Beijing Food Guide
Beijing food is all about bold northern flavors — salty, savory, and comforting. Instead of rice, locals eat more noodles, dumplings, and pancakes made with wheat. Most dishes aren’t spicy, and the flavors are rich but easy to enjoy, even for first-time visitors. From hand-pulled noodles at corner shops to Peking duck in well-known restaurants, there’s a wide range of dishes to explore.
Must-Try Beijing Dishes
Peking Duck
Peking Duck is Beijing’s most iconic dish, known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavor. Traditionally roasted in a wood-fired oven and carved tableside, it’s served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce for a hands-on dining experience.
Recommended Restaurants:
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Quanjude (Qianmen): Beijing’s most famous duck brand, known for traditional wood-fired roasting and tableside carving.
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Da Dong (Gongti East Road): Modern style with lighter, crispy duck and elegant plating—popular with upscale travelers.
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Siji Minfu (Near the Forbidden City): Great value and classic flavors, just a short walk from the Forbidden City.
Zhajiangmian(Beijing-Style Noodles)
Zhajiangmian is a classic Beijing noodle dish topped with savory soybean paste and stir-fried pork. It’s served with fresh sliced vegetables and best enjoyed mixed thoroughly before eating.
Recommended Restaurants:
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Haiwanju: Popular with locals for its old-school Beijing flavor and generous portions.
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Yansong Zhajiangmian: A low-key spot known for traditional hand-pulled noodles and rich sauce.
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Lao Beijing Zhajiangmian: Long-established eatery that sticks closely to the original northern-style recipe
Instant-boiled mutton
Instant-boiled mutton is a traditional Chinese hot pot dish where thin slices of lamb are quickly cooked in a pot of boiling broth.It’s typically served with sesame sauce, tofu, and vegetables, and is especially popular during colder months.
Recommended Restaurants:
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Dong Lai Shun: best-known for its high-quality lamb and traditional copper pots.
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Man Fu Lou: Popular with locals for its authentic flavors and good value.
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Nan Men Shuan Rou: Famous for its hand-sliced lamb and classic sesame dipping sauce.
Luzhu hushao(Pork Stew with Cake)
Luzhu Huoshao is a rich Beijing street food made by stewing pork intestines, tofu, and fried bread chunks in a savory broth.It has a strong aroma and bold flavor—loved by locals but challenging for many first-time visitors.
Recommended Restaurants:
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Yaoji Chaogan: Famous old-school shop serving authentic luzhu with generous portions.
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Tianxingju: Locals swear by their intense, traditional-style broth and soft bread chunks.
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Baodufeng: Though better known for tripe, their luzhu is also a popular choice.
Douzhi’er(Fermented Mung Bean Drink)
Douzhi’er is a fermented mung bean drink with a sour, earthy taste that’s unique to Beijing.
It’s considered an acquired taste—even some locals find it challenging—but it’s deeply rooted in old Beijing culture.
Recommended Restaurants:
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Yaoji Chaogan: Serves douzhi’er alongside classic Beijing snacks like jiaoquan and pickled vegetables.
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Bai Kui Laohao: Traditional eatery offering douzhi’er in a simple, old-Beijing setting.
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Huguosi Snack Bar: Known for a wide range of Beijing-style snacks, including freshly made douzhi’er.
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