Let’s take a look at my second favorite pastime: eating great food! Here are some fantastic family-friendly dining deals happening in the city during the Chinese New Year holiday.
CNY at Beersmith
I would love to say that the Chinese New Year holiday is looking a little different this year for many of us, but alas, it’s now year three of staying in Beijing. Never fear, however, because Beersmith is here and open throughout the holiday with a full slate of live music, live Winter Olympics coverage, new beers, and more!
This year, you can taste a traditional Spring Festival dish in a non-traditional setting as the CBD brewpub adds festive yusheng to its menu for a limited time only. Sometimes called yee sang, lo sahng, or prosperity toss, yusheng – which literally translates to “raw fish” – is made from strips of raw fish such as salmon mixed with shredded vegetables and fruits including carrot and radish, each of which also has a symbolic meaning. The name yusheng sounds the same as “increased abundance,” so the dish has an auspicious connotation and is used to wish for good luck and good fortune.
When yusheng arrives at the table, everyone grabs their chopsticks and tosses the shredded ingredients in the air while saying “捞起！捞起!” laoqi! laoqi! And the higher you toss the ingredients, the better your fortune will be in the new year!
Unlimited Hot Pot at Cafe Royal
Fill up on all your favorites, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try out some local delicacies you’ve never dared to try before.
Afternoon Tea at Bistrot B
Luck, love, sweets, and treats abound with the Chinese New Year-themed afternoon tea at Bistrot B at Rosewood Hotel. Available from Jan 3-Feb 28, indulge in an array of artfully designed festive goodies in glorious red and gold hues, along with handcrafted savory sensations. The “Red Afternoon Tea” features highlights such as Tie Guanyin Tea Cake, Mandarin Orange Mousse, Almond Raspberry Dome Tart, Red Chocolate Bonbons, and more. Optional upgrades of Billecart Salmon, Rosé Champagne, and 7 Years Kaluga Queen Caviar bring this afternoon dining experience to the next level of decadence, at CNY 988 for two people.
Cheese Fondue at Cafe Zarah
Instead of a spicy Sichuan pepper-infused broth, a pot of melted gooey cheese is also a great choice for winter. No one really does cheese fondues anymore in Beijing, but Cafe Zarah is keeping on with their cheesy annual winter promo.
Their fondues are RMB 298 for two and are served with crunchy cubes of bread, a plate of vegetables, a mixed side of cornichons, pearl onions, and cocktail tomatoes as well as a bowl of pineapple, which you can dip into your bubbling pot! Order an extra cold cut platter with meaty dippers for RMB 98. Reservations are highly recommended.
Conrad Beijing Festival Set Lunch
Luxury doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. The Conrad Hotel has a delicious lunch menu for the holiday season that’s affordable and tasty.
KEEP READING: The Only Beijing Dumpling Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Images: Courtesy of organizers, Pexels
