Beijing Foodie Trip Idea

Beijing is a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the most delicious food in Beijing include Peking Duck, Zhajiangmianm, Beijing Hot Pot, Jianbing, Lamb Skewers, and many more.

Eating out in Beijing can be as affordable or as expensive as you want it to be, depending on where you choose to dine. The city offers a wide variety of dining options catering to all budgets.

Budgets meals are around ￥15-￥40 which are typically street food. Mid range restaurants are around ￥60-￥150 such as a nice hot pot meal or Beijing-style zhajiangmian with sides. High-end dining usually cost around ￥200-￥600+. Extras to consider include bottled water (￥2-￥5, beer/soft drinks (￥10-￥25), coffee at a cafe (￥25-￥40).

The cost of Peking Duck in Beijing can vary significantly depending on where you choose to dine.

• Local or smaller restaurants: half a duck around ￥100-￥200, whole duck around ￥200-￥
• Popular Peking Duck Restaurants: whole duck costs around ￥300-￥
• Luxury Dining: whole duck costs around ￥600-￥
• At Tourist Areas: whole duck costs around ￥350-￥

Content

Eating classic Peking Duck is not just a meal—it's a delicious ritual! Here's a step-by-step guide so you can savour it like a local in Beijing:

1. Watch the Carving (Optional but Fun!)
   • In many traditional restaurants, especially in Beijing, the whole roast duck is brought to your table and carved by a chef right in front of you. The skin is crisp, the meat tender—sliced into bite-sized perfection.
2. Know Your Components
   • Peking Duck is typically served with:
     • Mandarin pancakes (薄饼, Bóbǐng) – thin wheat wraps
     • Sliced scallions and cucumber sticks
     • Sweet bean sauce (甜面酱, Tiánmiànjiàng) or sometimes hoisin sauce
     • Sometimes garlic paste or sugar (for dipping the skin)

1. Build Your Duck Wrap (The Classic Way)
   • Here’s how to assemble the perfect bite:
     • Take one pancake and lay it flat on your plate.
     • Spread a bit of sweet bean sauce (or hoisin) over the pancake.
     • Add a few slices of duck, including a piece of crispy skin.
     • Top with scallions and cucumbers.
     • Fold or roll it up like a mini wrap or taco.

2. Try Variations
   • Skin dipped in sugar: Some locals love to dip just the crispy skin in a small dish of white sugar—it enhances the rich flavour with a touch of sweetness.
   • Garlic lovers can also add garlic paste or a touch of chili for extra punch.
3. Don’t Waste the Rest
   • Many restaurants will turn leftover duck bones into a rich soup or broth if you ask—great for finishing your meal!
4. Tips for the Best Experience
   • Eat the duck while it's hot—the skin is crispiest right after carving.
   • Ask for refills of pancakes or veggies if needed—most places are happy to provide more.
   • Pair it with a Tsingtao beer or warm Chinese tea for a perfect meal.