A picture says a thousand words, but if you appreciate the dynamics of typographic design, fusing the two together is the way to go. Framed by two cartoonish fists clutching a knife and fork, Big Mama’s Café, with swirly black letters against bright white with yellow accented framing, definitely shouts down its drab and dreary neighbors.
Head upstairs, past a fluorescent pink “good morning” sign, and consider exactly where your appetite lies. Turn left if you’re feeling a little parched and enjoy the delicious aroma of coffee. If your stomach is dictating the visit, turn right and satiate that curiosity with tantalizing kitchen smells.
A healthy dollop of retro diner vibes – wood and tiled flooring with more quirky, if grammatically errant, feel-good phrases affixed to walls – combined with furnishings that would make a wannabe art director nod his or her head in approval decorate the interior. Their stylistic efforts are reflected on the menu, with arty photography showing off deconstructed versions of flagship dishes. While the menu is excessively priced for solo diners, the midnight snacks page suggests that bringing a group of friends is more conducive to sharing the food, and the bill.
There are some choices for individual patrons though. My duck with mango wrap (RMB 68) felt a bit like haute street food; a chewy, toasted wrap binding the duck and mango slices together, with pickled vegetables delivering a crunchy, sharp tang in between each bite. Their Americano (RMB 28), served in a solidly built ceramic cup, was quite potent and certainly achieved the degree of alertness caffeine fans will be looking for. A strong, independent café, that doesn’t need anyone telling them style tips, the eyes and stomachs of Lido will be thankful Big Mama is in the house.
Big Mama’s Café
Mon, Wed-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-midnight, Sat 9am-midnight, Sun 9am-10pm. Bldg 2, 5 Jiangtailu Shangyejie, Chaoyang District (5842 9007)
朝阳区将台路商业街5号楼2楼
More stories from this author click here.
Email: erinstrong@thebeijinger.com
Instagram: @wander_in
Photos: Mitchell Pe Masilun