Molten Decadence

Nuren Jie | Morels If you are looking for traditional fondue, Morels is the place to go in Beijing. The Fondue Neuchâtelois (¥218) is served in classic Swiss style, filled with ½ Gruyère cheese, ½ Emmental cheese, and a splash of white wine. This savory and hearty entrée arrived in the customary earthenware pot over a burner and easily serves up to four to five diners. The friendly and English speaking wait staff provided us with ample crusty bread to dip into the rich sauce. Morel's décor is "cheesy" in a fun way and this authentic fondue experience proved to be the perfect spot to cozy up with friends on a chilly winter evening. Find it: 27 Liangmaqiao Lu,
Nuren Jie District 
亮马桥路27号 Tel: 6437-3939

Chaoyang Park | Pure Lotus Not surprisingly, I was a little hesitant to sample Pure Lotus's mock Cheese Fondue (¥158), which is made not with cheese, but from bran fiber, oil leaf, and olive oil. Amazingly, the taste and texture identically replicate this time-honored dish. Lotus’ fondue came with a variety of vegetables and bread as dipping options. They also recommend adding a dash of honey to your cheese coated bread. Pure Lotus's relaxed and romantic atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to bring a date or a few friends to enjoy this faux fondue. Find it: 10 Nongzhan Nanli,
Chaoyang Park
in compound below the JVC Tower 农展南里10号JVC大厦
文联大厦院内 Tel: 6592-3627

Dongzhimen| Comptoirs de France This winter, Comptoirs de France brings good news to chocoholics with their chocolate fondue (¥99) for two. A mixture of melted 95 percent Valrhona dark chocolate, often referred to as the "Ferrari of chocolate," and a splash of milk make this the ideal decadent desert. The bubbling chocolate liquid arrived with fruits, marshmallows and cookies from the Comptoir de France bakery, complemented by a side of their homemade ice creams and sorbets. There is no better place to take refuge from the maddening Beijing crowd and bitter cold winds while you coat the goodness of fruits, cookies and marshmallows with a thick layer of molten chocolate. Find it: East Lake Villas, 35 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongzhimen District 东直门外大街35号东湖别墅大堂 Tel: 6461-1525

Eleanor Connolly