Come dine with me

Jiao Zi Monday

What?

Jiao Zi Monday (JZM) was created three years ago by Brazilian Laura Guerra and American Alex Raymond. The name is something of a misnomer as it no longer sticks exclusively to jiaozi (dumpling) joints. But they continue to get together (almost) every Monday and have kept their original three cardinal rules: restaurants have to be Chinese, the meal has to cost under 50RMB a head, and they never go to the same place twice. From Xinjiang places near Gulou to Hunan hangouts near Sanyuanqiao, JZM picks hare usually small, cosy and often have some vegetarian options.

Why go?

To discover cheap eats and meet new people. The current head, Jeff Levinson, says: 'It's just something fun to do on a Monday, which would otherwise be the most boring night of the week.'

Who goes?

JZM meals tend to be intimate affairs, with usually less than 12 people. Most members are in their mid-twenties and thirties. They range from people working in the travel industry to those in the clean energy sector and from consultants to students. Conversations tend to be in English, but there are normally a few speakers willing and able to converse in Mandarin.

Get in touch

Addresses and meeting times can be found at www.jiaozimonday.com. You can also add your name to the mailing list on the website.

Beijing Foodies

What?

After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, Xixi Cheng organised a dinner for friends and asked for contributions to the survivors' appeal. Forty people showed up, gave generously, then asked when the next event was. Since then, Beijing Foodies has held monthly meals at top restaurants, including the likes of RoomBeijing and Hatsune. The Foodies team bargains with the establishment – no matter how pricey the venue is – to get the cost down to a 100RMB pre-set meal, including a glass of wine. At dessert, a representative from the meal's designated charity addresses the guests. Blank envelopes are left on the table and diners can choose how much – if at all (there's no obligation) – they want to donate.

Why go?

As suggested by the group's motto, 'indulge for a cause', you attend Beijing Foodies to gorge on high-quality food at decent prices, and benefit others while you do so. 'We simply want people to have a good time and develop the charity giving habit,' says Xixi. 'This is not a networking event and we give anonymously because we don't want this to be about big donors parading their cheques on stage.'

Who goes?

With over 400 people on the mailing list, Beijing Foodies events regularly attract over 50 people at a time. Attendees range from young professionals and senior executives to families on a night out.

Get in touch

To join the mailing list, email bjfoodies@gmail.com.