Finding your 'cue

Although open-air barbecue grilling is banned in Beijing, it is still possible to try some very tasty barbecue foods in restaurants, or even prepare it at a distant farm in the suburbs.

In & Out, Beijing's popular Yunnan restaurant, offers Dai ethnic-style barbecue items, which are prepared with smokeless charcoal inside the restaurant.

The Dai people in Yunnan province are famous for their barbecue. Grilled grass carp with lemongrass is a signature dish: Lemongrass, leek, Thai chili and salt are tucked into the cavity of the fish, which is then bound with grass thread and grilled. When served, the fish is tender and aromatic.