Beijing’s Best Family Dining: Financial Street

Bubbly Sundays Brunch, Westin Beijing Financial Street

Cuisine: Asian and international buffet
English menu: Yes
Kids’ menu: No, but the chefs can cater for all tastes.
General kid-friendliness of menu: The menu is extremely child-friendly. Freshly baked cookie necklaces are brought to the table for the children to eat and wear.
Kid-friendly staff? English-speaking staff go out of their way for children.
Bathrooms: Very clean and spacious sit-down toilets. Changing tables available.
Best items for kids: The chocolate fondue fountain is entertaining and delicious. Design your own Caesar salad at the salad bar or try the pasta bar with made-to-order sauces.
Kids’ play area: This kid’s play area boasts a cupcake decorating station, popcorn machine, TV, three ayis, balloons, arts and crafts, toys and books. It will be hard to pry your child away.
Seating: Booths, standard chairs and highchairs available.
Price: RMB 368 (free-flow champagne), RMB 298 (juices and soft drinks), half-price (kids 6-12), free (kids under 6). All prices subject to 15% service fee.
Accepts credit cards? Yes
Must-order item: The whole salt-crusted salmon, fresh oysters and Beijing duck station are worth special mentions. The dessert station is also a must – try the Australian Cold Rock ice cream.
Award: Best Family Indulgence
In a nutshell: Be sure to arrive hungry. This is an indulgence for the senses and beyond entertaining for your children. The atmosphere is lovely, featuring open-plan kitchens and bright, sunlit views of a Zen-style garden.

Sunday 11am-3pm. Senses, Westin Beijing Financial Street, 9B Jinrong Jie, Xicheng District (6629 7810); 西城区西城区金融街乙9号

Bubbly Sundays Brunch, Westin Beijing Financial Street

Tay Thien Hui, Director of Engineering and father

Where did you grow up?
Malacca, Malaysia.

What was your favorite food as a kid?
Egg skin rolls, also called grandma spring rolls.

Can you find that favorite childhood dish in Beijing?
No, but my parents make it when they visit.

If you could bring one dish from Malaysia to Beijing, what would it be?
Asam Fish. The fish is cooked in the juice of the tamarind (or Asam) fruit. The cooking process involves soaking the pulp of the fruit until it is soft and then squeezing out the juice for cooking the fish.

Monsoon Brunch, InterContinental Financial Street
Cuisine: European and Asian fusion buffet
English menu: Yes
Kids’ menu: No
General kid-friendliness of menu: A lot of child-friendly options, including salads and fruit for health-conscious parents. The chefs at each individual station are also enthusiastic and willing to alter food to your tastes.
Kid-friendly staff? Majority of staff speak fluent English, are friendly and willing to help you with any problems. For adults, the staff is particularly good at filling up your champagne glass.
Bathroom: Clean bathroom, individual cubicles and a sit-down toilet.
Best items for kids: The made-to-order pasta bar is a great option, the barbecue station offers delectable meats that are sure to please, and the chocolate fondue fountain is quite popular.
Kids’ play area: There’s no play area, but the live band is wonderful and children are encouraged to dance. At the candy-making station you’ll find a chef who hand makes colorful (and edible) cartoon creations. The chef also allows kids to put their candy-making skills to the test. If you plan to stay for the full four hours, bring some extra toys.
Seating: Booths and standard chairs, with highchairs available.
Price: RMB 398 (free-flow Champagne), RMB 268 (non-alcoholic), RMB 128 (kids 6-12), free (kids under 6). All prices are subject to a 15% surcharge.
Accepts credit cards? Yes
Must-order item: The yogurt caramel cheesecake is particularly scrumptious.
Award: Best Champagne Selection
In a nutshell: This brunch is for those who love the sweeter things in life. The interactive candy station and the fluffy clouds of cotton candy delivered straight to your table will keep kids entertained. Meanwhile, parents can sample the four varieties of Champagne on offer.