Capital Bites: Cafes and More
A few cafes have opened up in Sanlitun recently. Taking over the club White Rabbit’s spot in 3.3, Hercules offers up deli fare in the form of sandwiches, salads and soups. Refresh! around the corner under Hooters also serves light fare in the form of sandwiches and paninis, baked goods, smoothies and coffee.
The Bookworm is getting into the Christmas spirit with mulled wine and mince pies, and around the corner is newcomer Khanbaba, an Indian/Pakistani restaurant dishing out samosas and other dishes (including Chinese food) at reasonable prices. For a real deal, check out their lunch buffet (Mon-Fri, 11.30am-2.30pm for RMB 38).
For some tasty xiaolongbao, head to Shanghainese chain Xiao Nan Guo in City Mall. Soon to be its neighbor is the newest branch of Element Fresh, another popular Shanghai chain.
During the winter, nothing is more comforting than hearty Eastern European food. Bluecity Polish restaurant in Shangdu Soho has a menu including perogies and cabbage rolls.
Budapest in Sanlitun has finished renovations making it a sleeker better-lighted spot, and has added even more Hungarian specialties to their menu.
If it’s too cold to leave the house, but you still want carbs galore, Hegel’s Bagels is up and running will deliver fresh bagels (RMB 80/dozen) to your door.
Pie House has a new razzleberry tart (a happy combo of raspberry and blueberry) as well as chocolate hazelnut cake for the holiday season. On top of that, they are hopping on the ever-popular cupcake train and now deliver five for RMB 125.
There are also many new menus around town. Element Fresh, Maison Boulud, Bei and Morio are among those taking winter in stride and offering updated menus with seasonal ingredients that’ll help keep you warm.
Element Fresh now has lamb with lentils, and Morio will serve individual pots of nabemono – a warming Japanese stew – with seafood.
Kagen is offering more than a new menu, they’re taking the cold seriously and adding robatayaki and yakitori grills to help keep us warm.
