In & Out

Don’t let the name confuse you. This Sanlitun eatery is not some sort of Californian hamburger joint, but owner Li Gang’s dream of transporting the Dongba culture of the Naxi – who live in the ancient town of Lijiang at the foot of the snow-capped mountain of Meili – to Beijing.

The restaurant boasts eight different ethnic cuisines from all around the south-western province of Yunnan, including the foods of the Bai, Dai, Naxi, and Wa minorities.

Lijiang baba (steamed sticky rice cake), flavoured pork skin and beef skin, and deep-fried green moss – all carefully prepared – are popular ethnic dishes that you won’t find in other minority restaurants in Beijing.

Dongba calligraphy hangs on the grey-brick wall, and beautiful colour photos of Lijiang punctuate the walls along the stairways, providing a colourful glimpse of the Naxi world. To set the theme, staff decked out in Naxi and Dai costumes greet guests at the door with warm smiles.