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

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(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.

Beijing - To Eat (12March2018 Mother's Taste)

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16Jul2014
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Mother's Taste

(Recommend by others. Located in shopping mall on 4th floor
behind Grand Millennium Beijing)

Like the plethora of food dining options available there, Mother’s taste came recommended by others. Located on the 4th floor of this shopping mall located behind Grand Millennium Hotel.

Ordered on:
12March2018
Their specialty chicken 1/2

Its really just a smoked chicken. Because of the smoking process the meat is a little firmer and saltier. A little under whelming to be honest.
Signature fried pork dish

Another relatively salty dish which is like a variant of Philippine’s crispy pata.
Mala Long Bean

The tongue numbing spice wasn’t over bearing and goes really well with the rest of the dish. A classic and popular order.
Garlic Shellfish

Amazing order. The garlic chilli mix wasn’t too overbearing or spicy at all. Juicy shellfish pieces with that amazing but oily sauce.
Brinjal dish

This was surprisingly nice especially with the raw garlic and fresh celantro thrown over it. The sauce over is on the salty side, but its good with a bowl of rice.
Total fed 5 at 227RMB Total

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

A damn value for money meal in a relatively nice restaurant. Like most places in Beijing, the food was salty and oily. The standouts were the vegetable dishes and shellfish. Strangely the place doesn’t serve Chinese tea.

Its assumed that most of the restaurant pricing were about that range of 50RMB a pax. If one is looking for even more value alternatives the basement floor have more options. Food court food located as the same level and the supermarket basement 1 featured meals at 12-18 RMB. There was also a buffet hotpot joint going for 35RMB+.

Click here for location of 北京千禧大酒店

Bijing - To Eat (5th Dec2014 Quan Qu De)

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05Dec2014
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Quan Qu De

(Brand name Duck chain)

Click here for ABBA location of Quan Ju De Olympic Village Roast Duck Restaurant

Floors1-3, Bldg A, Tianchuang Shiyuan Building, 309 Huizhong Beili, Chaoyang District

Finally after having heard so much about Quanjude (Chinese: 全聚德; pinyin: Quánjùdé, ) a Chinese restaurant known for its trademark Quanjude Peking Roast Duck and its longstanding culinary heritage since its establishment in 1864 in Beijing, China I was finally able to give this place a try.
ABBAnote: The certification and full service only comes with a complete order of the duck.
Getting there:
- It is three junctions down from V Continental hotel. Cab drivers are unwilling to take up the fair to drive to location. One is really better off just taking a walk down. We had waited for 30mins and three cab drivers bypassed us, only to have the doorman walk us to the main road by Northstar shopping center to hail a cab.
A walk back takes 20mins.

Ordered on 5th Nov2014:
One order of Duck for RMB238

*The crispiest part assuming from near the butt area is first serve to truly enjoy the unadulterated flavors. Crispy, oily and served warmed. Best enjoyed and appreciated straight up.*

*Two serving portions of the really, light crispy skin and tender meat. There really isn't a whole lot of meat from that order of duck. Some were thinking of packaging one home, but changed their mind there after having had the duck. Not because it was bad, but it was probably the sweet sauce, spring onions and wrap that seemingly overpowered the taste of the meat. The remaining bones of the duck can either be packet home or made into a clear simple soup with no duck meat. Nothing really spectacular about it really.*

*Certification that came with the duck.*

 Additional order of Beef, Corn with Pine Nutts and Asparagus which were all pretty much to standard. They're all good but I cant recollect if they were cheaper than other restaurant like a good chain Bellagio found in Beijing and Shanghai*

Fed 4: RMBApprox 550 total. 

My thoughts, yes the duck is really nice, especially served warm, as though freshly out of the oven. Previous sets have mentioned of the great song and dance in terms of service that comes with ordering a whole duck. That really seemed to lack luster. Only when ordering a whole duck, does it first come presented to you, but later on, in our case was carved up on a table away from our immediate view (not table side).

A certification does come along with but overall nothing really to scream about in terms of service. Perhaps it being served on a tea-candle heated plate to keep the meat warm and crisp up more? Other than that, really nothing special and nothing compared to the best service experienced so far at Restaurant Dinner in London.

Overall verdict. Everyone acknowledges that the duck is good, but there are many other places that can get duck done just as well for less or about the same price. Its a branded name whose standards have been kept. Its just that other restaurant ducks have been uping their overall standards so this place lacks luster. Good, but probably a check in the box. Better saving up your money to try somewhere else for better value for better or equally good. As per contributed article below, their other dishes aren't really anything to scream about. 

*ABBA contribution by Jessica for alternate location for Beijing DuckThe Chinese crew also said Kerry Hotel(horizon restaurant ) better compare to quan qu de. Other also said the famous DaDong oso not so good and found the meet very dry. Horizon gives crew 20 or 30% discount on the spot. But must order duck an hour in advance..*

Click here for ABBA location of Quan Ju De Olympic Village Roast Duck Restaurant

Floors1-3, Bldg A, Tianchuang Shiyuan Building, 309 Huizhong Beili, Chaoyang District

ABBA contribution review by Denison Tan

Having been there twice, the restaurant is always packed with diners. The duck is brought out and sliced in front of diners, the meat still attached to the skin.

Duck set goes for 288RMB each including the usual condiments.

*pic from Left, Fried Rice, Spicy Topshell, Shredded Chicken Cold Dish, Duck Liver*

Unfortunately, the other dishes featured fell short - vinegar is a oft-used condiment and the fried rice lacks the "wok hei" of our local examples. Stick to the duck or head someplace else.

Click here for ABBA location of Quan Ju De Olympic Village Roast Duck Restaurant

Floors1-3, Bldg A, Tianchuang Shiyuan Building, 309 Huizhong Beili, Chaoyang District

Listed as number 1 on China.org.cn http://www.china.org.cn/top10/2011-08/05/content_23143593_10.htm
*Contributed by Denison Tan

*ABBA contribution by JessicaThe Chinese crew also said Kerry Hotel(horizon restaurant ) better compare to quan qu de. Other also said the famous DaDong oso not so good and found the meet very dry. Horizon gives crew 20 or 30% discount on the spot. But must order duck an hour in advance..*

Beijing - To Eat (16July2014Xiabu Xiabu)

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Beijing - To Eat
16Jul2014
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Xiabu Xiabu

(Chain brand found everywhere)

 ENGLISH MENU AVAILABLE!

Click here for nearest Xiabu Xiabu, located in Foodcourt of North Star Shopping center. Nearest to V Continent Hotel.

Xiabu Xiabu is a chain establishment, serving hotpot sets and also provides A la carte dining. Choose your soup base, your mains and subsequently add-ons as well as dipping sauces.

Finally, after having heard so much about XiabuXiabu from the China crew, I've finally had the opportunity to try this place. After this meal, I can clearly see the attraction. Cheap, value for money and really good.

Ordered: 
19Jul2014
Fatty Beef Set RMB37

*Man the fatty beef set for that extra RMB2 may not be worth the health implications. The standard beef set has more than enough marbling of fat.*  
16Jul2014
Choice Beef Set RMB35
x1 set each
The sets come without drink.

Serving portion are huge! Set meals come with a mountain of vegetable varieties, consisting of mushrooms, carrots, turnip and noodles. Furthermore, the meat servings is also respectable, with cuts, not overtly laden with fat.

Their Sesame dipping Sauce, with fresh herbs (choice of garlic/shallots) was pleasant with the meal. The additional options of Peanut Chili paste, is a definite must ordered (pictured left). Sauce is somewhat similar to bean paste. Not overtly spicy or salty and blends perfectly with the meats and/or noodles. So good that we had to add another order!
(P.s. If you love the sauce here and Shabu shabu style dining, then you've got to try Shanghai's Dolar Shop. You'd go crazy with their range of, quality dipping sauces available there. Two thumbs up! Click here for ABBA details on Shanghai's Dollar Shop.)
Definitely, going for the set is the easiest, convenient and most value for money order! Ben Yo. "Very filling with the set meal order on its own and worth every penny."

Additional single order of
Lamb Slices RMB22
 
 Ben Yo, "Not value for money and the meat is a little gamey. Stick to the beef set."
Total with drink orders of Ice Lemon tea, approx RMB110+ for two pax.

Try the nearest chain near you. Am sure you'll make it your next go to joint, especially on a cold winters day.

Click here for nearest Xiabu Xiabu, located in Foodcourt of North Star Shopping center. Nearest to V Continent Hotel.

Beijing - To Eat (10Jan2013 V-Continent Room Service)

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Beijing, To Eat
10JAN2013
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V-Continent (Aka Crowne Plaza Room Service)
Ordered:
Club Sandwich

*It was a slow food review day. Unfortunately, mostly in China, food orders require an economies of stomachs. Hence this review goes out to the room service at V- Continent. 

Firstly, the very fact that the in-room menu was hidden from view was a mystery. Hidden away in the study desk drawer. How was anyone who'd suppose to know it were in there? Anyway, order for the club sandwich made and arrived approximately 30mins as advised over the phone.

Served with a cellophane wrap -_-. Fries were soggy. The coleslaw fairly decent, equivalent  to a roadside diner with little business, and the sandwich simple enough that you can't go that far wrong. Chicken meat in between was dry. A stomach filler and nothing more. Cant speak for the rest of the dishes, but if the standard was about there, you're better off braving the cold to go to the food court next door North Star Food Court. Click here for other ABBA reviews near the hotel.

 Fed 1. Total: 77RMB (-30% for Crew)

 

Click here for ABBA location of V Continent Hotel.8号 N. 4th Ring Road Middle  Chaoyang, Beijing, China, 100101

010-84982288

China - Beijing, To Eat (Churrascos at V continent Hotel)

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Churrascos
(at V-continent Beijing) 
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*the menu*

Click here for ABBAlocation of Crowne Plaza Hotel 8号 N. 4th Ring Road Middle Chaoyang, Beijing, China, 100101

A nice dinner setting with staff dressed in bright colors, osoboku napkin holders, table-side trio selection of chimichurris and Brazilian samba music playing in the background fills this dining space. Wait staff with freshly broiled meats come table side to slice up choice cuts of different meats. A painted stone, available table side, with green (Yes i want more meat served) and red, (I've had enough.)

Dined on 15July2014

Having another meal, after over a year at Churrascos. Top choices for re-orders this time round were definitely the Beef short ribs, braised lamb (which was incredibly tender like slow stewed pork), chicken hearts and juicy beef rump. Just look at the pink colouration seen above! Done absolutely to perfection as pictured. Along with the 30% crew discount, pricing can't be beat. RMB155 after discount for an evening dinner.
Some of the meat maybe a little gamey, and depending on cuts, a little dry. Furthermore as the crowd builds up, quality and consistency in roast vary slightly. However its still a great place to go for some good eats at attractive pricing.

Dined on 10Jul2013 

Side dishes available

Medley of roasted mushroom, sweet carrots and zucchinis, roasted potatoes

*The roasted veggies and fat mushrooms were fantastic and really helped cut through the heavy meats then soon follow suit.*

Mix of cold, cooked and marinated capsicums, mushrooms and pseudo salads with the usual rice and beans typical with churrascaria meals.

Meats Served:

Pork ribs

Beef

*According to fellow guest, it was the one of the best beefs he's had since his working stint in Beijing. 

Got standard, and thumb up approval*

Lamb 
*Has a very gamey flavor which may not suit some individuals.*
Beef/Chicken wrapped in pork belly 

Sausages 
*Flavorful and well spiced, but the meat seems overly processed, resulting in a powdery sort of texture.* 
Chicken Wings
Marinated Chicken
Cow Tongue 
*When in China. A strange, rough textural experience and a cross between processed ham and beef cheeks.* 
Spice Rubbed, Roasted Pineapple 
*A personal favorite to cap off the meal and a great pallet cleanser.
Roasted perfectly and the heat enhances the pineapple's natural sweetness.

Initial service was a little disappointing. On first clarification was an order for white Erdinger beer, but a dark was served instead. Despite the miscommunication of sorts, staff were unwilling to change the order and passively insisted us be charged for the two open bottles.

Secondly, it may have been because of a junior staff tending to us, but beers were poured at height into a tall glass, resulting in all head and little to no body. A blasphemy in the world of beer drinking.

However attempts at service recovery was made with two, complimentary, white Erdinger beers served.

Overall, food was good. By comparison to Singapore's Churrascarias, it stands between 6thAvenue's and maybe an edge or at par with Carnivore. Get ready to work up a meat sweat.

DINNER
198RMB++ for meat only Buffett

298RMB++ for seafood and meat Buffett 

Subject to additional 15%service tax
Crew receive a 30% discount when charged to the room.

Click here for ABBAlocation of Crowne Plaza Hotel 8号 N. 4th Ring Road Middle Chaoyang, Beijing, China, 100101