LumDimSum Discovery: Lime Cafe’s Pomelo Salad

In the middle of summertime in Beijing, when you feel like there’s no escape from the constant, lingering heat, the thought of hot and heavy foods like curry can be overwhelming and the very last thing you are in the mood to eat, but don’t rule out Thai food entirely as Thai salads are not only bursting with flavor, they are incredibly light and refreshing – a perfect summertime food.

Every time I dine at a Thai restaurant, I have a habit of ordering Green Papaya Salad, but most recently, I have discovered a new favorite: The Pomelo Salad (RMB 28) from a new addition to Central Park called Lime Cafe.  With big chunks of pomelo fruit mixed with grapes, tomatoes and cashews, this salad had the flavor and spice of a Green Papaya Salad, but with a unique mix of ingredients that fused together exceptionally well. For only RMB 28, this salad is great value and definitely worth a try!

Some other dishes I tried included their Green Papaya Salad (RMB 32), Green Chicken Curry (RMB 45) and Stir-fry Morning Glory.  While all were satisfying, I was most impressed by Lime Cafe’s Pomelo Salad.

A nice option for a quick lunch, Lime Cafe offers a great set lunch menu on weekdays for RMB 58 which includes a two-course meal (soup/salad with a main course and choice of green tea, jasmine tea or watermelon juice).  If you have room for dessert, I recommend trying their Mango Sticky Rice (RMB 20).

LumDimSum Snapshots of Lime Cafe in Central Park:

Review of Lime Cafe: Store 103, Bldg 15, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区朝外大街新城国际15号楼103铺. Tel: 6597 0887

Best Part:

• Authentic, newly opened Thai restaurant

• Refreshing Thai salads – both their Pomelo Salad and Green Papaya Salad were excellent
• They offer a great set lunch meal for RMB 58 includes two courses + drink
• Great Mango Lassi
• Plenty of vegetarian options!
• Nice outside seating area if you enjoy being under the sunshine and sitting outdoors

Comments:

• It’s Central Park, so don’t expect very low prices.  That being said, Lime Cafe’s prices are reasonable.
• Bathroom is outside of restaurant, so you’ll have to walk a bit.
• Pretty packed during lunch hours, there’s often a wait for seating (especially seating indoors if you want air conditioning)
• Service was mediocre, staff was not very helpful in recommending dishes.

Rating: (On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 5
• Overall Experience: 6