Wangfujing might not be the first place you think of when you want to get healthy grub. This tourist street in the cultural center of Beijing has got tons of food choices that would make you think about rescheduling your diet plans.
Just recently when I visited Wangfujing to get my weekly dose of (joy-inducing) donuts, I learned that our friends from TRIBE Organic recently opened a branch at Wangfu (WF) Central Mall. And hey, they’ve got a new spring menu!
To be honest, I’ve been eating a lot since the recent holidays that resulted in gaining the not-so-cool “winter weight.” Now I find it quite hard to go against my habit of munching so why not feast on something healthy? After all, eating makes us happy. And when the food is free of all things unhealthy, we might as well eat all the time!
So after browsing their new menu…
…I started with what I thought might replace my beloved donuts… the Well-Done Banana Buckwheat Waffles. They’re delicious without the guilt of getting tons of sugar, and in turn, calories. What’s more is that it’s a high-protein and metabolism-boosting meal, making it a nice breakfast or after-workout munchie.
The next one I indulged in was the oddly-named Prawn and On Bowl, which has an interesting mix of flavors. If you’re finding cutting rice out of your big meals very difficult, this dish will be a great replacement. The pickle flavor of turmeric lotus root and seaweed paired well with the grains and the roasted red prawns. This could be my lunch every day! If you’re up to the vegetarian option, the red prawns can be replaced with avocado.
The Surfing That Seafood Pizza is a colorful main course that’d be a sure hit with kids. Okay, many kids are accustomed to the usual meat toppings on their pizza, but this one features bite-sized servings of seafood coated with mozzarella cheese!
If you’ve got seafood allergies, the other pizza option is just as delicious and healthy. The Magical Mushroom Pizza might be full of greens but the pairing of mixed mushrooms and a few chillis works wonders. Don’t let the mention of chillis scare you or your kids off; it’s not really spicy! They just give you a very subtle hint of heat, which works surprisingly well with the combo of buffalo mozzarella and ricotta cheese.
To see more of TRIBE’s spring menu, click/tap here.
TRIBE WF Central
Open everyday, 10am-9pm. WF Central, 4th Floor, East Building, 269 Wangfujing Street (6526 2690)
Photos: Andy Penafuerte III
