As the leaves turn golden and temperatures drop, Beijing's culinary scene is embracing the flavors of autumn with an array of exciting new menus. From cozy cafes to upscale dining establishments, restaurants are creatively showcasing seasonal ingredients that highlight the essence of the autumn.
In the menu of Japanese restaurant ITO, the freshness of ingredients is embellished with the subtlety of salt, the richness of soy sauce, the harmonious blend of sweet and spicy flavors, and the earthy umami of miso, creating a culinary experience that lingers long after the meal is over.
Squid with smoked caramel and yellow pepper sauce is one highlight that the bright and alluring yellow peppers are experts at adding spice and enhancing colors, while the autumn-infused caramel serves as the soul of seasoning.
Grilled mackerel with Mediterranean basil, miso-spicy braised baby octopus and grilled Iberian pork ribs with hot pepper sauce from ITO are also worth trying.
At Roof Cafe, where diners can bask in the warm autumn sunshine, several new drinks featuring vibrant autumn flavors have just been introduced.
Amid sweetness with a hint of roasted aroma, an autumn menu isn't complete without chestnuts. The "Chestnutumn" — clusters of osmanthus and fragrant chestnuts — is one must-try. The Orange Osmanthus Latte is another highlight which mixes osmanthus jam and sweet orange jam with coffee. The refreshing sweetness meets rich coffee aroma, crafting a limited edition.
The new drink of Caramel Cocoa Coffee is a duet of rich chocolate and cocoa powder. A caramel syrup latte topped with dense milk foam and cocoa powder — the balanced flavors of caramel and chocolate capture the richness of autumn.
The Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing in Beijing has introduced a new collaborative afternoon tea for the season. Inspired by Swiss watchmaker Breguet's Reine de Naples collection, the pastry chefs have created a selection of exquisite pastries and savory bites. Guests can savor their afternoon tea while enjoying breathtaking views of the Forbidden City in the autumn sunlight.