I love sugar, it’s the most legal way to get a quick hit of dopamine and I’m convinced 90 percent of holiday cheer is driven by confections. This year many of us won’t be making it home again, nor indulging in those little traditional treats that not only make us feel warm and cozy but effectively function as a necessary coping mechanism. So I turned to local dad, Chi Fan for Charity President, and Beijing’s de facto Foodie Emperor Preston Thomas to get the inside scoop on all things cavity-inducing for this holiday season.
Your favorite holiday treat and where to get it?
This is not a holiday treat per se but it sure is delish. Knafe from Turkish Feast, it is amazing. Stringy cheese with honey water and some filo pastry bread. Served steaming hot, its great any day of the week. It’s addicting! So good!
Your kids’ favorite?
My kids love sweets so I’m on a first-name basis with the dentist. Since they love chocolate so much it has to be the chocolate mousse at Panorama. 100 percent addictive, it’s creamy with some sea salt tucked in there. You definitely need a lot of self-control because you will certainly want more than one.
Best cinnamon roll in the ‘Jing?
Support local! Fiona has some of the best homemade cinnamon rolls in town! Who doesn’t love homemade? Add her WeChat: fionayaoxi.
Where do I find gingerbread?
Kempi Deli in the Kempinski Hotel. This would be my go-to for anything Christmas related. The Germans love Christmas, and they pretty much have everything from gingerbread to Christmas bread. This is a one-stop shop.
Best cake/pie around town?
Apple pie with cinnamon ice cream at Morel’s. There’s just something about a warm apple pie.
Christmas cookies?
Not local but homemade, hit-up Mary’s Sweets (WeChat ID: Mjmika_12080425). If you want local – 100 percent Peach by TRB, for any holiday they go all out and with three locations in the city, you have options. Pro tip: Order the Christmas box, perfect for holiday parties or just snacking at home.
Latkes?
Head over to the only Jewish shop in Beijing, Dini’s in 798. They should be able to get you sorted for all your Hanukkah needs.
Donuts?
Michael’s German Bakery. If you are in the North Chaoyang or Shunyi area, head over here for the best doughnuts. Sorry, Timmy Ho’s and Dunkin. This place wins every single time. Get the cream-filled doughnuts (under RMB 10 each). Delicious!
Best holiday cocktail?
Mulled wine at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, if you are at or around Universal Studios. Head over to the City Walk and stop in for a mulled wine – they have a full bar on the second floor – and a milk shake. You might end up with diabetes after the milkshake though.
Where to get classic candy from back home?
IKEA (if you want to spend way more money than you should on stuff you definitely don’t need), Butler & Whites (mainly British candy but they have a great selection of a lot of different products and they have a WeChat shop), or Jenny Lou’s/Jenny Wang’s/April Gourmet (for when you need it last minute and can’t wait).
Bonus: Go-to holiday caterer for parties?
TRB Catering. Ignace and his team always do an amazing job. Just go with the best, you won’t regret it.
KEEP READING: Roundabout Gifts to Make Them Smile
Images: Preston Thomas
