ABBATravel

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Beijing - To Eat 29May26 (Xi He Ya Yuan Beijing Duck Restaurant, XiJieDe)

Beijing - To Eat
Click here to Like ABBATravel Facebook page to get the latest details and deals!
(Both Restaurants located in City Mall Shopping Centre)

Xi He Ya Yuan
Beijing Duck Restaurant Lvl3

Worth to check out especially if coming in a big group. The environment is nice and having the option for the ducks bones as a soup or salt pepper fry with a small additional charge was well worth it.

Ordered On:
29May26

*Spicy chicken cold dish.*

*Mixed reviews for the duck thou*

*Spicy Chicken and tomato braised beef.*

*Fresh water sweet and sour fish. It doesn't have that muddy flavor as its drenched in sweet sauce and slow cooked pork with mui chai. Amazing with rice and enjoyed by all. 10 out of 10 for some. As was the spicy mala chicken which is better to have towards the end of the meal and the numbness overpowers any other flavors.*

Standout dishes that resonated with all those with the thumbs up! Great for a group setting. The duck was a hit and so-so for some.

Food 3/5
Service 3.5/5

*Quick to serve, along with changing of fresh plates mid service.*

Ambience 3.5/5

Value 3.5/5
*For the amount of food with the quality, well worth it.*

Fed a total of 10pax at RMB151 Each/ Approx. SGD29.50

By way of how it compares to other known Beijing Duck joints, its good as is for me. So far quite limited by way of exposure and probably Quan Qu De has more fan fare. There are many more trending options available. The dishes were all pretty good and the condiments for the duck were nice and varied.

Click here for ABBA location of Xi He Ya Yuan

XiJieDe
Located B1 in standalone restaurant opposite Yoshinoya.
(Recommended by Ying.L)

Ordered On:
29May26
RMB25/SGD4.73
Lean Sliced Pork & Vegetable Pot

ABBATip:

- Large portion for one. You probably don't need to add on the rice as its already very filling as is. The 'hotpot' comes with clear vermicelli and free flow of condiments and small bites.

Food 4/5
Service 3.5/5
Ambiance 3/5
Value 4.5/5

Awesome bowl of wonderfulness. The complimentary condiment bar was the game changer and really good to adjust the flavors and spiciness to your liking. The umami comes from the fresh coriander, dried shrimps and seaweed. Hearty, enjoyable and comes with loads of vegetables. A go to for me in future.

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Christchurch - To Eat 23May26 (Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters, Pedro's House of Lamb, Belle(coffee-food-people), Texas Grill Christchurch)

Christchurch - To Stay
Christchurch - To Eat
Christchurch - To Do

Christchurch - To Eat

Like ABBAtravel facebook page to share/tag and get the latest updates

Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters
(Recommended by Nurila B.Z)

This will absolutely be my go to stop over place before heading to the usual Supermarket run.

Ordered On:
23May26

The mains were spot on and generously portioned. Their uniquely flavored breads and muffins (Approx. NZD6) were amazing with the butter served table side and went beautifully with, in my opinion pretty New Zealand standard coffee.

Food 4/5
Service na
Ambience 3.5/5
Value 3.5/5

Highly recommended for a Coffee and small pastry and/or looking for something heavier. Mains go for about NZD28+. Portions are generous and remember to request to warm up your breads and muffins.
Click here for ABBA location of Unkown Chapter Coffee Roasters

Pedro's House of Lamb

Take-away-joint!

*Their Colombo Street is listed as a 'Restaurant'
but don't be fooled! Its only a three man counter seating.*
Ordered On:
23May26

Fed 1 generously for NZD25
Food 3.5/5
Ambience na

Service na

Value 4/5
*Large hearty portions sized serving of meat*

Heard so much of this place from locals and others but worth traveling down just for this. Its very well cooked but its better to have this in addition to other things rather than a meal onto itself.

The choicier portions especially with the spice rubs are great but nearer the thicker cuts it needs a little something more. Still good, but more of an accompaniment to a potluck meal or Sunday roast. They can sell frozen packs for reheats back home.

Click here for ABBA location of sit down location of Pedro's

Belle
(Coffee-food-people)

Ordered On:
24May26
Regular Latte with Savory Jalapeno, cheese and bacon scone.
NZD13

Food 3.5/5
Service na
Ambience 3.5/5
Value 4/5

All for the views and vibes. Decent coffee. Their savory jalapeno cheese and bacon was nicely prepared and warmed on service. Good but Unknown Chapter Coffee reviewed above way better.
Click here for ABBA location of Belle

Texas Grill Christchurch
Recommend by Vincent.T

First meeting in JNB 8June2014

Second time in Man 26Oct24

Ordered on:
24May26
Jalapeno Poppers NZD18
Flintstone Steak NZD48
Rack of Ribs NZD60
*We went for the three most talked about the orders at the place*