This new family-friendly eatery opened its doors about a month ago, close to the South Gate of Chaoyang Park. I had to take my four-year-old to check out just how family-friendly it really is. I was surprised by the very light and abstract interior. I adore yellow, and cool designs, so this restaurant was a treat for my eye.
Nathan Zhang has left the hutongs and opened Cravings as a more family-friendly establishment – and it shows. It has a great kids’ area; it’s a bit difficult even to enter as an adult. The kids’ corner has a ball pit, books, plenty of cool toys and a cute toy kitchen. The bathroom is created for parents and toddlers, with a special kids’ toilet situated next to the adult throne. My daughter thought this was a pretty epic thing, and wanted to spend 20 minutes “hanging out” in the loo. The restaurant is kitted out with air purifiers to keep it a safe space on bad air days.
Cravings has a kids menu and we ordered the fish and chips which comes with a juice and a big plate of fresh fruit. I ordered the avocado and smoked salmon toast and not only was it a feast for the eye, it was a feast in my mouth. The egg was perfectly cooked and the sour dough was crispy, just how I like it. My daughter actually ate a lot of the fruit on her fruit plate, which is a huge plus in my book. Then I savored their signature dessert with marshmallow and pickled fruit; my toddler was busy in the play area so I got to enjoy that all by myself. Cravings did have some mixed reviews. This made me wonder what makes for a good eating spot with kids? My daughter and I had a great lunch where she was as entertained and happy as I was, and this is a winning combination in my book. Click here to find Cravings.
Photos: Pauline van Hasselt
