Are you following jingkids International’s account on China’s essential dining and exploring app Dazhong Dianping, better known as Dianping (DP) yet? Think of it as a Chinese Yelp – which can really help you to discover new places in the neighbourhood and beyond. Our jingkids account on Dianping offers full reviews in English so that our expat families can easily access our noteworthy places. Scan the QR code below to follow us!
Recently, we tried the weekday lunch specials at the Great Leap Brewing Xinyuan Jie location and decided to compare it with our previous experience of the weekend brunch specials at the Great Leap Brewing in Lidu. So what’s our takeaway?
Firstly, the weekday lunch specials consists of Spaghetti Bolognese (RMB 55), Slow-Braised Pork Rice (RMB 50), Loco Moco (RMB 60) and the Chicken Burrito (RMB 50). The weekend brunch menu offers Sausage Egg and Cheese Sandwich (RMB 45), Three-hand Fried Chicken Biscuit (RMB 55), Loco Moco (RMB 55), Great Leap Breakfast (RMB 65) and the Soul Food Platter (RMB 118). There’s more variety in the lunch menu, with less fried, healthier options. Clearly, the Loco Moco is a point of pride at Great Leap, and indeed it used to be our favorite before they changed some ingredients. Now it lacks the oomph it used to have for me personally, though it is still a perfectly decent dish.
Price-wise, while the lunch menu’s prices are quite competitive for the market, the brunch menu prices are among the lowest for any weekend brunch, so brunch wins on the price front. That said, the lunch price includes a drink (even juice), which is definitely a draw.
In terms of location, the Lidu outlet is still my family’s favorite thanks to its large outdoor space. They’ve done up the terrace seating with fairy lights and astroturf, which makes it quite pretty in the evening. Sadly, there are usually smokers around during that time so it’s not terribly kid-friendly. But it’s definitely pleasant enough in the late morning for brunch! Plus, the neighborhood is lovely to walk around in afterwards.
Other recent reviews on Dianping also include Sanlitun Taikooli’s Tarentum, which touts Mediterranean flavors, Shuangjing’s Singaporean-focused Vanda Room, as well as CupOne in Wangjing, which is only worth visiting for one reason – find out what that is in our review on Dianping!
Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush
