Chinese is not my favorite food.
Gah, that’s a terrible thing to admit, right?
Okay, I can say I love noodles and most dumplings. And I frequently crave (and enjoy) barbeque from a local restaurant. And there are a few Chinese dishes that I really do think are delicious. But as a general rule, I just don’t find myself getting that excited to eat Chinese.
Maybe it’s because I eat at least one Chinese meal a day? Maybe you really can get too much of a good thing?
Living in a little village, there just aren’t too many non-Chinese-food options. But here’s what’s really great about living close to Beijing: the cuisine is unparalleled in quality and variety. Never in my life have I enjoyed food from so many different parts of the world. With so many embassies and outside companies from all over the globe, it only stands to reason that there would also be an incredible diversity in dining options.
This makes me really happy.
In the year and a half that I’ve spent living here, I think I’ve gleaned out Beijing’s true gems of ethnic dining and have an absolute blast sharing these discoveries with visiting friends and summer volunteers.
- I’ve learned that I LOVE Moroccan food.
- Nine times out of ten, I will gladly choose an Ethiopian restaurant over a western one.
- I will never, ever turn down an opportunity to enjoy Pad Thai at the Purple Haze.
- Athena’s Sunday buffet is hands down the best Greek food I’ve ever tasted.
- There’s nothing like sitting outdoors at Schindler’s, sipping their homemade ginger ale with a soft pretzel.
- I never knew that Malaysian, Thai, and Indian food could fuse so well together until I tasted the wonderment that is Asian Star.
- When I’m craving a truly western experience, a big basket of fries and a juicy burger from Let’s Burger will always hit the spot. Or if I’m wanting healthier fare, having a fruit smoothie and warm spinach salad with crumbled bacon and apple slices at Element Fresh is another major fave.
Now that summer is here, most of my favorite restaurants now have outdoor seating. This probably makes me love them even more.
Summer is also the perfect time of year for making my own salads-of-amazingness. Two particular recipes come to mind…
Sort of a Fiesta In Your Mouth
Mixed Greens
Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
Marinated and grilled lime chicken
Sliced Avocado
Grated cheese
Can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
Can of corn (drained and rinsed)
Lime vinaigrette
Caroline’s All-Time Favorite Salad
Mixed Greens
Diced apple
Diced pear
Crumbled bleu cheese or shredded swiss cheese
dried cranberries
cashews
Poppyseed dressing
Suffice to say, I’m eating pretty well here in China. Good thing I’ve got a 3 mile walk to work every day, right?
Asian Star! My first meal in China…..wow, how delicious that tasted after a 14 hour flight….
You do know that I insist on trying ALL of these when I get there, right? (c;
oo that salad looks so pretty!!!!! haha
I regularly enjoy your Pear Salad and think of you!
I don’t think you need to worry about putting on weight! Take this from one who knows…
I wish I could come visit and have you recommend all the best stuff to order at each of these restaurants.