Arianto Surojo is the Head of Social and Culture Department at the Embassy of Indonesia in Beijing, while Tilly Zaman was formerly a preschool Chinese teacher and is now a full-time mom. This is the second time Arianto has been stationed in Beijing, and they call themselves an “authentic” Beijing family. Why? Because their family became complete when their daughter Tiara was born here 12 years ago. Tiara is now a Grade 7 student at Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA).
Favorite Spot to Relax
Solana Mall. Tiara loves to stroll around the mall with a cup of hot chocolate, while her dad gets coffee from his favorite joint.
Favorite Weekend Activity
Going out to have lunch together! We usually eat pizza or Japanese or Korean BBQ.
Adapted Chinese Culture
Cooking and eating jiaozi on Chinese New Year’s Eve.
Family Rituals
Cooking together on the weekends.
Favorite Neighborhood
Of course, Sanlitun!
Favorite App
Favorite Chinese Restaurant
Western Mahua. Tiara fell in love with their “Beijing Kaoya” (roast duck) the first time she tried it. She literally asks to visit this restaurant at least twice a month.
Favorite Non-Chinese Restaurant
Nine Road Pizzeria, where Tiara gets her favorite Four Cheese Pizza.
Favorite Moment in Beijing
Tiara’s favorite moment was her first day at BWYA. It was fun and she got to make new friends at school. All the teachers and students were so nice.
The Most Interesting You Find About Living in Beijing
Coming back to Beijing after ten years, we are quite surprised by how much the city has changed. Everything has become more convenient. You can go anywhere and do anything without having to carry cash – it’s all electronic now. All you need is your mobile phone and, of course, WeChat. From ordering takeouts, taxis, train tickets, even movie tickets, to grocery shopping, you can do it all by simply tapping your fingers. We love the new Beijing!
Favorite Thing to Cook at Home
Indonesian meatballs
Favorite Thing to Do in the Winter
Staying at home and doing nothing because it’s cold outside.
Favorite Shop for Groceries
Local supermarkets like Jingkelong or Sanyuanli Market to get the special imported goods from Indonesia.
Favorite Family Holiday Tradition
Catching a movie at the cinema and having a good dinner afterwards.
This article appeared in the beijingkids December 2019 Giving Back issue
