Eat Beat

Beat the smog and dine within an urban forest

There is always a chance of a Sunday brunch hangout being put off by a sudden onset of heavy smog during winter in Beijing. But this new dining spot with a forest theme in the heart of the Wangjing Central Business District might just be the solution. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, Market Cafe promptly transports you from smoggy environs to a tropical paradise filled with plants, trees, water streams and gazebos under pitched louvered roofs. The cafe is now offering a Christmas-themed brunch every Sunday through December, priced at 358 yuan ($52) per person.

Lei Shing Hong Center, 8 Guangshun South Street, Chaoyang district; 010-8630-1234

Savor Nordic cuisine in a charming hutong house

Located next to Nanluoguxiang's hutongs that line a river in the heart of Beijing, The Georg, a restaurant by Danish lifestyle brand Georg Jensen that is constructed out of a renovated hutong courtyard, features a trendy combination of art, food and design. The Georg recently unveiled its new winter menu, with several dishes specially designed for vegetarians, such as kale with yellow morels, beetroots with yam and miso eggplants. The menu doesn't discriminate against meat lovers, of course. The fried harrier fish fin, which is pan-fried to a golden brown and paired with parsnip and chervil cream sauce is a must-have when dining at The Georg. Another notable dish is the crispy braised duck legs, which are coated with vanilla oil and fried before being served with pickled pumpkin and horseradish cream. Those in search of a heftier meal won't be disappointed with the stewed Australian wagyu with browned butter diced pumpkin and mini broccoli.

45 Dongbuyaqiao Hutong, Dongcheng district; 010-8408-5300