CL Kwek is an IT Program Director from Malaysia who has lived in Beijing for 10 years. His wife, Angela Lee, also from Malaysia, is a professional housewife who has been in Beijing for 7 years. Their son, YJ, is 7 years old and in Grade 2 at House of Knowledge School (HOK). We met up with the Kwek family at their favorite restaurant, Duck de Chine, in Sanlitun. Here they share with us their family favorites while welcoming the Year of the Rooster.
Favorite non-Chinese Ethnic Restaurant/ Favorite Chinese Restaurant
There are many restaurants that we like, can we have half a page to list them down? If we must only list one of each category, here you go… Non-Chinese: Malacca Legend (Malaysian restaurant) @ The Place Chinese restaurant: Duck de Chine @ Sanlitun
Favorite New Site
Nothing new lately for me. www.chunbo.com (an online grocery shopping website) for Angela
Favorite Weekend Activity
Hunting for good food, movies, kids’ friendly events and parks (when air quality permits) and farmers markets.
Favorite Date Spot
The kid follows wherever we go!
Adopted Chinese Culture
The speed of change!
Kid begs to go to…
Anywhere with Lego, pizza, or ramen!
Favorite Dessert Spot
Awfully Chocolate at Indigo.
Best Chinese New Year Vacation Spot
Malaysia! Weather will be hot, but there are lots of nice places to eat, shop, relax by the beach, or trek in the tropical rain forest!
What is something from your culture that you make sure your child knows about?
Know how to “Lepak” (means Chill in Malaysia), as life can be quite fast-paced and crowded in a big city like Beijing.
Best Place for Special Occasions
Temple Restaurant Beijing
What do you miss about China when you’re away?
The convenience of the networked society as all services and shops are so connected. It makes our daily life easier; almost everything is just a few clicks away on the phone.
Favorite Way to Relax
CL: Photography, cycling and a shot (or two) of some nice whiskey.
Angela: Girls night out, yoga, baking and cooking. YJ: Legos!
This article originally appeared on page 64 of beijingkids 2017 February Issue. Download the digital version here.
Photo: Uni You
