Wagas

As if on cue for springtime, Wagas bursts into Beijing's dining scene like daffodils and tulips blossoming after a long, cold winter.

 

As if on cue for springtime, Wagas bursts into Beijing's dining scene like daffodils and tulips blossoming after a long, cold winter. Expertise gleaned from nine eateries in Shanghai shows in its colourful decor, such as a Kate Spade-inspired striped carpet, the tempting array of foods displayed on the counter, the carrot and walnut cake in particular, and the friendly staff who sincerely want to please.

Wagas is a place to go for a light bite - soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps are on offer - or an afternoon pick-me-up of smoothies, cake or Illy coffee after shopping on Xidan. The tuna sandwich (40RMB) served on wholemeal bread is stuffed with tuna and tomato along with bright green pea shoots and accompanied by pickled vegetables reminiscent of paocai. A vegetarian salad (42RMB), generous enough for two to share, abounds with tabouli, tiny falafel discs, garlicky hummous, roasted pumpkin dusted with cinnamon and a garden plot of salad greens, cucumber chunks and cherry tomatoes. It's so delicious that the cream cheese replacement for the feta listed in the menu can almost, but not entirely, be forgiven. Unforgivable, however, are the two slices of soft, bland baguette. The colour orange can't taste any better than the mango smoothie (35RMB) and the homemade goodness of carrot and walnut cake, chocolate cake, brownies and small packets of biscuits are a bargain at 15RMB.

In May Wagas plans to sprout new branches in Sanlitun and Qianmen. Until then eastsiders will have to trek west for Wagas' spring blossoms. 

Wagas Third Floor, Joy City, 131 Xidan Bei Dajie, Xicheng district (tel 5971 6200). Open 10am-10pm daily. Meal for two 150RMB.