Beijing Roast Duck – a renowned dish loved worldwide

It's no coincidence that Beijing Roast Duck is cherished globally. The exquisite flavor is what makes this dish outstanding.

Beijing Roast Duck – a renowned dish loved worldwide

According to historical records, duck roasting in China dates back to around 420-589 AD. However, it wasn't until the Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368) that this dish was officially recognized by the royal court and the emperor. Interestingly, Beijing Roast Duck is named after Beijing but has its origins in Nanjing, the ancient capital of China, located in Jiangsu province.

Beijing Roast Duck appeared on the menu of a famous restaurant in Beijing in 1416 and quickly gained popularity, attracting many people to indulge in this delicious specialty. Since then, Beijing Roast Duck has been considered a symbol of Beijing's culinary culture in particular and Chinese cuisine in general.

It's not by chance that Beijing Roast Duck is so beloved. The exceptional flavor is what sets this dish apart. Introduced in a book featuring 1330 dishes compiled by culinary expert Hu Sihui, the recipe for roasted duck by Hu was complex, involving stuffing the duck into the stomach of a sheep for roasting.

To create a delicious and enticing Beijing Roast Duck, one must choose a plump duck that meets the standards. This ensures the dish is appealing and perfectly seasoned. After properly cleaning the duck, it is marinated with distinctive spices and left for a specific period. Then, it is roasted in the oven according to the proper procedure for even cooking.

The duck's skin, after roasting, should be thin, with a shining wing color. During preparation, a method involving blowing air is used to separate the fat layer. The duck bones are not discarded but utilized to make soup. Therefore, when enjoying this dish, you get to savor the entire duck. Each part is meticulously prepared to enhance its distinctive flavor. Precision is applied from the cooking process to the art of savoring.

The most authentic way to enjoy this renowned dish is to take a piece of duck meat with crispy, glossy skin, place it on a thin rice paper, add some slices of onion and cucumber, and then season with a bit of hoisin sauce or sweet bean sauce. Afterward, diners can roll it all up and relish the complete flavor.

When eating, there's a sensation of crispy and crunchy duck skin, and each piece of meat absorbs the spices. The duck meat is fragrant and feels like it melts in the mouth. Typically, each dish is paired with a single dipping sauce to enhance the tastiness. You'll have two dipping sauce options: the traditional sauce with soy or the modern sauce with sesame oil mixed with crushed garlic.

Nowadays, it's easy to find a restaurant selling Beijing Roast Duck, but it's certain that the flavor can't compare to enjoying it in the capital region of China. This is undoubtedly a dish no traveler should miss when visiting China.

According to Mytour

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour