Beijing Thanksgiving Guide

For many Americans, Thanksgiving evokes memories of home and family, supplemented with the smells and tastes of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing-all smothered in copious amounts of gravy. Naturally, all this is followed by a greedy, yet satisfying slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. Luckily, despite residing thousands of miles away from home, foreigners in Beijing can still enjoy a taste of home and celebrate accordingly as local restaurants offer Thanksgiving dinners to keep homesickness at bay.

Admittedly, Thanksgiving is not celebrated here in China akin to other Western holidays like Halloween or Christmas, where it's not uncommon to see store windows adorned with glittery Santas or pumpkins. Here, the celebration is more subtle, yet in the end, Thanksgiving is about sharing a meal with people whom you care about. Going home at Thanksgiving is not a viable option for most and so we opt for alternate celebratory cuisine like pizza or even cauldrons of Sichuan hot pot with our Chinese or other expatriate comrades.

Nonetheless, for those wanting to celebrate a proper American Thanksgiving, Beijing aims to provide. Those wanting a typical, home-style option can order a fully prepared turkey for pick up or delivery. In addition, several of Beijing's finest hotels are offering 3 and 4 course meals for those who want to dine in style. Still, there are more economical options for those unwilling to shell out 400 RMB for their meal. Here are a few options for your Thanksgiving in Beijing this year:

If you are comfortable spending 298RMB, East 33 at Raffles Hotel offers a delectable buffet-style option with hearty roasted turkey and mashed potatoes along with a free flow of local beer, soft drinks or house wine. In addition to turkey, they offer honey glazed ham as well as seafood. Raffles Hotel +8610 6526 3388 33 East Chang'an Avenue.

For 200RMB, Blue Frog tells you to "Put that Turkey down" and head to either of their two locations for their 3 course turkey meal, roasted chestnut & squash soup, and a mouth watering pumpkin pie with hazelnut praline, complimented by a glass of wine. Reserve in advance, dinner is offered from 4pm onwards.
Blue Frog Sanlitun +86 10 6417 4030, Level 3, S4 Tower, the Village North Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District

For 120 RMB per person, Steak and Eggs offers turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie at their various locations. However, if you are opting for a meal without fighting the crowds of other Americans who have elected to take part in the festivities, consider delivery or pick up for your turkey at 69RMB per kilo and an additional 25 RMB per person for mash potatoes, salad, and other Thanksgiving fixings.

Steak and Eggs +86 10 6592-8088, Xiushui Nanjie, Jianguomenwai, Jianguomen, Behind Friendship Store
Frank Siegel's Sequoia Cafe Guanghua Lu location is offering both dine-in option or delivery and take away service this year. For 188RMB, they offer turkey, roasted veggies and stuffing with cranberry chutney and other fixings. Alternatively, order a whole bird 48 hours in advance for 850RMB with 4 sides. Price doesn't include delivery taxi charge.

Sequoia Cafe +86 10 6501-5503,44 Guanghua Lu, Jianguomen
For the few in China who own an oven, Beijing's local grocers specializing in imported Western goods are also selling turkey for pick up and delivery by the kilo. Jenny Lou's and April Gourmet have frozen turkeys available but must be reserved in 2-3 days in advance for 45RMB and 46RMB respectively.

Jenny Lou's +86 10 6461-6928, 6 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Sanlitun
April Gourmet +86 10 8455-1245, 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Sanlitun
April Gourmet +86 10 6417-7970, 1/F, Xingfu Zhongjie, Sanlitun
For additional questions and reservations, please contact the locales directly.  Have a great Thanksgiving!