Located off the main lobby of the Grand Hyatt in Macau, Beijing Kitchen replicates the format of Grand Hyatt Beijing’s “Made in China” restaurant and is one of the signature restaurants in the City of Dreams. Enter past a floor-to-ceiling display of Chinese teapots and caddies into the modern elegant dining areas under suspended Chinese birdcages. The buzzing and popular restaurant has spacious tables and comfortable seating. Gentle classical music plays in the background.

Northern Chinese cuisine is boldly on display with four glass-fronted kitchens showing chefs busily at work. There is a dim sum and noodle kitchen where dumplings are steamed and fresh noodles are hand pulled; a duck roasting section with two Jujube wood fired ovens; a wok section rustling up traditional northern dishes; plus a dessert counter featuring both Western and Chinese desserts. A particular highlight is the superb old-fashioned Peking duck from the wood fired oven served with classic condiments. The duck, which can be ordered as a half or whole, is served on three separate plates: crispy skin, white meat, and a combination of both. Also from the wood fired oven is honey glazed pork which is tender with an appealing smokiness. For starters jellyfish, grated garlic and aged malt vinegar is the most popular dish on the menu. The head of the jellyfish, the only part served, is quite crunchy. Also popular is duck liver, plum chutney, and sesame pancakes – a northern Chinese version of a “foie gras hamburger”. There is the usual range of live seafood at “market prices”. Noodles and dumplings are all excellent. Pan-fried pork dumplings are artistically presented with the dumplings upside down with a light, lacy, fried batter topping. Hand pulled noodles such as Shanxi noodles with chilli or with pork are tasty and the servings large. Remember to leave room for the huge Beijing Kitchen dessert platter for two (MOP150). Mango pudding with coconut sherbet topped with passion fruit is just one of the exciting items.

The Grand Hyatt master list is comprehensive with well-chosen wines helpfully arranged first by grape variety and then by region. The selection of 17 wines by the glass is also good. Bottles prices are high but wines by the glass fairly priced. Sake and aged Chinese wines are also available.

Excellent as to be expected at a hotel of the Grand Hyatt’s calibre. Staff know the menu well, and are friendly, courteous, efficient and helpful.

Fair value for money. Even with half a Peking duck, several other dishes and the dessert platter, without drinks, the bill would be under MOP1,000.