For those picturing a Norman-Rockwell-style Thanksgiving this year, Beijing has an abundance of resources to make that a reality. From pre-order, ready-made turkeys, hams, and desserts to bountiful buffets to satisfy every gluttonous urge, Beijing’s hotels, restaurants, and everywhere in between have you covered.
Pre-Order Turkeys and more
Want to eat at home but don’t have the oven for a bird? From November 16 to 22, order a ready-roasted turkey, goose, ham or leg of lamb from Kempi Deli. If you’re not fond cooking anything, you can also reserve made-to-order sweet pies, savory sides, and appetizers. Make sure to reserve ahead of time! (6465 3388 ext 4227, restaurant.beijing@kempinski.com)
Turkey lovers can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving set menu or take a turkey with sides and desserts for RMB 79/kg. RMB 109 (set menu), takeout options available. Lily’s American Diner (6592 5548, lilysdelivery@yahoo.com)
Tue, Nov 20-Thur Nov 22
JW Marriott has turkey takeaway for RMB 1,688, which includes a whole roasted Butter Ball turkey and one bottle of wine. 48 hours notice is required for the turkey take-away. (5908 6688)
Ends Fri, Nov 30
Those who aren’t pie fans should have Lollipop on speed dial this Thanksgiving. For RMB 399 a dozen, you can order delicious spiced pumpkin cupcakes seasonally decorated as turkeys and pumpkins. (135 5277 2683, cupcakes@lollipopbakery.cn) www.lollipopbakery.cn
Pre-order all your Thanksgiving goodies from Village Cafe and get them either ready for your oven or hot and ready to serve. In addition to turkeys (RMB 68/kg), they also have two kinds of hams (RMB 118-248/kg), gravalax (RMB 198/kg) and pies (RMB148-188 each). (6410 5210, villagecafe@theoppositehouse.com )
Cooking Classes
Thur, Nov 15
Global Kitchen travels to the US for an all-American Thanksgiving. Participants learn how to make three pumpkin dishes: pumpkin pie, pumpkin stuffing, and pumpkin cookies. The Hutong. RMB 280, RMB 220 (members). 7-9.30pm. (6404 3355, info@thehutong.com)
Sat, Nov 24
Why not put your kids to work helping with the Thanksgiving dinner? Head to Green T House for a family pumpkin pie cooking class kids will always be able to help out with dessert. RMB 250 per family. 3pm-5pm (www.green-t-house.com)
Dine Out
Mon, Nov 19 to Thur, Nov 22
Non-traditionalists can celebrate with Thanksgiving-inspired Italian dishes at La Gondola at the Kempinski like turkey pasta with pumpkin puree and roast turkey sweet potato risotto with cranberry sambuca sauce. 6.30pm. (6465 3388 ext 4215, restaurant.beijing@kempinski.com)
Thur, Nov 22
Get your traditional Thanksgiving fix with turkey and all the fixings at Kranzler’s at the Kempinski. Aside from delicious turkey, fill up on Boston seafood chowder and a dessert buffet with pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cornmeal waffles with ice cream and maple syrup. RMB 398, RMB 498 (half lobster). 6.30pm-10.30pm. (6465 3388 ext 4222, restaurant.beijing@kempinski.com)
Thur, Nov 22
Here you can have your Thanksgiving two ways: buffet style or sit-down Italian style. The latter version includes four courses of ricotta and spinach parcels, pumpkin soup, roasted turkey with truffled potatoes and more, and panna cotta. RMB 358 (buffet), RMB 328 (sit-down). 5.30pm-11pm (8437 1188)
Thur, Nov 22 to Sat, Nov 24
Give thanks for family, friends, and a fabulous buffet and head to Aroma at the Ritz Carton Beijing for a heaping buffet feast. RMB 518 per person. 6pm-10.30pm (5908 8161)
Thur, Nov 22
Make like the Pilgrims and nosh on the buffet offerings of Scene-a-Café. The spread will feature traditional Thanksgiving dishes like roast turkey and pumpkin pie. RMB328 per person 15 percent service charge. 6pm-10pm (6505 2266)
Thur, Nov 22 to Sun, Nov 25
Enjoy holiday flavors like puree of roasted butternut squash soup, roasted Thanksgiving turkey, and pumpkin pie with ice cream. The lunch buffet includes free flow soft drinks, beer, and house wine; a set menu is also available. Greenfish, The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street. RMB 358 plus 15 percent service charge. 11.30am-2.30pm. (6601 6666)
Thur, Nov 22
Celebrate traditional Thanksgiving with SALT’s contemporary twist, including: foie gras, poached lobster, wild pigeon, glazed venison, white chocolate, roasted turkey, and more. RSVP required. RMB 438 (four courses). 6pm- 10:30 . (6437 8457)
Thur, Nov 22
Enjoy roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, roasted chestnuts, cranberry relish, and of course, pumpkin pie. RMB 388 per person plus 15 percent service charge. 6pm-10pm.(6526 3388 ext 5171)
Thur, Nov 22
Not in the mood for a buffet? Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner the sit-down way with a five-course meal dinner at the Westin Chaoyang Beijing’s Grange Grill. The dinner will feature traditional turkey and sides plus wine pairing. Price and time TBA. (5922 8880)
Thur, Nov 22
Enjoy your Thanksgiving lunch or dinner with a French twist at Jaan at Raffles Beijing. RMB 198 (three-course lunch), RMB 688 per person (five-course dinner), plus 15 percent service charge at both meals. 6pm-10pm. (8500 4186).
Thur, Nov 22
Head to the Westin Beijing Chaoyang’s Seasonal Tastes restaurant for a full-on, traditional Thanksgiving buffet, turkey carving station included. Price and time TBA. (5922 8880)
Thur, Nov 22 6 ?
Stuff yourself in the CBD with carving station turkey and endless pumpkin pie at China World Hotel’s Scene a Café. RMB 328 per person plus 15 percent service charge. 6-10pm (6505 2266 ext 6644)
Thur, Nov 22,
Give thanks with some American home-style barbecue for Thanksgiving. Tim’s Texas Bar-B-Q has a set menu that includes turkey and cornbread stuffing, honey-baked ham, green bean casserole, and more. Reservations recommended. RMB 178, RMB 198 (includes glass of wine), RMB 68 for children under 12. 12pm-10pm. (6591 9161)
November 22,
Partake in the traditional Thanksgiving buffet at JW Marriott’s Asia Bistro. RMB 428. Children under 6 eat for free, and children between 6 and 12 years old get a 50 percent discount. Prices subject to15 percent service charge. 6pm-10.30pm (5908 6688)
Thur, Nov 22
Head to the Hilton Beijing for Thanksgiving favorites like mouthwatering turkey and sides. RMB 398 (including wine), RMB 298 (set menu only) plus 15 percent service charge. Children under 12 eat free. Make your reservation before November 15 and get a free wine pairing. 6pm-10pm. (5865 5000)
Get Away
Thur, Nov 24 4pm-11pm
Get out of town for the holiday and head to The Brickyard, which is offering a special rate of RMB 1,988. The rate includes private transfers for two to and from Beijing, a superior queen Great Wall view room, admittance to the Thanksgiving Reprise Feast at The Schoolhouse, and breakfast for two. The offer is only valid for November 24. (6162 6506)
Photo courtesy of flickr user pjguyton2002
