Temple Restaurant Beijing

Like finding a gold among black sand particles, it is always satisfying to be able to discover a great restaurant. It feels even better when the gold is actually a western restaurant in Beijing. To be honest, I have been struggling in these last few months searching for it. And thank God, I finally found it! My parents visited me last week and I did a little "research" for good-reviewed western restaurant here. Yes, it is Temple Restaurant. Rated as restaurant of the year 2014 by Beijinger.com, most of its customers are pleased not only because of the mouth-watering food, but also because of the amazing services. On the contrary, they also complained about its location, which is very hard to find. Taking a cab is highly recommended.

This Ignace Lecleir's Restaurant is located in the compound of a 600-year-old Buddhist Temple. The conversion is an impressive and delicate balance of the ancient old and new. It basically serves contemporary European cuisine. When we arrived at the entrance gate, there was a waiting staff who "killed" us with her kindness. Once seated, we had our minds blown away and it lasted throughout the evening! I ordered its spring tasting menu (458RMB) with lobster as its main course. I am truly aware that it is costly, but trust me, it is exceptionally reasonable. 

Firstly, we were offered by a complimentary of sparkling wine and petit four, and the followed by homemade bread. 

Petit Four.

Homemade Bread.

Okay, for the appetiser, I chose Gravlax (a dry-cured salmon marinated in herbs), Egg, Capers, Shallots, Horseradish Cream. The staff literally prepared it in front of us and explained all of the its elements clearly. I have never taught that the combination of salmon and horseradish cream worked that well! Thereafter, I chose a heavier dish for the second appetiser, which is Roasted Bone Marrow, Short Rib Marmalade, Herb Salad. Honestly, the short rib really spotted on! It was so juicy and sweet as well. 

I was quite full after two appetisers, yet I had such a high expectation for this asian-style main course. I chose Rice Flake Crusted Lobster, Bok Choy, Coconut Curry, Chilli Garlic Oil since the other option was Duck Confit, and to be honest, I am not a big fan of it. I finished it until there was nothing left on my plate, and even the lobster shell was so crunchy to the extent that I didn't realise it was a shell. It was truly a mind-blowing dish! Last but not least, the dessert: Butterscotch Budino, Bourbon Caramel, Bacon, Celery. Compared to other menus, I was not so pleased with it. It was too creamy for me. 

Gravlax, Egg, Capers, Shallots, Horseradish Cream.

Roasted Bone Marrow, Short Rib Marmalade, Herb Salad.

Rice Flake Crusted Lobster, Bok Choy, Coconut Curry, Chilli Garlic Oil.

Butterscotch Budino, Bourbon Caramel, Bacon, Celery.

Beside the food itself, the stand out for myself though, was the staff and their royal service. They anticipated our every wish and made it such a memorable dining experience. Furthermore, the staff helped to take picture of us, printed it out instantly, and gave it as a souvenir. Bravo for TRB!

Jia 21 Hao Southwest Minority Dishes (甲21号招待所)

Hi, everyone! :D I have been away from blogging for almost 2 months since I moved to Beijing, China now. The internet connection is super slow and there are plenty of browsing restrictions here:( For these past 2 months in Beijing, I have tried many different kinds of food, especially Chinese food. As most of you have known, Chinese food here is so oily, greasy, extremely different from Chinese food in other countries. However, there is one dish which literally made me fall in love from the first bite! God of Pig or Babi Dewa from Jia 21 Hao Southwest Minority Dishes (甲21号招待所) - a chic, contemporary style restaurant which serves flavorful dishes from Southwest China.  

Well, most of Indonesian students here are so crazy talking about it. I had no time to try it until last week my friends invited me to have dinner there for celebrating their birthdays. Yes, i admit it that it looks unappealing, yet trust me, it is so damn damn good!! 

It is basically roasted pork with a little bit of pork belly, accompanied by nuts, a lot of chilies, and fermented mustard cabbage. You have to eat every components of the dish together with white rice and nothing could be possible better than this! My friends ordered two portions of it for our table and we finished all of them instantly. We just could not resist its temptation and as always, diet will start tomorrow! :p 

So, for everyone who is visiting Beijing, please do spare your time to have a lunch or dinner here. You will not regret it for sure! Cheers from Beijing! 

Jia 21 Hao Southwest Minority Dishes (甲21号招待所)

21A Tucheng East Road, North of Huixin East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
朝阳区惠新东街北土城东路甲21号
Tel: +86 010-64895066   
Opening Hours: 11am-2pm; 4:30pm-10pm