The Denis family moved to Beijing from Toulouse, France, more than a year and a half ago and loves the cultural melting pot that is Beijing. Sebastien works for Airbus China and Salina looks after Elena, 5 and Erwan, 3. This French-Malay family lives in Dongzhimen.
When Feeling Homesick
We go to La Mansarde for dinner since we like the cozy environment, then we lunch at Café Peranakan, opposite the Russian Market.
Weekend Ritual
We have lunch at Matsuko Japanese
restaurant because our kids can’t get enough sashimi and sushi. Then we go cycling or read at Alliance Française.
Restaurant for a School Night
We go to Lau Pa Sak restaurant – the food reminds us of Malaysia. We love their nasi lemak, kuay tiau noodles or laksa all year long.Birthday
Celebration
We go to The Jaan at the Raffles hotel – the food is yummy.
Lazy Sunday Fun
We love watching DVDs with the kids after a busy week and ordering in from O Sole Mio – we love their salmon and cheese pizzas.
Favorite Toy Shop
We usually go to the Russian market and Hongqiao for the selection of toys, puzzles and puppets. The prices are reasonable – when you know how to bargain.
Rainy Day Activity
We stay home and play puzzles and read stories in French, English and Malay. No matter what, we have to watch Mickey and Donald or Dora the Explorer on DVD.
Family Getaways
Every three months, we try to go back to Malaysia to shop, enjoy Malaysian food and see our friends and family. Once a year, we go back to Perros-Guirec in Brittany, France to see the grandparents and eat seafood, cheese and bread.
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