Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Beijing, China

Beijing, China, Beijing, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Beijing, China

Peking Duck

1. Peking Duck

The most iconic dish in Beijing, Peking Duck is famous for its crispy skin and tender meat. Quanjude is one of the best places to try this delicacy, offering an authentic experience with a rich history. Enjoy the duck wrapped in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce, cucumber, and scallions.
  • Authenticity: Quanjude is renowned for its traditional preparation methods.
  • Atmosphere: The restaurant has a historic and prestigious vibe.
  • Service: Known for excellent customer service ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Jiaozi (Dumplings)

2. Jiaozi (Dumplings)

Jiaozi are plump dumplings filled with juicy pork or vegetables, steamed or fried to perfection. Try them at Mr. Shi's Dumplings, where you can choose from a wide array of fillings. It's a great spot for sampling both classic and unique dumpling flavors.
  • Variety: Offers many different fillings.
  • Price: Affordable for travelers on a budget.
  • Popularity: Highly recommended and frequently visited by locals and tourists alike.
Zhajiangmian (Soybean Paste Noodles)

3. Zhajiangmian (Soybean Paste Noodles)

This hearty noodle dish features thick wheat noodles with a rich soybean paste and minced pork sauce. Sample it at Old Beijing Zhajiangmian Da Wang, where the balance of flavors is expertly crafted. The chewy noodles and savory sauce make it a comforting meal.
  • Texture: Perfect balance of chewy noodles and thick sauce.
  • Portion Size: Generous servings for a satisfying meal.
  • Accessibility: Conveniently located for easy access by public transport.
Mongolian Hot Pot

4. Mongolian Hot Pot

Dive into an assortment of meats and vegetables cooked in a bubbling pot of savory broth. Dong Lai Shun is a top spot known for its flavorful hot pot offerings. It’s ideal for a communal dining experience, making it perfect for groups.
  • Interactivity: Engage in cooking your meal at the table.
  • Customization: Choose from a wide selection of ingredients and broths.
  • Social Aspect: Great for sharing with friends or family.
Gongbao Jiding (Kung Pao Chicken)

5. Gongbao Jiding (Kung Pao Chicken)

A spicy and slightly sweet dish featuring diced chicken with peanuts, peppers, and chilies. Experience it at Da Dong, where the flavors are perfectly balanced and impeccably prepared. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves a kick in their meals.
  • Flavor: Known for its blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty.
  • Presentation: Artfully served, enhancing the dining experience.
  • Spice Level: Adjust to your preference for a comfortable heat.
Jianbing (Chinese Crepe)

6. Jianbing (Chinese Crepe)

Often enjoyed as a breakfast street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe filled with egg, herbs, and crispy cracker. Head to Wangfujing Street, where vendors serve these popular crepes fresh and hot. It’s a great way to start your day like a local.
  • Quick Meal: Perfect for a fast, satisfying breakfast.
  • Convenience: Many stalls make it easy to find and try.
  • Customizable: Fillings can be adjusted based on your taste.
Beijing Yoghurt

7. Beijing Yoghurt

A refreshing and creamy treat, Beijing Yoghurt is served in a cute ceramic jar. Visit Wenyu Nailao, a famous spot known for its traditional yogurt recipe. After your meal, it's a wonderful way to cleanse the palate.
  • Refreshing: Perfect dessert to cool down on warm days.
  • Portion: Conveniently sized for individual enjoyment.
  • Tradition: Experience a piece of Beijing's culinary history.
Hot and Sour Soup

8. Hot and Sour Soup

This soup is packed with spices, vinegary punch, and a medley of mushrooms and tofu. Try a bowl at Hua's Restaurant, known for its authentic rendition. It's a comforting choice, especially on colder days.
  • Balance: Carefully crafted for a perfect blend of spicy and sour.
  • Portion Options: Available in individual or group sizes.
  • Warmth: Ideal for warming up during Beijing’s colder months.
Lamb Skewers (Chuan’r)

9. Lamb Skewers (Chuan’r)

A popular street food, these spicy and savory lamb skewers are a delight. The Muslim Quarter nearby Niujie offers some of the best chuan’r in the city. Marinated and grilled to perfection, they make for a tasty quick snack.
  • Quick bite: Perfect for a fast, flavorful street snack.
  • Spice: Enjoy a spicy kick with each bite.
  • Cultural Diversity: Experience Beijing’s cultural melting pot.
Donkey Burger (Lu Zhiyuan)

10. Donkey Burger (Lu Zhiyuan)

This unique Beijing snack features spiced donkey meat inside freshly baked bread. Taste it at the Zhang Ma Ma chain which is famous for its tender and flavorful donkey delicacies. A must-try for adventurous eaters who want to expand their culinary horizons.
  • Uniqueness: A rare specialty not found in many other places.
  • Adventure: Suitable for those eager to try something different.
  • Cultural Insight: Offers a glance into local eating habits.
Soybean Milk and Youtiao

11. Soybean Milk and Youtiao

Start your day the Beijing way with warm soybean milk and deep-fried dough sticks. This classic breakfast combo is best enjoyed at brand name chains like Yonghe King, known for fresh and tasty morning options. It’s filling and offers a mix of textures.
  • Breakfast Staple: Ideal for an authentic local breakfast experience.
  • Texture: Soft milk paired with crispy dough.
  • Availability: Widely available and easy to find.
Tanjia Cuisine

12. Tanjia Cuisine

Experience the luxurious flavors of Tanjia cuisine, characterized by delicate flavors and beautiful presentation. Bai Jia Da Yuan offers a delightful menu crafted from family recipes passed through generations. The elegant setting adds to the overall experience.
  • Elegance: Meals are prepared and served with sophistication.
  • Exclusivity: Unique recipes not found elsewhere.
  • Setting: Dine in an elegant and historical setting.
Mooncake

13. Mooncake

Although typically enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, mooncakes are available year-round. Sample these goodies at Daoxiangcun, a renowned bakery providing an array of flavors. Their sweet filling and flaky crust are a treat for any dessert lover.
  • Seasonal Delight: Enjoy a taste of Beijing’s celebratory food.
  • Variety: Offers diverse flavors from traditional to modern.
  • Packaging: Beautifully packaged, ideal for gifting.
Beijing Noodles with Soybean Paste (Beijing Zhajiangmi)

14. Beijing Noodles with Soybean Paste (Beijing Zhajiangmi)

These flavorful noodles are a must-try for lovers of hearty, savory meals. Experience this dish at Liu Zhai Shifu, famous for its authentic noddle-centric offerings. The dish comes alive with fresh julienned vegetables and a rich, soy-based sauce.
  • Hearty: Satisfying for lunch or dinner.
  • Texture: Enjoy the contrast of chewy noodles and crunchy vegetables.
  • Tradition: Offers core flavors of Northern Chinese cuisine.
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

15. Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

These soup-filled dumplings burst with flavor in each bite. Din Tai Fung offers an exquisite version with thin dough and flavorful broth. It's a delicate treat perfect for dumpling enthusiasts.
  • Craftsmanship: Expertly made with perfect pleats.
  • Juiciness: Experience the delightful soup-filled center.
  • Reputation: Known internationally for quality and taste.
Stir-fried Eggs with Tomato

16. Stir-fried Eggs with Tomato

A simple yet delicious dish that packs a punch of sweet, soft eggs balanced with tangy tomatoes. Sample it at Four Rivers, offering traditional home-style cooking. It’s a comforting dish that is unmistakably Beijing.
  • Simplicity: Famed for its simple yet effective pair of flavors.
  • Comfort Food: A go-to dish for a homey feeling.
  • Availability: Easily found across many local eateries.
Fermented Tofu

17. Fermented Tofu

Known locally as 'stinky tofu,' this fermented bean curd has a bold aroma and umami flavor. Tianhai Restaurant serves a popular version, crispy on the outside and soft inside. This dish is a hit among those ready to embrace robust flavors.
  • Boldness: Perfect for adventurous palates.
  • Popularity: Loved by locals for its distinctive smell and taste.
  • Texture: Offers an intriguing mix of crispy and soft.
Sweet & Sour Pork (Tang Cu Li)

18. Sweet & Sour Pork (Tang Cu Li)

This classic dish is beloved for its crispy pork pieces glazed in a tangy sauce. Sample it at Jindingxuan, where it’s prepared with finesse and high-quality ingredients. It’s a dish that’s hard to resist for lovers of contrasting flavors.
  • Contrast: Combines sweet, sour, and crispy in each bite.
  • Presentation: Artistically presented to heighten appeal.
  • Popularity: A favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.
Spicy Crawfish

19. Spicy Crawfish

Dive into a pile of spicy and flavorful crawfish, perfect in its balance of heat and seafood richness. Head to Hu Da Restaurant, renowned for its bold, fragrant recipe. This dish is a delightful challenge for spice lovers.
  • Spice: Prepared with lots of chili for that fiery taste.
  • Freshness: Used fresh crawfish for authentic taste.
  • Social Dining: Often shared, perfect for gatherings.
Red Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

20. Red Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

Enjoy tender cubes of pork belly braised in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. Meet the mastery behind the dish at The Grand Canal Restaurant, where Chinese traditional methods are celebrated. The melt-in-your-mouth texture is unforgettable.
  • Tenderness: Achieves the ideal softness through slow cooking.
  • Tradition: Rooted in Chinese culinary heritage.
  • Aroma: Rich, aromatic scents enhance the dining experience.