Tianjin

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International Cuisine

Sections

1. Types of International Cuisines Available in Tianjin

Tianjin offers a diverse range of international cuisines, reflecting its cosmopolitan nature. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Western Cuisine: Italian, French, American, and British.
  • Asian Cuisine: Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese.
  • Middle Eastern Cuisine: Lebanese, Turkish, and Persian.
  • Other Global Options: Mexican, Spanish, and Russian.

2. Popular International Restaurants in Tianjin

Here are some highly recommended restaurants for international cuisine in Tianjin:

Western Cuisine

  1. Riviera Restaurant

    • Cuisine: French and Italian fine dining.
    • Location: The St. Regis Tianjin, Heping District.
    • Highlights: Elegant ambiance, premium steaks, and seafood.
    • Price Range: ยฅ300โ€“ยฅ600 per person.
    • Reservation: Recommended, especially for dinner.
    • Contact: +86 22 5830 9958.

  2. Blue Frog

    • Cuisine: American-style burgers, steaks, and cocktails.
    • Location: Joy City Mall, Nankai District.
    • Highlights: Casual dining, family-friendly, and happy hour deals.
    • Price Range: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
    • Reservation: Not usually required but can be made via phone or the Dianping app.

  3. Browns Restaurant & Bar

    • Cuisine: British pub food and international dishes.
    • Location: Italian Style Town, Hebei District.
    • Highlights: Cozy atmosphere, live music, and a wide selection of beers.
    • Price Range: ยฅ150โ€“ยฅ300 per person.
    • Reservation: Recommended for weekends.

Asian Cuisine

  1. Kushi-Tei of Tokyo

    • Cuisine: Japanese (sushi, sashimi, and yakitori).
    • Location: Heping District.
    • Highlights: Authentic Japanese flavors and fresh ingredients.
    • Price Range: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ400 per person.
    • Reservation: Advised for dinner.
    • Contact: +86 22 2332 9988.

  2. Ganges Indian Restaurant

    • Cuisine: Indian (curries, tandoori, and vegetarian options).
    • Location: Aocheng Plaza, Nankai District.
    • Highlights: Authentic Indian spices and halal options.
    • Price Range: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
    • Reservation: Not required but can be made via phone.

  3. Hanil Korean Restaurant

    • Cuisine: Korean BBQ and traditional dishes.
    • Location: Heping District.
    • Highlights: Table-side grilling and authentic Korean flavors.
    • Price Range: ยฅ150โ€“ยฅ300 per person.
    • Reservation: Recommended for groups.

Middle Eastern Cuisine

  1. Bosphorus Turkish Restaurant
    • Cuisine: Turkish and Middle Eastern (kebabs, hummus, and baklava).
    • Location: Heping District.
    • Highlights: Halal-certified, warm hospitality, and authentic flavors.
    • Price Range: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ250 per person.
    • Reservation: Not required but can be made via phone.

Other Global Options

  1. Tacos Mexicanos

    • Cuisine: Mexican (tacos, burritos, and margaritas).
    • Location: Italian Style Town, Hebei District.
    • Highlights: Vibrant atmosphere and authentic Mexican dishes.
    • Price Range: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
    • Reservation: Not required.

  2. Paulaner Brรคuhaus

    • Cuisine: German (sausages, schnitzels, and beer).
    • Location: Astor Hotel, Heping District.
    • Highlights: Traditional Bavarian decor and freshly brewed beer.
    • Price Range: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ400 per person.
    • Reservation: Recommended for weekends and events.

3. Average Costs

  • Casual Dining: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
  • Mid-Range Restaurants: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ400 per person.
  • Fine Dining: ยฅ400โ€“ยฅ800+ per person.

4. How to Make Reservations

  • Phone: Most restaurants accept reservations via phone. Staff may speak limited English, so having a Chinese-speaking friend or using translation apps can help.
  • Dianping App: This is the Chinese equivalent of Yelp and allows you to browse restaurants, read reviews, and make reservations. The app is in Chinese, but itโ€™s user-friendly with translation tools.
  • Hotel Concierge: If you're staying at a hotel, the concierge can assist with making reservations.
  • Walk-Ins: Many casual and mid-range restaurants accept walk-ins, but itโ€™s best to reserve for popular spots or during peak hours (6:00 PMโ€“8:00 PM).

5. Local Tips and Cultural Considerations

  • Dining Etiquette:

    • In upscale restaurants, tipping is not customary in China, but excellent service may warrant a small tip (ยฅ10โ€“ยฅ20).
    • Sharing dishes is common in Chinese culture, but in international restaurants, individual servings are the norm.
    • Use chopsticks or cutlery as provided; donโ€™t stick chopsticks upright in rice, as itโ€™s considered disrespectful.

  • Language Barrier:

    • English menus are available in most international restaurants, but staff may have limited English proficiency. Translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco can be helpful.

  • Payment Methods:

    • Cash is accepted, but mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are more common. Credit cards are accepted in most mid-range and upscale restaurants.

  • Peak Dining Times:

    • Lunch: 12:00 PMโ€“2:00 PM.
    • Dinner: 6:00 PMโ€“8:00 PM. Arrive early or make a reservation to avoid waiting.

  • Dietary Restrictions:

    • Many international restaurants cater to dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free). Itโ€™s best to inform the restaurant in advance.

  • Dress Code:

    • Casual attire is acceptable in most restaurants, but fine dining establishments may require smart casual or formal wear.

6. Additional Recommendations

  • Explore Italian Style Town: This area in Hebei District is a hub for international restaurants and cafes, offering a European vibe with cobblestone streets and historic architecture.
  • Attend Food Festivals: Tianjin occasionally hosts international food festivals where you can sample cuisines from around the world.
  • Try Fusion Cuisine: Some restaurants in Tianjin creatively blend Chinese and international flavors, offering a unique dining experience.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to enjoy the international dining scene in Tianjin. Bon appรฉtit!