Peking Roast Duck
(Beijing Kaoya)
Experience the authentic traditional Beijing cuisine that is Peking duck, renowned worldwide as an exquisite dish, fit for an Empress. Invented during the Ming Dynasty, Peking roast duck was a royal delicacy. In keeping with tradition, only the very best duck is chosen and roasted by fire. Read more
The tender, moist meat is covered by crispy, chewy skin. While being rich in fats, Peking Duck tends not to be overly greasy. Along with sliced shallots, delicate pancakes made of millet flour, and a fermented flour sweet sauce, Peking Duck is a sensational culinary experience to try while visiting China.
Old Beijing Noodles with Fried Bean Sauce (Zhajiangmian)
As Beijing’s signature noodles, Zhajiangmian is the most common noodle dish cooked by local Beijing families. The wheat noodles are topped with ‘zhajiang’, otherwise known as fried bean paste with pork or beef mince, as well as sliced or shredded vegetables (cucumbers, Chinese cabbage, radish and bean sprouts).
Beijing instant-boiled sliced mutton hotpot
(Shuanyangrou)
Regarded as an authentic Beijing hotpot, you may discover this dish served in a traditional style in local restaurants where distinctive copper pots and charcoal form part of the experience of enjoying this meal.
Sauteed shredded pork in sweet bean sauce
(Jingjiang Rousi)
Jingjiang Rousi is stir fried sauteed shredded pork in sweet soya paste served with shredded scallions and tofu sheets that are used to wrap the filling, very similar to the way Peking roast duck is wrapped in a pancake.
Mustardy cabbage mounds
(Jiemodun’er)
Mustardy cabbage mounds - or Jiemodun’er - is a cold dish traditionally eaten by local Beijing families for Chinese New Year Eve’s dinner. It is pickled Chinese cabbage served with mustard sauce, and the refreshing flavor and crispness of ingredients is a welcome balance to other rich dishes that are invariably included in Chinese New Year’s feasts.
Sauteed pork balls with brown sauce
(Jiaoliu Wanzi)
Jiaoliu Wanzi is deep-fried meatballs that are tender but with a crispy crust. The meatballs are stir-fried and coated in ‘brown’ sauce, which is essentially a mixture of both light and dark soy sauce, water, salt, sugar and potato starch.
Quanjude
Known worldwide for its Peking Roast Duck, Quanjude was established in 1864. Hugely popular with travelers from all around the globe, dining here is a ‘must-do’ while in Beijing.
Da Dong
Da Dong is another restaurant you simply miss while in Beijing. With its claim to fame being its Peking Duck is made with leaner birds than those of other restaurants, as well as the fact it has been awarded ‘Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year’ (according to thebeijinger.com). It’s highly recommended you book ahead and arrive hungrily, not least because the menu is 160 pages, so there are plenty of dishes to choose from.
Siji Minfu Roasted Duck
Visit Siji Minfu for Beijing’s best value Peking Roasted Duck, as well as a variety of traditional Beijing dishes that are favorites with the locals.
Liqun Roast Duck Restaurant
Liqun Roast Duck Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant in Beijing’s famous hutong. It has an excellent reputation and has earned favor with locals and travelers alike for remaining true to the traditional method of cooking the ducks used in their Peking Roasted Duck.
1949 Duck de Chine
Arguably Beijing’s best duck (at least when it comes to the performance of slicing the duck), Duck de Chine captivates its guests with a dining experience, not just a meal. If it’s a beautiful dining memory you’re after, put 1949 Duck de Chine at the top of your list.
Ya Wang Restaurant
At Ya Wang Restaurant you will find a showcase of Peking Roasted Duck, Cantonese cuisine and seafood, and a regularly updated menu sure to impress.
Beijing Fangshan Restaurant
Located in Beihai Park, expect to dine like an emperor when you visit. Established in 1925 by four chefs who had worked for the last emperor of the Qing dynasty, Fangshan is the term used to refer to imperial cuisine. Many generations of chefs have worked at the restaurant, with some undertaking research at the Palace Museum so they can prepare dishes once only made for royalty. The Manchu Han Imperial Feast is revered as the finest example of imperial cuisine, and should not be ordered by the faint-hearted.
Ting Li Guan Restaurant
For another regal dining experience, book your table at Ting Li Guan Restaurant at the Summer Palace. Offering a truly imperial experience, Ting Li Guan was originally built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother. Although it was razed to the ground by allied forces in 1860, Empress Dowager Cixi rebuilt it and used it to entertain foreign diplomats, court officials, and the emperor’s wives. Every detail of the experience is considered, from the plates, cutlery, decor, dishes, and service, with each element contributing to provide a truly special experience.
Beijing Yuxiandu Royal Gastronomy Museum
Well, if there was ever a reason to dine out, the Beijing Yuxiandu Royal Gastronomy Museum is it. Taking visitors on a ‘dynastic dining’ adventure, the museum recreates imperial banquets from various dynasties, thus providing insights into the kinds of meals enjoyed by emperors throughout the centuries. Apart from an imperial banquet, diners are entertained with performances that would have kept emperors happy during their meal. And if that isn’t enough for you, wander through the museum’s exhibitions and private banquet suites that give modern-day diners a little taste of imperial history.
Family Li Imperial Cuisine
Receiving one Michelin star for its excellent food, Family Li Imperial Cuisine is not your everyday family Chinese restaurant. It is a fourth-generation family of chefs who truly have an imperial cooking pedigree with family members forming part of the Qing dynasty’s kitchen. In addition to its tastefully understated decor, you will appreciate the set menus that feature notable dishes like braised ‘tiger skin’ pork. If you plan to visit, make sure you book ahead.
Sanlitun
Located in close proximity to international embassies, Sanlitun is an area well known as Beijing’s most prestigious shopping, dining, and entertainment precinct. The area has been popular with locals and internationals alike (particularly expats) since the first bar opened there in 1983. Now Sanlitun is home to a whopping 70 percent of the total number of bars in Beijing and many international brand shops. Make an afternoon and evening of your visit here - you’ll need it!
Shichahai Bar Street
Unlike Sanlitun, Shichahai Bar Street is a veritable oasis where visitors can enjoy drinks and dining without the melee. Shichahai Bar Street has blended the contemporary and traditional, using water landscapes and delightful courtyards as the backdrop for a bar and restaurant precinct without equal. Apart from the many options to eat and drink, the setting itself is fascinating. Discover old style residences and courtyards in the hutong, and wander through the snack streets, which offer a taste of Beijing’s many flavors. Notably, shops like Kao Rou Ji (roast meat) and Bao Du Zhang (famous for tripe) have been operating for many decades.
Guijie
Beijing’s famous Guijie Street - or Ghost Street - is popular among locals as a snack food precinct. Not only is the food fabulous, a wander along this street lit up with its bright red lanterns provides an authentic experience of daily life for modern-day Beijingers. The moniker ‘Ghost Street’ came from the produce markets at which traders would operate from late night to dawn. Working by the light of kerosene lamps gave the appearance of ghosts, hence the name. Make a night of it by starting at one end and working your way to the other.
Wudaoying Hutong
Experience both old and new China as expressed in the Wudaoying hutong. Now a fashionable business precinct that has merged traditional courtyard residences with contemporary enterprises in the form of boutique shops and trendy cafes. You’ll find everything from one-off vintage items to handcrafted wares made by lamas in Tibet. Perfect for those travelers looking for a less mainstream experience of Beijing.
