Beijing Culinary Journey | The Best Flavors of the Capital

Beijing Culinary Journey offers a taste of the city's rich history. From imperial dishes to street food, every bite tells a story. Explore unique flavors influenced by tradition and innovation. Whether dining in high-end restaurants or street markets, Beijing's food scene will captivate you. Don't miss the iconic Peking duck or the sizzling hot pot. Every corner of the city invites you to indulge in new tastes.

Iconic Beijing Dishes

Beijing Roast Duck (Peking Duck)

No visit to Beijing is complete without savoring the world-famous Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck. This imperial dish dates back to the imperial era and is renowned for its crispy, golden-brown skin.

How it's served:

• Thin, crispy skin with little meat
• Sliced by the cook in front of diners
• Accompanied by spring onions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce
• Wrapped in thin pancakes

Beijing Duck

Where to try it: Quanjude and Bianyifang are two time-honored establishments famous for their roast duck.

Jing Jiang Rou Si (Shredded Pork in Beijing Sauce)

This authentic Beijing dish showcases the city's culinary ingenuity.

What to expect:

• Sliced pork cooked in a sweet bean sauce
• Served with soybean wraps
• Simple yet flavorful

Jing Jiang Rou Si (Shredded Pork in Beijing Sauce)

Popular Beijing Snacks (Xiaochi)

Beijing's street food scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a range of snacks beloved by locals.

Beijing Street Food

Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)

These ubiquitous dumplings are a staple of Northern Chinese cuisine.

Typical fillings:

• Minced pork with ginger and leek
• Various meat and vegetable combinations

Chinese Dumplings

Tip: For an authentic experience, seek out small family-run eateries specializing in dumplings.

Other Must-Try Snacks

• Doufu nao: Soft tofu served hot with sauce
• Dou jiang: Soy milk
• Youtiao: Deep-fried twisted bread sticks
• Baozi: Steamed buns with various fillings
• Zhima shaobing: Hard buns with sesame

Unique Beijing Specialties

Donkey Burgers

Though originating from Hebei Province, donkey burgers have been embraced by Beijing's food culture.

Donkey Burger

What to expect:

• Shredded donkey meat in a hot, crunchy bun
• Served with green pepper relish

Mongolian Hotpot

With over 1,000 years of history, this communal dish is perfect for group dining.

Key features:

• Diners cook their own food in a pot of boiling soup
• Traditional versions feature lamb
• Less spicy than southern Chinese hotpots

Culinary Influences

Beijing's cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, influenced by surrounding regions and historical events.

Regional Influences

• Shandong cuisine: Many top Beijing restaurants were originally classified as Shandong-style

• Sichuan cuisine: Gained popularity in Beijing, even in high-end hotels

International Fusion

As Beijing modernized, international cuisines became more prevalent:

• Cantonese cuisine in luxury hotels
• Western cuisines like French, Italian, and even British fish and chips

Where to Eat

Time-Honored Establishments

• Duyichu: Famous for shaomai, with a history dating back to the Qing Dynasty
• Donglaishun: Renowned for mutton hotpot
• Kaorouji: Specializes in grilled mutton

Modern Dining

Post-Olympics, Beijing saw a rise in innovative restaurants blending traditional flavors with modern presentation.

Tips for Food Explorers

1. Be adventurous: Try unfamiliar dishes to fully experience Beijing's culinary diversity.
2. Visit local markets: Experience the vibrant food culture firsthand.
3. Join a food tour: Gain insights into the history and preparation of traditional dishes.
4. Embrace the seasons: Some snacks, like candied haws on sticks, are seasonal treats.

Beijing's food scene is a captivating blend of imperial grandeur, local traditions, and modern innovations. As you explore the city, let your taste buds guide you through centuries of culinary history, one delicious bite at a time.