Food enthusiasts in Beijing, if you're on the hunt for the most exclusive dining experience of the season, look no further than The Peninsula Beijing's Icelandic Dome! This innovative concept allows groups of four to eight to dine in one of only two private domes, where a five-star Icelandic-inspired menu awaits. This limited-time offering is a rare opportunity to savor a cuisine that, as far as we know, has not been authentically presented in Beijing before.
The idea originated from The Peninsula Beijing’s Managing Director Cameron Cundle's personal journey to Iceland. Upon his return, he collaborated with the Peninsula team to craft an experience that not only highlights Iceland’s culinary treasures but also immerses diners in the magical landscape of ice and fire.
Each dome is thoughtfully designed with a rustic tree trunk table in the center, surrounded by plush couches adorned in faux fur, stunning photographs of Icelandic scenery taken by Cundle, and even an electric log burner stove to foster a warm and cozy environment. The domes also feature ingeniously disguised AC heating, ensuring you can regulate the temperature to your liking during Beijing’s coldest months.
Even the attention to detail can be seen in the tableware, with blue, white, and red plates representing the colors of the Icelandic flag, while other items evoke the stunning Icelandic scenery.
Regarding the food, the menu has been expertly curated by Cundle and the culinary team to deliver an authentic experience, which has been approved by senior members of the Icelandic delegation. As is typical of any Icelandic menu, seafood is prominently featured, with dishes showcasing it in a variety of unique and distinct preparations.
To kick off the experience, guests are greeted with an Iceland-inspired Snack Assortment Platter, offering a vibrant array of pickles, cured salmon bites, and crispy cod skin. Following this, the main courses include five options, ranging from lighter bites to heartier selections.
We began with the Rekjur ¡ Rugbrauði, an open-faced rye bread sandwich topped with butter, Icelandic shrimp, boiled egg, sour cream, and chives. This was followed by Smørrebrød, another open sandwich made with pumpernickel rye, layered with delicious salmon gravlax seasoned with dill and topped with a generous scoop of caviar, adding a touch of elegance.
Next up was the Bakaður Silungur Með Dill Sósu, featuring baked arctic char with potatoes in a creamy dill sauce. This dish quickly became a favorite, with the flaky fish and tender potatoes melting in our mouths. Besides its delightful flavors, the presentation was exquisite, served in individual bowls with mother-of-pearl spoons on a tray adorned with bright blue salt crystals, reminiscent of Iceland's icy vistas.
One of the most surprising items on the menu is Pylsa, known as lamb sausage hot dogs. Though it may seem unexpected, these lamb hot dogs are a celebrated street food staple in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavik. The Peninsula produces their own lamb sausages, served in a soft bun with onions, rémoulade sauce, and a drizzle of mustard.
Rounding off the mains is the hearty Plokkfiskur, where salted cod is slow-cooked in a creamy sauce and topped with mashed potatoes and cheese, then grilled to a perfect crisp. It's somewhat similar to a British fish pie but packs a much bolder flavor. Served with thin slices of crispy rye bread for dipping, it proved to be a wonderfully addictive dish.
To conclude the meal, each package includes a serving of Rye Bread Ice Cream, which may sound unusual, but the flavors are fantastic. The rye bread lends a nutty, caramel taste, and a sprinkle of tiny rye bread cubes on top adds an enjoyable texture, resulting in a truly unique dessert not found elsewhere in Beijing.
Each dome accommodates four to eight guests, offering two Icelandic Packages to choose from:
- **Volcano Package (RMB 2,888)**
- Three-hour usage of the dome (available from noon, last booking at 9pm)
- Iceland-inspired Snack Assortment
- Rye Bread Ice Cream
- Food choice (select three out of five main dishes)
- Beverage selection (choose two of seven: champagne, white wine, red wine, vodka, tequila, gin, whisky*)
- **Aurora Package (RMB 3,888)**
- Three-hour usage of the dome (available from noon, last booking at 9pm)
- Iceland-inspired Snack Assortment
- Rye Bread Ice Cream
- Food choice (select all five main dishes)
- Beverage selection (choose three of seven: champagne, white wine, red wine, vodka, tequila, gin, whisky*)
- *All spirits include mixers.
**Exclusive Discount for Beijinger Readers:**
Fantastic news for Beijinger readers! The Peninsula is offering a special 30 percent discount to the first
The Peninsula Beijing has developed one of the most distinctive culinary concepts in Beijing.