While the traditionally American holiday of Thanksgiving has not quite taken Beijing by storm the way Christmas and Halloween have, its not far behind. The flurry of celebratory options increases each year, and ;in the run-up to its November 26 date, we are rounding up all the best Turkey Day options we can find, from potlucks, to fancy dining, to stay-at-home set dinners. We will keep this list updated as we get closer; and in the mean time, keep your eye on thebeijinger.com/events/thanksgiving for the most up-to-date listings.
EATING IN
Eudora Station
Good for Lido-based families, Eudora Station are offering a Thanksgiving set for six to eight people priced at RMB 998, including the bird itself, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed yams, and one pumpkin pie. Order at least one day in advance, free delivery within 2km. Eudora Station
Factory (by Salt)
Experienced caterers Factory will whip you up a turkey and trimmings with a choice of dessert (fruit cake, pecan pie, or pumpkin cheesecake) for RMB 1,500 for six people. Order two days in advance, adding RMB 200 for delivery in downtown Beijing or RMB 300 for delivery in Shunyi. Pick-up is free from their location in 798. Factory (by Salt)
The Cut at Fairmont Beijing
Put down that turkey baster and leave the culinary stuff (or stuffing) to the professionals. Fairmont’s turkey delivery (RMB 1,988 plus 15 percent service charge) includes a 6-7kg bird, with stuffing, gravy, roast veg, and cranberry sauce. Order 48 hours in advance, free delivery within 5km. The Cut
Lily’s American Diner
Old favorite Lily’s will delivery you a ready roasted turkey for RMB 109/kg so you don’t even have to worry about turning on the oven. Sides, including gravy, cranberry sauce, and mashed sweet potatoes, are RMB 25 per person. All home delivery orders require a 50 percent deposit, which must be paid before November 24. Delivery is free close to their restaurants, after which there may be a small delivery fee. Lily’s American Diner
Rager Pie
You’ll still have to faff about with the turkey, but at least Rager Pies can take the stress out of dessert for you. Order homemade pecan and pumpkin pies through their website, ragerpie.com. Free delivery on orders over RMB 200 and within 10km. Rager Pie
EATING OUT ON THE DAY
Blue Frog
A good option for casual diners, Blue Frog’s simple Thanksgiving dinner includes turkey with corn bread-sausage stuffing and other traditional trimmings. Add a slice of caramel pumpkin pie for RMB 35. RMB 195. 4pm-midnight. Blue Frog
The Brickyard
The Brickyard is serving up a family-style Thanksgiving feast with roast turkey and traditional sides, and a whole buffet of homemade desserts. Return transport (not free) is available for those without private cars, or treat yourself to an overnight stay (RMB 2,388), which includes transfer from Beijing, superior queen room, and Thanksgiving dinner for two. RMB 388. 5-8pm. The Brickyard Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall
Conrad Beijing
Conrad’s first floor Chapter restaurant will be hosting a traditional Thanksgiving with turkey, trimmings, and classic desserts.RMB 388. 6-10pm. Conrad Hotel Beijing
Craft @ Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido
Craft has you covered whatever kind of turkey meal you’re in the mood for with a turkey sandwich set (RMB 98), a Thanksgiving dinner set (RMB 188), and a Thanksgiving family set (RMB 588). RMB 98-588. 11am-11pm. Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido
CRU Steakhouse
Splash out at CRU Steakhouse, where the Thanksgiving buffet includes grilled Wagyu beef sirloin and truffle mash, as well as traditional slow-roast turkey. RMB 688. 6-10pm. CRU Steakhouse
Eudora Station
If you’d rather dine in at Eudora Station than order their turkey take-out, they will oblige with a Thanksgiving set dinner for four people, with five hearty courses including turkey and all the trimmings. RMB 790 (four people). 6-10pm. Eudora Station
Jing-A and Traitor Zhou’s
Jing-A Brewing are teaming up with Traitor Zhou’s for a non-traditional Thanksgiving feast of fried chicken with a generous spread of Cajun-inspired side dishes. Seating available at Jing-A and Okra 1949. Bookings must be made for parties of four. RMB 1000, RMB 800 (advance). 6-10pm. Jing-A Brewing
Kerry’s Kitchen
Gather together over a bountiful buffet of traditional – roast turkey and trimmings – and less traditional – roast beef short rib – dishes. kids get free access to the Adventure Zone play area. RMB 238. 6-11pm. Kerry’s Kitchen
Lily’s American Diner
As ever, Lily’s is offering one of the best Thanksgiving deals in town, with a three course menu including turkey and sides, plus a choice of homemade pies. Available at all three Lily’s Locations. RMB 159 (includes a glass of wine), RMB 119 (kids – get a soft drink). 11am-10pm. Lily’s American Diner
Loft Eatalicious
Loft Eatalicious’ four course menu kicks off with canapes, before moving on to an Italian-inspired starter, the turkey main event, and finishing with an apple tart. Wine by the glass available at RMB 30. RMB 188. 11am-11pm. Loft Eatalicious
Swissotel
Treat family and friends to Swissotel’s lavish Thanksgiving buffet. Price per head includes free-flow of house wines and beer. RMB 298. 6.30-9.30pm. Swissotel Beijing
Tim’s Texas Bar-B-Q
All-American tim’s is cooking up an all-American Thanksgiving featuring turkey with corn bread stuffing, honey roast ham, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and more. RMB 198 (adults), RMB 88 (kids). 11.30am-midnight. Tim’s Texas Bar-B-Q
DINING OUT BEFORE OR AFTER
Nov 21: Thanksgiving Brunch at Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido
Early birds (or people who want to have more than one Thanksgiving, we won’t judge), which as well as a Thanksgiving feast also features a bouncy castle and live band. RMB 188. 11.30am-3pm. Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido
Nov 21-22: Chicago Thanksgiving at Windy City Ballroom
Windy City Ballroom’s four course menu (plus welcome drink) looks like a great deal. They’re mixing it up a bit with a choice of turkey or honey-glazed gammon for the main course, perfect for those who aren’t poultry fans. RMB 258. 1-9pm. Windy City Ballroom
Nov 28: Great Leap #6 Thanksgiving Potluck
Great Leap are holding their annual Thanksgiving potluck. They’ll be deep frying a bunch of turkeys and all they ask is that you bring a dish to share. Beers on tap, naturally. Free. 2-6pm. Great Leap Brewing
Nov 28: Thanksgiving Reprieve at The Brickyard
If you can’t make it up to Mutianyu on the day itself, The Brickyard is reprieving its family-style Thanksgiving feast on Saturday, November 28, serving up roast turkey and traditional sides, and a whole buffet of homemade desserts. RMB 388. 5-8pm. The Brickyard Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall
This post first appeared on thebeijinger.com on November 9, 2015
Photo: Flickr.com