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What’s there to eat in Beijing? Explore the irresistible local delicacies that you simply can’t miss on your travel adventure!
Beijing, the capital city, is often regarded as a "culinary paradise," offering countless dishes that reflect the rich flavors of China’s thousand-year history. The essence of Beijing cuisine lies in the perfect balance of bold, savory, and light tastes, delivering a delightful experience in every bite.
With their irresistible charm, the traditional dishes here never fail to captivate visitors. From the world-famous Peking duck to the soft and fluffy steamed buns and the unique Zha Jiang Mian noodles, each dish tells a unique story of this ancient city.
If you’re a food enthusiast, make sure to try these Beijing specialties recommended by Mytour below!
1. Peking Duck - The Iconic Specialty Dish
Peking duck is an iconic dish representing Beijing’s culinary culture. Originating from the Qing Dynasty, this dish has been celebrated in poetry and featured in significant diplomatic events, even becoming a "gift of peace" in Chinese history.
To achieve its signature crispy, aromatic skin, the duck must be raised and prepared using a special technique, involving meticulous steps from selecting the duck, marinating it, to roasting it in an oven. The traditional way to enjoy this dish is deeply rooted in Chinese culture: the crispy skin is dipped in sweet bean sauce, then wrapped in thin pancakes with scallions and cucumber. Diners can also purchase a whole duck to enjoy at home.
In Beijing, Quanjude and Bianyifang are two renowned, long-standing restaurants that have made Peking duck a culinary legend. Don’t hesitate to experience the authentic taste of this famous dish.
2. Dumplings - A Beloved Beijing Delicacy
A humble yet refined dish, dumplings hold a special place in Chinese culture as a symbol of good fortune. Chinese families often prepare dumplings during the Lunar New Year, representing prosperity and happiness for the coming year. Each dumpling is skillfully wrapped in a thin, chewy dough, filled with ingredients like minced meat, mushrooms, celery, and cabbage.
Chinese dumplings are typically boiled, steamed, served in soup, or pan-fried to a crispy finish. For those who enjoy bold, exciting flavors, try dipping the dumplings in soy sauce with a hint of chili and ginger.
Here’s a tip: enjoy dumplings in even numbers to symbolize abundance and prosperity, following Chinese tradition. Top restaurants like Mr. Shi's Dumplings and Shun Yi Fu are excellent choices for authentic dumplings.
3. Beijing-Style Zhajiang Noodles
Though originating from Shandong, the Beijing version of Zhajiang Mian, or "Noodles with Fried Bean Sauce," has won over millions with its familiar yet unique flavor. Hand-pulled noodles are paired with a rich soybean paste sauce, made from pork stir-fried with ginger, delivering a savory and satisfying taste without being overly heavy.
A bowl of Zhajiang Mian is typically served with toppings like shredded cucumber, radish, bean sprouts, and spinach to balance the flavors. Simply mix everything together to enjoy the harmonious and unforgettable taste of this homely dish.
Beijing-style Zhajiang Mian is affordable, costing around 38 CNY for a full portion. To try authentic Beijing noodles, visit Fangzhuanchang or Ox Street for a halal version made with beef or lamb. For vegetarians, Bai Yi Shu Shi Lanzhou Noodles is a must-visit.
4. Beijing-Style Shredded Pork with Black Bean Sauce
Shredded pork with black bean sauce (Chinese: 京酱肉丝) is a signature dish, essential for family meals or festive occasions in Beijing. Thinly sliced lean pork is stir-fried with a distinctive black bean sauce, creating an appealing color and irresistible aroma.
This dish not only embodies the spirit of Beijing cuisine but is also a perfect companion for rice due to its harmonious balance of sweet, savory meat soaked in sauce, complemented by the refreshing flavors of herbs and scallions, making it impossible to resist.
Don’t hesitate to visit Beijing-style restaurants like Jin Ding Xuan to savor this exquisite dish. Prices range from 45-55 CNY per serving.
5. Addictive Beijing-Style Mongolian Hotpot
Mongolian lamb hotpot, also known as Shuàn Yángròu (涮羊肉), was a delicacy during the Yuan Dynasty, originating from Mongolian nomads. Today, it has become a winter favorite in Beijing. Diners are captivated by the warm, spicy broth and the natural sweetness of tender lamb slices. The most popular way to enjoy it is by dipping the meat into the broth until just cooked, preserving its tenderness and flavor, and pairing it with noodles or fresh greens.
The rich aroma of cardamom, star anise, and jujube leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. For those seeking a cozy spot to enjoy Mongolian hotpot in the capital, Dong Lai Shun is a must-visit, with prices around 150-200 CNY for a dual-flavor lamb hotpot.
6. Beijing-Style Donkey Meat Burger
If you have the chance to visit Hebei Province, about 150 km from Beijing, you must try the donkey meat burger, also known as "donkey burger," associated with the famous saying: "In heaven, there’s dragon meat; on earth, there’s donkey meat" (天上龙肉，地上驴肉). This unique specialty features crispy huǒshāo bread filled with tender donkey meat.
Visitors can enjoy donkey burgers in two styles, depending on their origin. In Baoding, warm donkey meat is served in round buns, while in Hejian, rectangular buns with cold donkey meat are preferred. Don’t forget to pair it with green chili and cilantro for a truly unique and exciting flavor experience.
Today, donkey burgers are available in both humble street stalls and upscale restaurants in Beijing. For example, you can find them at food stalls on Niujie Street or at Wang Pangzi, priced at around 15-20 CNY per burger.
7. Beijing-Style Iron Grill Skewers
"Zhizi" skewers are famous for their unique grilling technique, delivering a rich and unmistakable flavor. Instead of using traditional charcoal, halal beef or lamb is grilled on an iron grate made of metal bars, allowing the fat to drip off and ensuring even cooking. The interesting twist is the use of fragrant woods like pine, jujube, and pear to infuse the meat with a distinctive aroma during grilling.
This method allows diners to savor the natural tenderness and sweetness of the grilled meat, complemented by the freshness of raw vegetables like scallions and cilantro. Additionally, Beijing-style skewers are often paired with fresh garlic to enhance their flavor.
The top destination for Beijing skewer enthusiasts is Houwei Ju Old Beijing Zhizi Barbecue, located in Xi Cheng District’s West Street. The average cost is around 120 CNY per person.
8. Beijing-Style Blanched Tripe
If you’re looking to try something unique, blanched tripe is another must-try delicacy in Beijing. The main ingredient is beef or lamb tripe, thoroughly cleaned and blanched in boiling water over high heat, then dipped in a sauce made from sesame paste, vinegar, chili oil, tofu soup, coriander powder, and other seasonings.
The key to perfecting this dish lies in the precise blanching time—just a few seconds too long or too short can affect the tripe’s texture, balancing tenderness and crispiness. Accompaniments like scallions and boiled cabbage further enhance its rich yet refreshing flavor.
This dish is not only delicious but also offers health benefits, helping to reduce fatigue and maintain nutritional balance. When visiting Beijing, you’ll find many local eateries serving blanched tripe at affordable prices.
9. Beijing-Style Long Fried Buns
Long fried buns, also known as "Dalian Huoshao," have been a beloved breakfast item in Beijing since 1876. Featuring a crispy outer layer and a filling of minced pork and tender vegetables, these buns are irresistibly delicious, especially when freshly fried.
The flavor of long fried buns is somewhat similar to pan-fried buns, but what sets them apart is their deep-fried crispiness and unique elongated shape. For both tourists and locals, this is a fantastic way to start the day in Beijing.
Besides queuing up at local markets or small eateries every morning, you can visit Furongju in Dongcheng District to try this renowned delicacy for just around 3 CNY.
10. Beijing-Style Stir-Fried Shredded Potatoes
Stir-fried shredded potatoes (土豆丝 - tǔdòu sī) originated from Sichuan but have become a staple of Beijing’s street food scene. Thinly shredded potatoes are quickly stir-fried with green peppers and seasonings, delivering a signature tangy and spicy flavor. Despite its simple ingredients, the skillful preparation ensures the potatoes retain their freshness.
The unique Beijing twist to this dish is the addition of black vinegar, enhancing the tangy flavor of the potatoes and making it hard to put your chopsticks down. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, but eating it fresh off the stove allows you to fully appreciate the warm, aromatic stir-fried potatoes. When visiting Beijing, stop by Shijin Yuan (十锦园) in Chaoyang District, famous for its Tudou Si priced at around 15 CNY per serving.
11. Beijing-Style Donkey Roll with Red Bean Filling
Don’t let the name "donkey roll" (驴打滚 - lǘ dǎgǔn) fool you! This is actually a sweet treat made from glutinous rice and delicious red bean paste, with no donkey meat involved. The name comes from the outer layer of soybean flour, which resembles a donkey rolling in the sand, creating a fragrant, smooth, and golden coating.
This dessert is not only aromatic but also boasts a soft, chewy texture with the subtle sweetness of red bean filling. It’s a beloved snack for Beijing locals of all ages, especially during festivals. To try authentic donkey rolls, visit Bai Ji Niangao (白记年糕) in Xicheng District. A 500-gram portion costs around 20 CNY, perfect for sharing with friends.
12. Colorful Sugar-Coated Haws on a Stick
Tanghulu (糖葫芦 - tánghúlu) is a signature snack that no visitor to Beijing should miss. These bright red skewers of fruit coated in glossy sugar are both visually appealing and irresistible. Originally made with hawthorn berries, tanghulu now comes in various flavors, including kiwi, strawberry, and even chocolate, offering a vibrant mix of tastes and colors.
When you bite into tanghulu, you’ll experience the crispness of the sugar coating blending perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors of the fruits inside. This snack is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is also considered a symbol of luck and prosperity.
In Beijing, you can easily find tanghulu vendors on the streets. Each skewer costs around 10 CNY, making it a perfect treat while strolling through the city.
13. Pea Cake Paired with Green Tea
Visiting Beijing without trying pea cake (豌豆黄 wān dòu huáng) would be a missed opportunity! This unique dessert is made from mashed peas, steamed, mixed with syrup, and then cooled before being cut into small pieces. The cake has a light yellow color, a smooth texture, and melts in your mouth, offering a sweet and refreshing flavor perfect for a spring afternoon tea.
Legend has it that Empress Dowager Cixi loved this dessert so much that she allowed the pastry chef to enter the palace to serve it exclusively. When enjoying pea cake, you can appreciate the meticulous process, from selecting the peas to the careful preparation. For the best pea cakes, visit Qianmen Pedestrian Street or Ya Er Li Ji, where a serving costs around 15-20 CNY.
14. Beijing-Style Aiwowo Rice Cake
Aiwowo rice cake (艾窝窝 àiwōwo) is an elegant dessert with a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty, once served in royal courts. Aiwowo offers a subtle sweetness, thanks to its soft, glutinous rice flour exterior filled with ingredients like walnuts, sesame seeds, melon seeds, and red bean paste.
Today, Aiwowo can be found in many snack shops around Beijing, especially during the Lunar New Year, as locals consider it a symbol of prosperity and abundance. This sweet treat is also popular in spring and autumn when the weather is mild.
If you visit Beijing, make sure to stop by Huguo Temple Snack Bar, which specializes in Aiwowo and other traditional pastries, priced at just 3 CNY each.
15. Douzhi - A Polarizing Dessert in Beijing
Douzhi (豆汁 dòu zhī) is a popular Beijing drink made from fermented mung bean paste. It has a light grayish-green color, a strong sour taste, and a slightly sweet aftertaste, creating a unique flavor that #teamMytour won’t easily find elsewhere.
While it may not be easy for first-timers to enjoy, Beijing’s Douzhi is a must-try for adventurous foodies. Many young people even film "taste challenge" videos when visiting Beijing, sharing their hilarious reactions on social media.
If you want to immerse yourself in local culture, try buying Douzhi at breakfast stalls and pair it with crispy fried dough sticks. Yao Ji Chao Gan is also a famous spot for Douzhi, priced at around 10-15 CNY per bowl.
Beijing cuisine is a unique blend of tradition and refined flavors, offering visitors countless unforgettable culinary experiences. From the refreshing pea cake to the distinct sourness of Douzhi, each dish reflects the essence of Chinese culture through meticulous preparation and rich flavors.
Planning a trip to China? Check out Mytour’s helpful blogs: 25 Must-Try Chinese Specialty Dishes, 15 One-Day Beijing Tours for Independent Travelers, 20 Famous Chinese Scenic Spots You Can’t Miss, Latest 4-Day 3-Night Beijing Itinerary, Beijing Travel Guide for Independent Travelers, Updated China Entry Procedures for 2024.
Are you ready to embark on your journey and indulge in the famous Beijing specialties?
