A Few Spots to Grab Food and Drink Along the Liangma River, Pt.1
With spring finally on the horizon in the capital and warmer weather already beginning to settle in, why not enjoy the change in season with a walk along the Liangma River. Dubbed the “Seine of Beijing” by China Daily last year, Liangma River has truly become one of Beijing’s most popular scenic spots over the past few years -- I’m sure everyone will remember the fervor it gained during May’s semi-lockdown last year.
Along with being a great place for a spring walk there are also plenty of eateries, cafes and bars dotted around the area where you can take in the river scenery or grab a drink or bite to eat and relax. Here is our part one of a few of our favorite Liangma River spots, we’ll be following up with a part two soon.
La Medina
Opening up in the summer of 2021, La Medina is a North African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean fusion restaurant. The restaurant has plenty of natural light inside and outdoor seating in spring/summer, making it an especially lovely place to visit in the late afternoon or early evening. A must order is their Mezze Platter (RMB 88/small, RMB 108/large) which sees a selection of hummus, mutabbal, carrot salad, tabbouleh and baba ganoush served with fresh flatbread. If you’re looking for something more substantial, they have numerous BBQ Couscous Dishes like Merguez Couscous (RMB 108) or Beef Kofta Couscous (RMB 98) as well as other main dishes, pizza and sandwiches.
La Medina
No 18, Liangmahe South Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马河南路18号1层
Arrow Factory
This British style brewpub opened up their Liangma River location back in January 2016. They’ve undergone some renovations since then, but still have a great rooftop that’s the perfect spot to chill come summer. Being a British style pub, Arrow boasts a menu of British pub classics like Fish and Chips (RMB 128), Pies (RMB 98-108) and Bangers and Mash (RMB 85). The menu is rounded out by other Western staples like burgers and pizza to make this a great spot for a hearty meal.
Come the weekend Arrow brings out the brunch options, including their Full English (RMB 80), which I consider to be the best fry-up in Beijing. It’s the perfect way to start your day before a walk along the river. To wash the food down with they have a great range of their craft beers, along with hot drinks, cocktails and wine. If you're a beer fanatic then be sure to go on Saturdays, when select beer is buy one get one free.
Arrow Factory
Waijiao Apartment, 1 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路1号外交公寓亮马河南岸
In-Kitchen
Perhaps one of the lesser known Indian restaurants in Beijing, In-Kitchen -- closely related to Indian Kitchen near Ritan Park -- is situated on the south side of the Liangma River on the north edge of the Sanlitun embassy area. As you’d expect from any Indian eatery worth its salt, they have plenty of different curry variations on offer, from classics like Beef Massala (RMB 78) and Chicken Korma (RMB 72), to a whole range of Aloo curries (RMB 52-56) and many more besides. If you’re feeling particularly decadent, there's the Masala Lobster (RMB 298), or go for a bit of everything in the Non-Vegetable BBQ Platter (RMB 162).
In-Kitchen
2/F, 2 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯北小街2号2楼
The Daily Bagel
The Daily Bagel is one of the capital's go-to spots for great New York style bagels, and it even makes for a great morning spot to grab some coffee and one of their delicious baked treats. A must try is their Love From Philly (RMB 80) which is basically a Philly cheesesteak crossed with a bagel. This bagelwich sees sliced beef is mixed with their own homemade cheese wiz, a combination of red and yellow onions, and jalapeño slices. For vegetarians reading this, your best bet is the Broccoli Melt (RMB 50), combining roasted broccoli, romesco sauce and mozzarella cheese. Pair one of their bagels with a coffee or tea, or if you’re feeling more indulgent one of their signature milkshakes.
39 West Maizidian Street (1/F of FX Hotel), Chaoyang District
朝阳区麦子店西街39号 富驿时尚酒店一层
Fiume
With floor to ceiling windows giving you panoramic views of the Liangma River it’s clear why the name Fiume, meaning river in Italian, was chosen for this restaurant. Fiume opened its doors way back in 2014, and along with a side-helping of beautiful scenery and plenty of natural light, they serve up a range of classic Italian dishes like Cannelloni (RMB 158) or Parmagianna De Melanzane (RMB 128) as well as numerous seasonal dishes that are regularly updated. Some seasonal dishes to watch out for at the moment are Potato Gnocchi with Artichoke Cream and Scallops (RMB 188) and the Reginette with Sauteed Fresh Porcini and Parsley (RMB 128).
Fiume
1/F, FX Hotel (on the side facing the river), 39 Maizidian Xijie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区麦子店西街39号富驿时尚酒店1层
READ: The Little Canal that Could: The Story behind Beijing's Liangma River
Images: Uni You
