(City Weekend)
Updated: 2006-08-10 12:00

Places to dip your chip: if you can't dance it, at least you can eat it.

1 John Bull Taco Night-authentic salsa
There's a saying in the US: "You know a Chinese restaurant is good if there are lots of Chinese people in it." In Beijing, you know the salsa is good when Mexicans crowd around and that's just what happens every Friday and Saturday night at JB. And not just Mexicans, but all those craving something more authentic than the fajita platter at TGIF. The food, including the salsa, is created by Carlos Vera, a tortilla purveyor who hails from Mexico City. "It's real salsa on real tortillas!" boasts Vera.

John Bull
Location: 44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 010-65325905

2 Mexican Kitchen-salsa made to order
Their standard salsa has the usual tomatoes, onions, peppers and a hint of white vinegar. But want it spicier? Chunkier perhaps? The kitchen staff will be more than happy to oblige and create something just to your liking. Also worth mentioning are the margaritas here, some of the best in town, so take a dip and down a sip.

Mexican Kitchen
Location: 705 Pinnacle Plaza (in Euro Village),Shunyi District 
Tel: 010-80464558

3 The Saddle-late night salsa
The moderately spicy salsa flavored with pungent cilantro makes for an oxymoronic hot-and-cool snack at this little joint, especially in the wee hours after a long night of dancing away at neighboring Bar Blu or Top Club.

The Saddle
Location: 43 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang District

4 Mexican Wave-mystery salsa
The story reads like legend. Three years ago, a chef from Mexico showed up at the Mexican Wave, salsa recipe in hand. Soon after, he disappeared. But the salsa recipe he left behind is still faithfully being followed by Wave cooks, virtually unchanged. The chili peppers, the soul of salsa, are imported from Mexico and the tomato and onion are fresh enough to provide the proper chunk factor. Wave salsa is not going to pass the authenticity test. It needs more salt, a change of presentation-no plastic earthenware, please!-and the pico de gallo side must have cilantro. But peering into the dark history of this spry dish, it is easily the most mysterious.

Mexican Wave
Location: Dongdaqiao Lu, next to Guanghua Lu Primary School
Tel: 010-65063961

5 Your Home-easy salsa
Sometimes it's just not worth leaving the comforts of home, especially not for a side dish or dipping sauce. So take it easy and pick up some salsa at Jenny Lou's (they carry several brands including Spring Field, Sunny Select and Delmonte), plop down in front of the telly and enjoy. Mariachi band optional.

Jenny Lou's
Location: No.4 Ritan Beilu
Tel: 010-85630626