Revolutionary Themed

Run by the grandson of a former chef of Mao Zedong's this restaurant serves classic, imperial cuisine made from organic vegetables befitting a state banquet. Prices for the prix fixe menu ranges from RMB 580-1,280, depending on number of courses and the types of dishes. Reservations necessary.

If you’re a lover of Hunan (Xiang, 湘) cuisine or an unflinching Maoist, Mao Jia ought to please. The “Mao-style” hongshao rou (毛式红烧肉), so named because the stewed pork dish was famously Chairman Mao’s favorite feed, is a must-try. Alternatively, order the jiangshan yipianhong (steamed fish head with salted chilli) – a Hunan classic, though not always palatable to laowai tastes. The Mao busts and other decorative touches do their bit to maintain the revolutionary theme. Expect to spend a minimum of around RMB 100 per person for a decent meal.

If you had a romantic, intimate meal with your beloved in mind, the staff’s cry of “Hail to the chief!” as you step into this restaurant will bring you right back to earth. Instead, expect a noisy, fun night out – get a group together and hire a bus for the trip to Daxing. Most of the dish names allude to the revolutionary era – try the “Revolutionary Family” (革命大家庭, RMB 58) dish. After you’ve been a good cadre and finished up your dinner, ask the wait staff for a Chairman Mao badge as your reward. Daily performances 12.30-1.10pm, 7.30-9pm.

Walls decorated with old newspapers from the “cultural revolution” period; wait staff kitted out as revolutionary heroes; and red flags and stars all around. It’s fair to say that the revolutionary-nostalgia restaurant genre holds little appeal for fans of subtle design. Genjudi mainly specializes in Hebei cuisine, but does offer dishes from many other parts of China. Prices are reasonable, although getting out to Daxing inevitably adds to the total expense. Try the baked donkey meat cake (驴肉火烧, RMB 4) and shoubai chang (手掰肠, RMB 16).

One of the most famous revolutionary restaurants in Beijing, The East is Red stands out with its over-the-top Maoist dining environment: red flags, slogans and large pictures of Mao. All the waiters and waitresses wear predictably “red” uniforms, and dishes are served in large portions that would put many a Dongbei restaurant to shame. Signature selections include shazhucai (杀猪菜; a stew dish made with pork, tofu and sour Chinese cabbage). The dining hall is huge and the atmosphere frequently lively.