Planning to go for broke to celebrate the holidays? Planning to hide because you're broke? This Christmas's festivities aren't only for the loaded; there's something in city to fit everyone's budget.Beijing Today checked out three restaurants where you can enjoy good food and a good time with your family or friends, no matter how much cash you have-or don't have.

Shanzhai, which means 'goodness' in Chinese, takes on a depth of meaning as a restaurant's name. First, it reflects the quality of food and service the restaurant aims to achieve. Seconit describes the place's main attraction a gigantic ice sculpture of Buddha, which stands in the main hall and which gets replaced every day after it turns to water.

If you're looking for a place with a lively atmosphere to get together with friends, Shanzhai is a good choice. One of their bestsellers among foreigners is Beefsteak Toasted in the Iron Net. The server recommended that I eat it without seasoning to highlight the meat's taste.Iron Platter Five Grain Rice is a quick dish, arriving only a few minutes after you've ordered. As its name suggests, it contains five grains: rice, panic grass, panicle millet, wheat and peas. It remindedme of fast food, which can be good or bad depending on your preferences, but is definitely more nutritious.

The most interesting thing on their menu is Black Baozi (a kind of steamed stuffed bun). Made with black flour and with meat filling, it's sweeter than your ordinarybaozi and leaves you with a smile. At last, I must mention that someone made a funny comment about the restaurant, "If you love her, take her to Shanzhai, as it's aood place to propose; if you don't love her, take her to Shanzhai, as the lights will blind you to anything but the food on the table.

Shanzhai
Where: F/2 North Tower, Rainbow Plaza, No 16 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang
Open: 10am-11pm
Tel: 6595 1199
Cost: 100 yuan per person

1

2

3