Get Your Fill: Buffet Brunches are Back

There are plenty of good brunches to be had around town, but for the truly gluttonous among us, nothing beats an all-you-can-eat buffet. Luckily, a number of hotels are happy to oblige, back and better than ever as business ramps up following the relaxation of COVID-19 dining restrictions.

Below, we’ve gathered a few of the places that will cure your Sunday hangover (or give you one on Monday depending when you go) – though you’ll probably still want an afternoon nap once you’re done stuffing yourself.

Scene A at China World Hotel

Scene A café has reopened and rebranded with a new brunch menu that's a long way away from their pre-COVID offerings. The café now features eight themed stations of cuisine both Chinese and Western – and lots of fresh seafood, including crab, mussels, squid, and sashimi. If you’re there specifically for the seafood, you might also consider the bucket of spicy crawfish, which can be ordered separately.

If you're looking for more traditional bruncher fare, you might try the waffles with ice cream or fresh crepes prepared on-site with a jianbing stove. What's more, the buffet is ripe with plenty of unique creations, such as the sushi skewers and the durian tiramisu served in clay jars like classic Beijing yogurt.

Come next month, the buffet will be valued at RMB 398 per head, however, through the rest of August you can fill up for just RMB 258.

FEAST at EAST Hotel

Another good spot to pig out on seafood and salad, as well as a little dim sum, is the semi-buffet at FEAST at East Hotel which includes 17 main courses, from lamb shoulder to duck breast. At RMB 288 per person, it's a pretty reasonable deal, especially considering the free-flow house wine and craft beer that's included.

If the thought of talking through an entire meal makes you anxious, then plan your brunch around one of their live music sessions slated for Aug 30 and Sep 27, featuring the soothing tunes of the hotel band’s guitarist, Greg. To reserve a table, call 8414 9898 or email restaurantreservation@east-beijing.com.

San Wu Tang at Hotel Jen

Under the leadership of “CBD’s kitchen goddess,” chef Jenny Gao, San Wu Tang has launched a number of twists on old favorites, including a variety of classic Beijing snacks like jianbing. Other must-tries include the Beijing braised pork knuckle, malatang, and barbecue ribs.

Food Studio at Renaissance

Available on Saturdays, this is another buffet with seafood galore. Food Studio also lets you carb up with their bread basket, featuring French baguettes, wholemeal bread, and walnut bread, among others. If meat is your must-have, you won’t be left wanting with choices ranging from oven slow-cooked lamb, baked Cajun chicken, Sichuan-style spicy duck, and Bavarian-style roasted crispy pork. Grab your fill for RMB 238.

Lunar 8 at Fairmont

Lunar 8 is offering a mixed selection of Chinese and Western cuisine for RMB 189 on the weekends and RMB 149 on weekdays, making it one of the best-value buffets in town. In addition to steak and seafood, recommendations include barbecue farm pork, braised sea cucumber, and for dessert, crème brule. If you still have room left, ask about the coconut chicken soup, served in a real coconut.

8 Qi Nian at New World Hotel

While many Beijing buffets feature dim sum, Cantonese restaurant 8 Qi Nian proudly makes it their cornerstone. At RMB 168 on the weekends, it’s not a bad value, either. They recommend booking at least one day in advance by calling 59608811.

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Images: courtesy of the venues, Joey Knotts, Mina Yan