Springtime in Beijing means two things: People singing KTV really loudly outside subway stations, and new brunch menus. Because a list of top 80s Mandopop tracks isn’t quite as fun, we put together the following guide to Sunday lunch options. Beijing, we dare you to brunch above your weight this spring.
Migas Mercado
Price
RMB390 per person for a set brunch tasting menu, RMB100 and up
a la carte.
Who’s going
Europeans, wannabe Europeans.
Good for
Lingering on the balcony afterwards with cava.
Best bite
The lamb rack with baked potatoes and grilled vegetables (RMB260).
The lowdown
Migas Sanlitun – and its dangerous all-you-can-booze party brunch
– may be gone, but sangria and paella live on at Migas’ gorgeous
new Guomao location. Keywords here are ‘bespoke’ and ‘gourmet.’
Choose a tasting menu, or pick-and-choose a la carte sharing plates
and tapas.
Weekends, 11am-3pm; Migas Mercado
Jing-A Brewpub
Price
RMB50-70 for mains.
Who’s going
Literally every Beijing expat that lives in the area (roughly 50 percent of all Beijing expats).
Good for
Your friends that are capable of drinking beer from noon to midnight.
Best bite
The chicken and ‘egglet’ waffle (RMB70).
The lowdown
Hearty American fare shines alongside even heartier beers at Jing-A, where you could theoretically order tea or coffee, but that wouldn’t be any fun, would it?
Weekends, 11am-2.30pm; Jing-A Brewpub
Beersmith
Price
RMB138 per person (including a starter, main course and your choice of pastry).
Who’s going
CBD residents, beer lovers, families.
Good for
Drinking beer with brunch.
Best bite
The Australian rib-eye with Yorkshire pudding.
The lowdown
One of the best value new brunches in Beijing, Beersmith’s weekend brunch offers maximum options at minimum price by focusing on what brunchers really want (quality roast meats, eggs Benedict, charcuterie) and forgoing what they don’t (low-quality dim sum, stale sushi stations). All this, plus an all-day happy hour on craft beer, makes for a highly satisfying weekend.
Weekends, 11am-3pm; Beersmith
Obentos
Price
Rarely over RMB100 per person.
Who’s going
Fit people sporting athleisure wear.
Good for
Brunching after a run in Chaoyang Park.
Best bite
The smoothie bowls (RMB48).
The lowdown
Beijing’s favorite purveyor of healthy bento boxes has gotten into the brunch game with new, inventive dishes. The smoothie bowls are crowd pleasers, but also on offer are grab-and-go sushi sandwiches (at the very appetizing price of RMB28).
Weekends, all day; Obentos
Jing Yaa Tang
Price
RMB168 per person, add RMB168 more for free-flow Chandon Sparkling Brut.
Who’s going
Appreciators of quality cuisine, colloquially termed ‘foodies.’
Good for
Serious appetites (of both the stomach and liver varieties).
Best bite
The crispy duck and shitake mushroom pastry.
The lowdown
Jing Yaa Tang’s ridiculously good value, all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch has been a cult favorite for years, but now they’ve upped the ante with a free-flow sparkling wine deal. There’s only one conclusion to draw here: JYT has either heard our prayers, or wants to murder us. Likely both.
Weekends, 11am-2.30pm; Jing Yaa Tang @ The Opposite House
Hulu
Price
RMB40 and up.
Who’s going
Sanlitun shoppers and Instagram fiends.
Good for
Saving money on food so you can spend more on booze.
Best bite
The adorably delicious quail eggs (RMB42, pictured).
The lowdown
TRB’s new ultra-casual concept is high on taste and low on price. Order copious amounts of sharing plates, then spend the rest of your money sipping your way through their lengthy wine list.
Daily, all day; Hulu
Tiger Pancake House
Price
RMB60 and up.
Who’s going
Americans craving IHOP.
Good for
Eating your weight – and then some – in pancakes.
Best bite
The vegetable frittata brunch (RMB68).
The lowdown
If you like American-style food in American-sized servings, you’re going to love Tiger Pancake House, which has been low-key offering some of the best-value brunches in Beijing since it opened a couple of years ago. What better way to Shuangjing people watch than through the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows?
Daily; Tiger Pancake House
Zijin Mansion
Price
RMB298 per person (RMB338 including free-flow tea).
Who’s going
Jet setters, the Wangfujing elite.
Good for
Pretending you're in Hong Kong.
Best bite
Golden fried crab shaomai.
The lowdown
Zijin Mansion is the latest spot to get into the dim sum game, so stuff yourself silly. With roast meat, dumplings and seafood, there’s a massive variety of Cantonese favorites. Nibble from the buffet or order a la carte.
Weekends, 11.30am-3pm, Zijin Mansion @ Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Aria
Price
RMB488 per person.
Who’s going
Fancy couples on fancy brunch dates.
Good for
Your anniversary.
Best bite
The unfathomably tender meat rack of lamb is sublime, but Boston lobster is the real star. Soft, buttery lobster – you can’t beat that.
The lowdown
White tablecloths. Your food is made-to-order, so you’re getting it straight from the kitchen (though there is a ‘dessert buffet’). Wine with each course.
Weekends, 11.30am-2.30pm; Aria @ China World Hotel
Zarah
Price
RMB198 per person, RMB298 for free-flow drinks.
Who’s going
Millennial couples, groups of millennials, professional millennials, notso-professional millennials.
Good for
Drinking free-flow prosecco in the springtime sun, recovering from your hangover in the springtime sun.
Best bite
Bacon, sausage and freshly prepared eggs for the carnivores; scrummy salads, fresh fruit and cheeses for the veg lovers.
The lowdown
Laidback vibes and good food. Whether inside or outside, it’s a great springtime spot and is the perfect place to meet up on Sunday to discuss the previous night's events and eat your way through the hangover. With a free-flow drinks upgrade, you can even make yourself a fresh hangover with prosecco, beer and cocktails. Tea and coffee help you recover.
Sundays, 10am-3pm; Zarah
Kerry's Kitchen
Price
RMB418 per person, half price for children ages 6-11.
Who’s going
Families and their children, pumped up on sugar from the chocolate fountain.
Good for
Drinking Champagne while your children run around the play area.
Best bite
The Cantonese-style roast meats.
The lowdown
Perfect for young families, thanks to the play area, plus childfriendly food. For those looking to avoid the sticky kids, sit on the opposite side from the kid’s area and enjoy adult pleasures like wine and sushi.
Weekends, 11am-2pm; Kerry’s Kitchen @ Kerry Hotel Beijing
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