bejingkids magazine has just come out with its double issue dining spectacular, listing restaurants from neighborhoods around Beijing that are family-friendly for the not-so-Chinese-language-literate expatriates among us; i.e., me. It’s a great tool for finding the perfect place to dine out with the family, with only one tiny little omission – they completely overlooked Wangjing.
As a native foreigner to Wangjing, I found this oversight slightly offensive and decided to include three dining options here for discerning parents struggling to find kid-friendly food around the Wangjing Mall area. After scouring the neighborhood and interviewing upwards of two other residents, I’ve got the greasy remains of the winning fine-dining establishments’ meals on my hands (be a pal and pass some wet wipes so I can clean my keyboard). Beijingers, look no further, your culinary dining choice has got to be KFC.
Did I say three dining options? That’s right, as long as it’s KFC. That’s because in our neighborhood, there are three KFCs within three blocks of one another: one in the basement at the Wangjing Mall, one across the street from the Wangjing Mall and one around the corner from the Wangjing Mall at the Walmart building. It’s the trifecta of fried chicken! Think about it, each location has a handy laminated menu with English and a picture of the food – even the blessed soft serve cones for RMB 1.50. Where else can you get a cool treat for such a bargain?
But wait, there’s more. The food sometimes comes with toys and they have lots of small chicken-like menu items kids love to eat. And if that’s not enough, the one across the street from the mall has a play area. I know this because I walked in and checked. Then I walked out, crossed the street again, and ate at the Noodle Loft. You don’t expect me to eat at KFC do you?
