time: 40 minutes
English service: Yes, English-speaking operators and English website
How to order: On the website, you can narrow down your selection by different cuisines, delivery areas, or types of food (e.g pizza). KK Rabbit will calculate the delivery time and total after you enter your address. To check out, type in your name, telephone number, address, and any special requests you may have. Ordering online gets you a free drink (Sprite, Coke, or water).
Contact and delivery hours: Daily 10.30am-10.30pm (hotline), delivery hours vary from restaurant to restaurant. 400 720 1717, www.kkrabbit.com.cn
Daojia Meishi Hui 到家美食会
For locals, Daojia Meishi Hui is the gold standard for delivery services. Compared with Sherpa’s and Jinshisong, Daojia has more options for Chinese restaurants, many of them hole-in-the-wall establishments with cheap gaifan (rice topped with meat and/or vegetables) and noodles.
Delivery zones: Between Second Ring Road and Fourth Ring Road
Delivery fee: RMB 6 normally, none if your order is RMB 200 or more
Average delivery time: 45 minutes
English service: None
How to order: On the home page, you’ll see a list of neighborhoods in Beijing. Click on yours or type your address in Chinese in the search bar. You’ll get a list of restaurants, which can be sorted by popularity. Select an online menu and check the box next to the dishes you’d like to order. You can specify requests for each dish (e.g. No MSG, make it vegetarian, etc.). If you speak Chinese, you may also phone in your order.
Contact and delivery hours: Daily 11am-2.30pm, 5-9.30pm (delivery); daily 9am-9pm (ordering). 6608 0101, www.daojia.com.cn
Standalone Restaurants with Excellent Delivery Service
Annie’s 安妮
This award-winning Italian chain is a godsend to parents with hungry children who need food now. Founded in 1999, Annie’s offers standards such as spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza at affordable prices. Their delivery service is quick, friendly, and geared towards families. There’s a kids’ menu for picky eaters with choices like chicken strips and cheesy penne pasta.
Delivery zones: Sanlitun, Ritan Park, Chaoyang Park, CBD, Shunyi, Wangjing, and Lido
Delivery fee: None
Average delivery time: 30 minutes
English service: Yes, English-speaking operators and website.
How to order: Online ordering isn’t available for now, so browse the menu on Annie’s website and call the branch closest to you for delivery.
Contact and delivery hours: Daily 10.30am-10.30pm. www.annies.com.cn
Gung Ho! Gourmet Pizza Factory 叫板比萨
Gung Ho! is not only known for its creative pizzas, but also for its super-positive company culture. Yelling “Go! Go! Go!” at any of their pink-shirted delivery guys will usually get you a cheerful “Go! Go! Go!” in reply. Delivery tends to be fast and there are many meal combos (including a kids’ combo) with pizza, pasta, or salad as well as a side dish and drinks.
Delivery zones: Sanlitun, Shuangjing, and Lido
Delivery fee: None
Average delivery time: Though the website says to allow 45-60 minutes, the Gung Ho! delivery guys are often much faster than that. It’s not uncommon to get your order in 20 minutes.
English service: Yes, English-speaking operators and website.
How to order: You can order via telephone or on Gung-Ho’s website. You’ll need to create an account, but the interface is quite user-friendly. Customers have the option of paying with a Chinese bank card; ask for the delivery man to bring the POS system.
Contact and delivery hours: Daily 11am-11pm. 5135 8557 (Lido), 5876 5262 (Shuangjing), 5738 9040 (Lido), www.gunghopizza.com
Haidilao HILaosong 海底捞HI捞送
Haidilao is a wildly popular chain of Sichuan hotpot restaurants with unmatched service. Ordering from Haidilao isn’t a casual affair, but we couldn’t resist including them for the sheer comprehensiveness of their service. Depending on your needs, the nearest branch will dispatch a hotpot, hot plate, flavoring packets for the broth, raw ingredients, any necessary extension cords, and even wait staff to your house. (Could be an idea for your next dinner party?)
Delivery zones: Within 20 km of the specific Haidilao branch
Delivery fee: RMB 12 per kilometer distance between the address and nearest Haidilao branch. There is a minimum order of RMB 258 and a service charge of 10 percent.
Average delivery time: Allow 90 minutes to three hours
English service: None
How to order: Order online or via telephone. To order online, select the city and branch closest to you. Browse the menu and select the items you want. You’ll be asked to create an account with your email address or mobile number, then enter your address and the desired delivery date and time. Accepted payment methods include cash upon delivery and Chinese bank cards (check the box that says “bring the POS system”). Items such as extension cords and hot plates must be requested in advance.
Contact and delivery hours: Daily 11am-11.30pm. 400 810 7107, www.4008107107.com
This article originally appeared in the beijingkids Home & Relocation Guide 2014. To get your free copy, email distribution@truerun.com or view it online at Issuu.
Photo: James Creegan (Flickr)
