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Secret Garden

I've been promised Beijing's best laksa (a fantastic Malaysian noodle soup). Better still, I've been promised laksa outdoors in a secluded place on a balmy summer evening, accompanied by a summer fruit cooler that was reputed to have "secret ingredients." The laksa arrives beautifully arranged - with three huge shrimp curled around the edge of the bowl - and is utterly delightful. Pouring the fruit cooler is a task you must leave to the attentive wait-staff, as the jug is jam-packed with fruit that looks as good as it tastes.

So where am I? Where are these treats available? The answer is the Traders Hotel's well-hidden Garden Terrace at the China World Trade Center. The Garden Terrace began as a "green space" surrounded by the Center's Exhibition Hall, Tower Two, the China World Hotel and Traders Hotel. The Trader's, in a mid-2003 push for more outdoor dining in the city, got permission from the Center's management -- though the only access to the space is from Traders -- to open the picturesque area as an annex to their two indoor eating areas.

Used to Singapore's oppressive heat, the Traders' general manager imported an efficient outdoor cooling system to ensure that the area is pleasant even in the early afternoon. An important step, as we all know how warm the early evening can get in Beijing's high summer. Another well known "peril" of outdoor dining in our fine city is Beijing's high winds - but sheltered by its surrounding towers Traders' secret oasis remains protected from the worst of weather.

You can order from the menu, of course, or you can take advantage of the scrumptious buffet which begins at 7 p.m. An eclectic mix of Asian and Western dishes makes the Malaysian / Singaporean menu truly unique among Beijing's many dining options, and the well-stocked buffet has something for everyone.

Go for a business lunch to enjoy in daylight the many walkways and sculpted greenery, or gather some friends, and escape to Traders' Garden Terrace for a summer evening to remember.

Garden Terrace Traders Hotel Beijing at the China World Trade Center is open daily for lunch from noon to 2 p.m. and evenings at 6-l1 p.m. For enquiries please call (010) 6505 2277 ext 36.