Ganges
Currying favor with expats since 2005
Summarizing the cuisine of a continent-sized country is no mean feat. Despite the use of the blanket term “curry”, Indian cuisine differs dramatically from region to region.
The common way of understanding Indian food is to distinguish between the country’s north and south. The latter is characterized by lentils and rice, according to Laxman
Hemnani, director of Ganges, a restaurant chain with five branches across Beijing.
North Indian food, which makes up about two thirds of Ganges’ menu, is more bread-based and is normally served with naan or chapati. “The highlight of North Indian food is the tandoori [clay oven]and the second important element is cashews and cream,” he explains.
Tying together the country’s diverse dishes is the sometimes heavy use of spices. Cumin, red chili powder, and garam masala can all be found in abundance in Indian dishes. The cuisine’s defining dish is tikka masala, according to Hemnani. It is the most popular choice at Ganges (and in Indian restaurants around the world), which is perhaps ironic given that it was reportedly invented in a curry house in the UK.
But while some children like their food hotter than midday in Mumbai, spiciness can pose a problem for the faint of tongue. Thankfully, there are always mild options with creamy gravies for kids who want curry without the kick. Oscar Holland
Also try: Mirch Masala, The Taj Pavilion, Santoor
Recommended Dishes for Kids
As reviewed by Teertha Kumari (age 11, pictured above), daughter of Rakesh Kumar, manager of Ganges’ Haidian branch:
– Vegetable samosa: Mixed vegetable filling in fried pastry. “It’s yummy. I like the contrast in texture and I don’t find it spicy.” RMB 25 for three.
– Chicken shahi korma: Boneless chicken and mango in creamy cashew nut gravy. “I like the chicken in this one and the mango adds something fruity.” RMB 58, rice and sundries sold separately.
– Chicken malai tikka: Seasoned boneless chicken served with yogurt and cream. “It’s perfectly cooked. There’s nothing missing.” RMB 48.
Family-Friendly Checklist:
– Non-smoking? ✓
– Clean bathrooms? ✓
– Booster seats or high chairs? ✓
– Healthy food selections? ✓
– On-table distractions? ✗
– Kids’ play area? (No, but the Lido branch has a play area with toys.) ✗
– Child-sized portions? (It is not advertised on the menu at the Sanlitun branch, but there is a kids’ combo menu for RMB 60 available upon request.) ✓
– Childproof table settings? (Yes, there is a children’s fork and spoon set with a plastic cup and bowl.) ✓
– Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓
– Stroller-accessible? ✓
– Quiet atmosphere? (Quiet during the day, tends to get busy evenings and weekends) ✗
– English menu? ✓
– Low prices? ✓
– Nearby parking? (Free parking in the mall’s basement) ✓
– Booth seating? ✗
– Diaper changing table? ✗
– English-speaking staff? ✓
– Live entertainment or floor show? ✗
Ganges 恒河印度餐厅
Daily 11am-10.30pm, 2F-202 Building 1, Shimao Dept, 13 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6416 0181/6121) 朝阳区工体北路13号世贸百货1号楼2层202 See www.ganges-restaurant.com for other Beijing branches.
Zixiamen
Korean cuisine at its most authentic
Korean cuisine is mainly based around vegetables, meat, and rice. Kimchi – sour and spicy fermented cabbage – is often served as a side dish. Korean food is light and healthy, using condiments like sesame oil, fermented bean paste, soy sauce, garlic, and red chili paste. Korean meals are also noted for the number of appetizers (or banchan) that accompany the main course. This tradition is well-demonstrated at Zixiamen, where diners can sample up to ten types of banchan ranging from kimchi to spinach, mushroom, squid, and beef – with free refills to boot. Located in Wangjing, Beijing’s unofficial Little Korea, Zixiamen is a favorite among Korean expats. The restaurant also boasts good service, reasonable prices, and a family-friendly focus. Fresh-squeezed juices are available from a stand, the breastfeeding room has a bed for mothers to rest on, and diapers are available for free from the front desk. Clemence Jiang
Also try: Aijiangshan, Saveurs de Corée, Iki Barbecue
Recommended Dishes for Kids
– Jumbo fresh beef rib: Of a cow’s 13 pairs of ribs, only the best (the sixth, seventh, and eighth) are selected for this dish. The meat is barbecued on the grill and needs no dipping sauce.
– Fried prawns and assorted vegetables: Deep-fried root vegetables (carrot, lotus root, onion and potato) are served with prawns on a huge plate. This dish can serve as an appetizer or a snack to keep the kids busy. RMB 68.
– Steamed egg: The humble steamed egg is a favorite side dish among Koreans. Most kids can enjoy the egg’s light taste, but be careful not to touch the hot stone bowl. RMB 20.
Family-Friendly Checklist:
– Non-smoking? ✓
– Clean bathrooms? ✓
– Booster seats or high chairs? ✓
– Healthy food selections? ✓
– On-table distractions? ✗
– Kids’ play area? ✓
– Child-sized portions? ✓
– Childproof table settings? ✗
– Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓
– Stroller-accessible? ✓
– Quiet atmosphere? ✗
– English menu? ✓
– Low prices? ✓
– Nearby parking? ✓
– Booth seating? ✓
– Diaper changing table? ✓
– English-speaking staff? ✓
– Live entertainment or floor show? ✗
Zixiamen 紫霞门韩国料理
Daily 11am-9:30pm. 5/F, Zhongfu Shopping Center, 201 Nanhu Dongyuan, Chaoyang District (84782323) 望京南湖东园201号中福百货5层
photos by KEN
This article originally appeared on p60-62 of the beijingkids January 2014 issue.
Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com
