Middle Eastern restaurants remain something of a niche in Beijing. Though increasing in number, they don’t come anywhere near to say, Italian or Thai places. The Middle East, on the whole, is more of an importer than exporter. A stunning 90% of Saudi exports and 45% of total GDP, for example, are oil-based, so other (perhaps more cultural) aspects of the economy are less well known. And yet the Middle East has some wonderful treasures to share with the rest of the world – in food, dress and culture. Fortunately, as Beijing rises, it draws in people and cultures from practically every nation, and Middle Eastern restaurants are becoming more popular and more easily found.

Two of the best in Beijing are found in relatively close proximity to each other in Chaoyang district. One, Rumi, is located at the junction of Gongti Bei Lu and Dong San Huan Bei Lu (the East 3rd Ring North Road), right next to Tuanjeihu subway (line 5). With an outdoor seating section just off the pavement, and large windows looking directly out from an indoor dining area, Rumi immediately looks spacious, urbane and pleasing to the eye. Predominately coloured in a clean, chic sun-deflecting white, Rumi immediately brings to mind desert oases, warding off blistering Arabian sun with sherbets, cool fruit juices and delicious sweetmeats.

The menu’s keynote dishes are the kebabs, sizable portions of meat (excluding pork, of course) cooked on skewers served with rice and a grilled tomatoe. These can include chicken, beef, mutton or additional combinations of the two, if you want to pay more – but beware, sizes are large! Diners can also enjoy hummus, salads, stews and burgers, all of which are similarly well proportioned and satisfying; the waiting staff also bring complementary pita bread, butter and sweet pickled vegetables while you wait. Rumi does not sell alcohol, but does have a free corkage service, should you really require wine or beer with your drinks. The drinks range is really rather good, with smoothies, milkshakes, fruit juices (freshly squeezed and otherwise) and even non-alcoholic beer (which one can’t imagine would be too popular). Prices are around 150-200 RMB per person per visit: Rumi isn’t cheap, but the quality of service, food and décor, and the convenient central location, combine to make it worthy of an occasional visit.
RUMI 入迷View In Map
Add:1-1 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址：北京市朝阳区工体北路1-1号
Tel: 010 8454 3838
Opening hours: 11:30-00:00

A Thousand And One Nights View In Maphas two venues, one located at Sanlitun and one at Chaoyang Park. Upon entering, one immediately takes notice of the rich décor, topped off with a domed ceiling jewelled with multi-coloured glass. The fittings are more luxurious than Rumi, the seating and tables more ample. Spartan, it is not. While A Thousand And One Nights offers essentially similar dishes as Rumi, the range is more extensive. Thus, one can choose from appetizers, salads, barbecue and sweets, but there are also steak, fish, chicken and vegetarian sections. These contain a sprinkling of Western dishes, though these are naturally few. Salads are very well presented, surrounded by slivers of tomato or cucumber, while one can also have main dishes such as lamb yoghurt and barbecued meats served on vertical skewers bunched tight together.

Servings are somewhat less substantial than at Rumi, while prices are broadly similar. Drinks include a fine range of alcohol (including draft beers and many different spirits) though a less impressive array of non-alcoholic drinks. The restaurant also has the novelty of belly dancers who perform throughout the evening. The technique is admirable, but it can be somewhat distracting; it might also help if the dancers looked openly enthusiastic rather than somewhat dutiful. 

Add: 3-4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址：北京市朝阳区工体北路3-4号
Tel: 010 6532 4050
Opening hours: 11:00-02:00

Add: 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址：北京市朝阳区朝阳公园西路6号
Tel: 010 5905 6316
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Both Rumi and A Thousand And One Nights, however, do have very good food, service, look, atmosphere and style, and both are welcome representatives of Middle Eastern cuisine in Beijing. 

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Keywords: Beijing Middle Eastern restaurants Arabic food Beijing belly dancing Beijing