African Dining Hotspots in Beijing: Pinotage, Tribe Garden, and Coded

So, you’ve survived the embassy paperwork, and now your stomach is growling louder than a traffic jam in Lagos. Fear not! Here are three Afro restaurants that’ll not only fill you up but might just make you forget the embassy ever happened!

1. Pinotage

Location: 12A Chaoyang Park Road, Pékin

Pinotage brings the rich flavors of African cuisine to Beijing with a focus on South African specialties. The restaurant is named after the popular South African wine, Pinotage, and offers a cozy, upscale atmosphere.

Menu Highlights:

  • Bobotie: A traditional South African dish made with spiced minced meat topped with a savory egg custard, served with yellow rice and chutney.
  • Braai: A South African barbecue experience featuring a variety of grilled meats, including steak, lamb chops, and boerewors (sausage), often accompanied by pap (a maize porridge) and traditional sauces.
  • Malva Pudding: A classic South African dessert, this sweet and sticky sponge cake is served with a warm caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Pinotage’s elegant setting and carefully crafted dishes make it a perfect spot for a special occasion or a refined dining experience.

How to Get There: From the embassy district, head east on Chaoyang Park Road. Pinotage is a short drive away, located in a more upscale area.

Direction to Pinotage

2. Tribe Garden

Location: 7 Sanlitun South Street, Pékin

Tribe Garden offers a vibrant and casual dining experience with a menu inspired by diverse African flavors. Located in the lively Sanlitun area, this restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere and colorful decor.

Menu Highlights:

  • Jollof Rice: A West African staple made with tomatoes, onions, and spices, served with a choice of grilled chicken, beef, or fish.
  • Piri Piri Chicken: Marinated in a spicy piri piri sauce and grilled to perfection, this dish is served with a side of mixed vegetables and plantains.
  • Suya: Nigerian-style skewers of spiced beef or chicken, served with a spicy pepper sauce and a side of salad.

Tribe Garden’s energetic vibe and flavorful dishes make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking a lively dining experience.

How to Get There: From the embassy area, head south toward Sanlitun. Tribe Garden is located in this bustling district, which is easily accessible by taxi or public transport.

Direction to Tribe Garden

3. Coded

Location: 5 Dongzhimen North Street, Pékin

Coded is an African restaurant that combines traditional dishes with modern twists, offering a unique culinary experience in Beijing. The restaurant is known for its innovative approach to African cuisine and stylish interior.

Menu Highlights:

  • Kenyan Nyama Choma: Grilled meat seasoned with Kenyan spices, served with a side of kachumbari (a fresh tomato and onion salad) and ugali (a maize-based side dish).
  • Ethiopian Tibs: Sautéed beef or lamb cubes cooked with onions, peppers, and spices, served with injera (a traditional Ethiopian flatbread).
  • African Fusion Bowls: Creative dishes that blend African ingredients with international flavors, such as quinoa bowls with spicy grilled vegetables and African-inspired dressings.

Coded’s modern ambiance and inventive menu make it a great spot for those looking to explore African cuisine with a contemporary twist.

How to Get There: Travel north from the embassy district to Dongzhimen. Coded is situated in this area, and you can easily reach it by taxi or subway.

Direction to Coded

Whether you’re in the mood for traditional South African dishes, vibrant West African flavors, or inventive African fusion, Pinotage, Tribe Garden, and Coded offer exceptional dining experiences in Beijing.