Dear reader, it’s an unavoidable truth: at times, finances can be tight. This occurs to the best of us, and I’m sure you can relate. You wouldn't compromise on your one annual vacation, groceries are becoming more expensive, rent is approaching, and what about that unexpected dentist appointment?
No, life isn’t all smooth sailing, at least not until your next paycheck arrives. The solution is straightforward: brace yourself and accept frugality for the time being. A great way to start is by preparing all your meals at home, although we are fortunate to have reasonably priced takeout options. Nonetheless, costs can add up quickly when you realize not all takeout is created equal. After a while, one can tire of stir-fry and dumplings, and indulgent dishes can get pricey. And let’s not even get started on Western food—like pizza, which can significantly impact your wallet.
Now, let's discuss pizza in Beijing. This isn't an attempt to convince you that there are hidden contenders to esteemed places like Bottega, Alimentari, etc. Nor am I suggesting you settle for whatever chain offers subpar pizza. Rather, I want to share a little secret, a hidden gem, if you will. We’ve recently talked about affordable dining in Beijing, so why not add another spot to the list?
As for me, I have a well-established track record of getting spectacularly lost in Guomao while hunting for delicious treats, so perhaps it’s no surprise I found myself back there again. Located at 1 Jianguomenwai Street is the 5L Hotel Beijing. If you enter the lobby, turn left and continue straight, you'll reach a corridor called Yangming Jie (扬名街, oddly translated as “Brand Talks”). Inside, there’s a bakery and café, a juice bar, a stall for dumplings and noodles, and the highlight of this post: Bairong Pizza & Sandwich (白茸披萨三明治). Is this a suitable date spot? You tell me. My partner and I have dined there more times than I care to reveal.
Yes, you read that correctly. A cheese pizza (specifically, a Cheese Bomber Pizza; 之士轰炸机披萨, Zhīshì hōngzhàjī pīsà) will cost a mere RMB 29.9. I can hear your thoughts—quality reflects the price, right? But what if, just this once, you're actually getting a great deal? Because Bairong serves up a surprisingly decent pizza, cooked in an authentic Neapolitan oven. This isn’t a dreary spot serving greasy pies heated in a microwave after being frozen for months. The staff at Bairong prepare most items from scratch in their small, open kitchen until midnight. Talk about a late-night solution. You could order in, but visiting gives you access to their refrigerator, stocked with affordable cold drinks.
Depending on how hungry you are, you can choose between a 9-inch or a 12-inch pizza. Prices are clear-cut. Solo dining? Opt for my favorite, the Margherita, for just RMB 19.9. Craving meat? For RMB 29.9, you can get the smaller size of either the Italian Bacon Pizza (意大利培根披萨, Yìdàlì péigēn pīsà) or an Iberian Ham option (西班牙火腿披萨, Xībānyá huǒtuǐ pīsà). The larger versions of those two are RMB 39.9, but otherwise, all 12-inch pizzas stick to the RMB 29.9 price. Planning to hit some nearby bars later? Enjoy it on the spot. Otherwise, the portions are generous enough for leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. You know, since we’re being frugal.
Glamour isn't part of the package. The renowned Cheese Bomber could certainly benefit from a little extra flair. And yes, the menu is limited. After all, we’re at a budget-friendly venue in a small hotel that likely sees more locals than tourists. But who cares? The ingredients are fresh, the dough is solid, and you satisfy your Italian cravings at a fraction of the usual cost.
You can even convince yourself that you're having your vegetables with their Italian Cheese Mushroom (意式奶酪口蘑, Yìshì nǎilào kǒumó). I had to keep it brief and skipped over the sandwich section of the shop, but I'll probably drop by soon to try their salmon sub. And if you’re in the mood for Chinese food today? No problem, as there’s a second food court in the opposite wing of the hotel lobby, with a different selection of affordable dining options.
Food doesn’t always need to be an extravagant affair. More often than not, it’s the subtler elements that contribute to what
In the center of Beijing's business area, affordable delicious food awaits those looking to save.