Top 3 Foodie WeChat Groups to Join, Plus Halloween Dining Specials

Throughout much of the rest of the world, folks largely rely on Yelp to discover new restaurants and the like. And while Beijing has its counterpart in Dianping, given that there’s no English interface for the app, it can be a bit difficult to navigate at times. So for non-Chinese speakers, the easiest way to get dining recommendations is from topic-specific WeChat groups, where fellow foodies not only post about their authentic experiences and share photos but also where restaurant owners can highlight (read, sometimes spam) groups with their latest deals and promotions.

Here are a few of the must-join foodie WeChat groups for those living in Beijing.

Food X

Food X is great for group discussions about food. Members share photos, location pins, and their experiences from cool restaurants in Beijing. The rules are pretty straightforward. If you’re there, you’re probably a foodie. Just don’t be creepy, spam the group, or trash talk restaurants without approaching the owner first. There are hundreds of people in the group, so chances are the restaurant owner is among them.

To join: Add PROMETHEUS2828 on WeChat

Foodies in Beijing

Run by Beijing’s own Foodie Queen Ana Lourenco, this is another group for food lovers. The rules are that you need to stay on topic and be respectful of others and their opinions in the group. Constructive criticisms are allowed, but don’t be rude and definitely don’t spam the group.

To join: Add ana_linanxin on WeChat.

FamFriendlyEats

This one is specifically for foodie parents. As we know, not all family-friendly restaurants are suitable for kids of every age so this group is where you can ask for recommendations based on your unique family make-up. Like with other WeChat groups, the rules are simple – be respectful of others’ opinions and don’t spam the group.

To join: Add Wilhelmina87 on WeChat.

In other news, with Halloween fast approaching, the city’s filling up with all sorts of spooky dining events. From Hulu’s Halloween-themed menu (adorably named Hulu-ween) to the Feast Halloween brunch that’s become a citywide tradition, there’s plenty to do for kids of all ages and even more for Halloween fanatic parents who would rather arrange for ayi to watch the kids so they can celebrate all night long.

Scan the QR code below to check out the city’s most comprehensive list of Halloween events.