With the arrival of spring and the abundance of fresh ingredients, chefs in Beijing are getting creative with their menus, focusing on dishes that feature tender and flavorful spring bamboo shoots. Restaurants all over the city are updating their menus to offer the best of the season.
One such restaurant is Xunchu·Jitang, which features home cuisine from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. They will be updating their menu and environment for the spring season. One of the must-try dishes on the new menu is the Fried Shepherd’s Purse with Spring Bamboo Shoots. This dish is a combination of freshness that will tantalize the taste buds. Another signature dish to try is the Fried Broad Bean with Garlic, which is one of the most popular beans produced during the spring.
Ya from Under Clouds is also launching a spring set menu that takes diners on an immersive trip to the deeper areas of Yunnan. The meal starts with Yunnan olive juice as a welcome drink and includes both Dali milk cheese and Nuodeng ham as openers. One of the highlights of the menu is the Spicy Fish Soup, which features a homemade fermented pepper, dry papaya, and dry plums, resulting in a rich, spicy, and sour flavor.
Rive Gauche at the PuXuan Hotel and Spa is launching a weekend lobster brunch from March 4th to May 31st. The menu features a selection of lobster dishes hand-picked by Chef Basil Yu. The brunch menu includes sharing starters such as Lobster Mango Cobb Salad, Lobster Hummus, Duck Confit, and Foie Gras Rillette. The classic Eggs Benedict has also been amplified with the addition of lobster, and both the classic Lobster Roll and Lobster Avocado Crêpes are worth trying.
At Fang Suo Commune, a bookstore and café, the chefs are incorporating seasonal ingredients into their dishes as well. Their new spring menu features dishes such as Avocado and Salmon Tartare, Roast Lamb with Rosemary, and Stir-fried Lamb with Cumin.
The Peking Duck, a staple in Beijing cuisine, is also getting a spring update. Duck de Chine, a restaurant that specializes in Peking Duck, is offering a new dish on their menu called the Spring Duck. The dish features a specially prepared duck that has been fed a unique diet of bamboo shoots and other spring ingredients, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for the season.
Other restaurants in Beijing are also taking advantage of the abundance of spring ingredients by offering seasonal dishes. At Jing Yaa Tang, a modern Chinese restaurant, diners can try the Stir-fried Asparagus with Shrimp and XO Sauce or the Braised Chicken with Bamboo Shoots and Mushrooms. And at The Georg, a European-style restaurant, the chefs are incorporating seasonal ingredients into their dishes, such as the Grilled Artichoke with Lemon Aioli and the Lamb Chop with Mint Sauce.
For those who prefer vegetarian options, there are plenty of restaurants offering fresh and flavorful dishes that highlight the season’s ingredients. The Veggie Table, a vegetarian restaurant, has updated its menu with dishes such as Braised Tofu with Bamboo Shoots and Vegetable Fried Rice. And at Green T. House, a restaurant known for its fusion cuisine, the chefs are incorporating spring ingredients into their dishes, such as the Sauteed Asparagus with Black Truffle Sauce and the Wild Mushroom Soup with Bamboo Shoots.
Overall, the chefs in Beijing are embracing the season and incorporating fresh, tender, and flavorful ingredients into their menus. Whether you prefer traditional Chinese cuisine or more modern fusion dishes, there are plenty of options to choose from that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.