Yuan Yuan
Heavenly hongshao rou

7/F Westgate Mall
1038 Nanjing Xi Lu
Tel: 021 6272 6972

Yuan Yuan is the ideal introduction for out-of-towners to the essentials of Shanghainese cuisine. Some may prefer to take guests to the cavernous Bao Luo - which is impressive in its own right for its sheer size and noisy activity, and good for large groups - but for convenience (four locations in Puxi), pleasantness (none of Bao Luo's cacophonous hustle and bustle) and taste, Yuan Yuan is the place to go. Though not the most famed of Chinese cooking styles, Shanghai's standards are all well-represented here - salted chicken, lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice and the restaurant's signature dish, hongshao rou - a dish of tender, fatty pork braised in tangy plum sauce. The menu is all in Chinese, but should pose few problems for non-readers, as most items are accurately (and deliciously) depicted in photos. The d¨Ścor is simple without being unrefined, the prices are very reasonable (around RMB70 per head, not including drinks) and the dining hall is regularly filled with local Sangheinin - a true sign of quality.

¨C¨CJames Roy

Beijing

Rumi Persian Grill
Contemporary Aryan

Gongtibeilu,
opposite Zhaolong Hotel
Tel: 010 8454 3838

Family-run restaurants are easy to single out - modest d¨Ścor, down-to-earth ambience and lots of comfort food. With sites confined to local neighbourhoods, these restaurants tend to attract those looking for a simple meal. Rumi, Beijing's only Persian restaurant, is an exception. It meets all the qualities of a family-run restaurant (the owners are Iranian-American), but takes everything to the next level. The designer took the best of traditional Persian artistry and contemporized the feel with lofty dining areas, soaring ceilings and neutral colours. The menu's extensive Persian specialties range from grilled meats to flavourful stews. Start with the nan bread and servings of dips and salads like hummus, eggplant and tomato salad. Generously proportioned entrees, heavy on beef and lamb, are served with plain or saffron rice and roasted tomatoes. Sharing is very acceptable - there are options to order combinations for two to a dozen diners. If you have room left, finish with delicacies like the sweet-sticky baklava and cardamom spiced cookies. As Beijing restaurant pricing goes, Rumi is mid-to-upper level but great value. Budget RMB150 per person for lunch and slightly more for dinner.

¨C¨CTzyy Wang