Sheng Yong Xing 晟永兴: The Roast Duck Restaurant We’ve Been Waiting For!

One of my favourite comfort-food restaurants in Beijing used to be Lau Pa Sak (RIP). Located opposite the Canadian embassy, it was unceremoniously demolished and refurbished last year. It moved to a new location in Sanlitun SOHO, but doesn’t seem to have survived the traumatic event. I went through a period of mourning and then noticed that a Beijing roast duck restaurant had taken it’s place. Skeptical, I put off going for a while, but finally curiosity got the better of me. I rounded up a few foodies who were keen to try the new Sanlitun duck spot and we all knew that Chinese food is always better when you can order a feast! With low expectations going in, we braved ourselves for the worst.

First impressions of Sheng Yong Xing Roast Duck Restaurant were pretty jarring. This restaurant is very tastefully designed. Light and airy, it is a beautiful space with greenery dispersed throughout the space and a balance of grey bricks, wood and smart Chinese touches. I’m a big fan of their glowing screen lanterns hanging over each of the larger round tables and strategic use of screens as space dividers, giving private tables a sense of intimacy without being in separate rooms. The duck ovens are located on the second floor and you can go gawk to your hearts content. The chefs were patient and dealt with our intrusions with aplomb.

Sitting down at the table, we inspected the menu and began the ordering process. It is a process because the menu is gigantic. Beginning with their specialty dishes highlighted at the front before moving into cold starters, mains, and starchy staples at the back. The menu has the classics, but also a bunch of unexpected dishes like giant prawns with black truffle, roast duck topped with caviar and even some Australian wagyu beef. Some fancy pantsy dishes aside, we found comfort in the menu’s dishes that were more familiar and all for great value. The only one glaring Chinglish example: “Fried Enema”. #Chortle

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