Salt of the Earth – Part 8/8 – Iran & China | jingkids international | Beijing | February 8th, 2014

Rumi
The subtle aromas of Persian cuisine

Iranian cuisine (also known as Persian cuisine) draws influences from Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Central Asia. Persian dishes are halal, or prepared according to Islamic traditions.

Iranian food distinguishes itself from other Middle Eastern cuisines by its preparation methods. Rice (or polo), one of the staples, is soaked in salted water before boiling. The parboiled rice (called chelo) is then drained and returned to the pot for steaming. Basil is a major ingredient in most dishes as well as coriander, saffron, and rose water for desserts. Aroma is paramount; therefore, Iranaian cuisine uses many herbs but very few spices.

At Rumi, Beijing’s only Persian restaurant, the portions are generous. One meat dish can be shared between two people and there is a children’s menu. Vegetables can be substituted for meat in some of the grilled dishes, and the salads are large enough to serve as main courses. The most representative dish is ash-e-reshteh, a thick legume and noodle soup with lentils especially suited to winter. Nimo Wanjau

Also try: Alameen, 1001 Nights

Recommended Dishes for Kids

As reviewed by Nadia Mohebati (age 14, pictured to the left), daughter of Owner Bita Mohebati:
– King prawn, mango, and cashew nuts salad: This light yet filling salad is served with a lemon and an olive oil dressing. “This is my favorite because I love mangoes.” RMB 69.
– Lubia polo: Rice with diced beef cooked in a tomato base with greens beans for garnish. “I love to carry this to school for lunch and share it with all my friends, as they really like it too.” RMB 49.
– Ash-e-reshteh: “I eat this because my mom makes me eat it.” RMB 38.

Family-Friendly Checklist:

– Non-smoking? (The seats along the window are designated for smokers while the rest of the restaurant is 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? ✗

Rumi 入迷
Daily 11.30am-midnight. 1A Gongti Beilu (opposite Zhaolong Hotel), Chaoyang District (8454 3838) 朝阳区工体北路甲1号兆龙饭店对面

Haidilao Hot Pot
Sichuan hot pot and legendary hospitality

In Sichuan, hot pot is like teahouses and cloudy skies; it is part of the fabric of daily life. The broth is usually infused with hot spices and Sichuan peppercorns. Typical sides include vegetables, tofu, seafood, and animal parts like intestines and coagulated blood. By contrast, northern Chinese hot pot is characterized by its use of clear broths (sometimes even just plain water), meat (especially pork, lamb and beef), and cabbage. Haidilao (海底捞火锅) is a renown Sichuan hot pot chain with great food and mind-blowing service. The restaurant is always packed and with people, but diners can get their nails done and enjoy fruit and snacks while they are waiting. The extensive menu (available in Chinese, English and Korean) offers a wide range of broths (including clear, spicy, tomato, and mushroom) and ingredients to please all ages. There is a self-serve bar with more than 20 sauces and spices to customize your dipping sauce with, along with additional freebies like congee, fruits, and salad. Each branch of Haidilao has a spacious kids’ playroom with well-trained staff to look after the children. High chairs, cribs, and even diapers are available upon request. Clemence Jiang

Also try: Ding Ding Xiang

Recommended Dishes for Kids

– Ying yang hot pot broth (鸳鸯火锅): The classic ying yang broth is perfect for families with both spice lovers and spice haters. The pot is divided into two halves by a copper slider in the middle, offering spicy and non-spicy options in one pot. RMB 61.
– Shrimp paste (虾滑): A helpful waiter will squeeze shrimp paste from a piping bag into the broth. The tender and juicy shrimp comes out looking like a meatball. RMB 36 per serving.
– Dancing noodles (抻面): Ordering this item will result in an energetic waiter coming to your table to stretch and twirl dough in a gravity-defying dance.

Family-Friendly Checklist:

– Non-smoking? ✓
– Clean bathrooms? ✓
– Booster seats or high chairs? ✓
– Healthy food selections? ✓
– On-table distractions? ✓
– Kids’ play area? ✓
– Child-sized portions? (All sides are available in half-portions.) ✓
– Childproof table settings? ✓
– Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓
– Stroller-accessible? ✓
– Quiet atmosphere? (Haidilao is always packed – and we mean always.) ✗
– English menu? ✓
– Affordable prices? ✓
– Nearby parking? ✓
– Booth seating? ✓
– Diaper changing table? ✓
– English-speaking staff? ✓
– Live entertainment or floor show? ✓