Beijing's First Five Star Breakfast

Following on from the success of its Peking duck, Made in China at the Grand Hyatt is now serving a gourmet take on a traditional Beijing breakfast. This represents a small victory for the capital's oft-missed morning meal - if anyone can do it justice, Made in China can. So what's it like?

The self-serve buffet features a huge spread of sweet and savoury dainty Beijing snacks. Chances are this is as good as these age-old staples have ever looked. Beside the snacks there's an extensive jiu station - the first of its kind? - with a multitude of porridge types in big terracotta pots, including black rice and millet, as well as hot soy milk, silky doufu nao and Beijing's famously stinky douzhi. A broad selection of pickles, salt eggs and other bits are available for topping.

Diners can also order an unlimited number of a la carte dishes from a two page menu which includes steamed buns, fried dumplings, doughy youbing - indeed, every type of hot street snack imaginable.

Those with a knowledge of traditional Beijing and Hui snacks will make lots of pleasing discoveries here. And if you're new to the cuisine, it's an indulgent introduction to a culinary culture that's becoming scarce in China's capital.

Available every morning from 7-9.30am, Made in China's Beijing breakfast cost RMB 180+15%.

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