This undated file photo shows tourists having a meal at Syed Ayyaz Gillani's restaurant in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China.
During a visit to Beijing's Huairou District in 2016, Syed Ayyaz Gillani, a 44-year-old Pakistani chef, was captivated by the natural beauty there. With the help of friends, Gillani found his business partner and opened the "Masala" Pakistani restaurant in Huairou.
In the early days of his business, Gilani enthusiastically invited passersby to try Pakistani cuisine. Many customers, initially curious, became regulars at Gilani's restaurant.
At present, "Masala" has become one of the most popular restaurants in Huairou.
To introduce more Chinese friends to the tastes of his hometown, Gillani and his wife, Li Yanwei, opened a second restaurant and guesthouse at the foot of the Great Wall in 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Syed Ayyaz Gillani (L) cooks traditional Pakistani broth at his restaurant in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China, July 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Syed Ayyaz Gillani prepares food at his restaurant in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China, July 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Li Yanwei, wife of Syed Ayyaz Gillani, arranges tableware at their restaurant in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China, July 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Syed Ayyaz Gillani hangs a paint at his restaurant in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China, July 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Syed Ayyaz Gillani (L) and his wife Li Yanwei study how to promote their restaurant through the Internet in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China, July 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Syed Ayyaz Gillani (C) and his wife Li Yanwei (R) wait for their friends at their restaurant in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China, July 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
A Pakistani chef cooks traditional pastries at Syed Ayyaz Gillani's restaurant in Huairou, Beijing, capital of China, July 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
