Beijing, China (Part II)

By day 4 in Beijing, I considered slowing down the pace. So, my breakfasts were very light consisting mainly of Congee (a healthy rice porridge) and tea. Lunch was usually ice creams and fresh fruits, providing some relief from the sweltering heat and sun. Dinner, however, was the one meal where I splurged.

Our friends, Ran Xiao & Gretta, invited us for dinner to try some authentic roast duck, which is a local favourite. They took me to Xiao Wang's home restaurant inside Ritan park. In addition to its great location and decor, this place is known for great food. We started out with plates of mushroom, bitter gourd and pickled radish, followed by one of their signature dishes: Deep fried spicy spare rib. The roast duck, served with pancakes and sweet soubean sauce, was mouthwateringly delicious. The main course also included a platter of sweet potato, boiled chestnuts, groundnuts and purple corn. Unlike in the West, alcohol is usually consumed after a meal. So, our hosts took us to the swanky Xiu bar at the Park Hyatt hotel for some great cocktails, whiskey and ambience.

The next night was another culinary adventure. A few friends took me out to Mala Youhuo, also known as Spirit Spice, for some tongue-numbing Sichuan food. I let the lovely Soo and Jie Xia order for me and what a great job they did. We had Beef tripe & duck blood in chili sauce, Spicy hot frog, Curry beef, Steamed sparerib in sticky rice wrapped in Reed leaves, White pear in red wine, Chicken with pepper, Deep fried kidney beans and Bean jelly in chili sauce. The highlight was a giant bowl of Boiled snakeheaded fish in hot oil. This dish is quite oily but the fish has really good flavour. Fortunately, there were 8 of us sharing this meal or I wouldn't be able to try a little bit of everything.

Another place that came highly recommended was "Ghost Street". Tucked behind Beijing's Inner Dongzhimen Street, this area is said to have derived its name from the city's old "Ghost Fairs". Known to Beijingers as Gui Jie (which actually does not mean ghost), this place is a favourite amongst locals with its red lanterns, traditional courtyards and hundreds of restaurants along the street.

I could go on and on about Beijing and its amazing food culture but this is one place where you have to experience it to understand how good it really is.