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Beijing, the capital city, is a must-see destination for any traveler to China. It's also renowned for its rich and diverse cuisine. Among its many dishes, there are some famous delicacies that you absolutely must try during your visit!
1. Peking Duck
If you ever get the chance to visit China and stop by Beijing, make sure to try the legendary Peking Duck. This dish has gained worldwide fame and is considered a staple of Beijing's culinary identity. Peking Duck is typically made with high-quality duck, roasted over an open flame. The skin is crispy, and the meat is tender. It is usually served with thin pancakes, fresh vegetables, and a sweet hoisin sauce.
2. Zha Jiang Noodles
This dish resembles a noodle stir-fry. The noodles are first boiled and drained, then mixed with a thick, savory sauce along with some herbs or cucumber. While many noodle dishes rely on broth, the highlight of Zha Jiang Noodles is its rich, hot sauce. The main ingredient of the sauce is finely minced meat, stir-fried with onions and fermented soy sauces, and sometimes chili for extra spice.
3. Candied Haw
If you're a sweet tooth, you won't be able to resist the candied haw when visiting Beijing during your trip to China. This treat is quite familiar to many who have seen historical films. The vibrant colors of various fruits are coated with a crispy, sweet candy shell, and then skewered on small sticks. This snack is not only delicious but also beneficial to health, historically used as a remedy for digestive issues.
4. Shredded Pork with Sweet Sauce
Another dish you should try when in Beijing is the shredded pork with sweet sauce. Made from tender pork shoulder, sweet soy sauce, shredded cucumber, and other ingredients, this dish needs to marinate for several hours to ensure the meat is tender and flavorful. The shredded pork is then mixed with a flavorful Beijing sauce and can be served with a bit of sesame paste and garlic to enhance its taste.
5. Tofu Nao
This is a traditional breakfast dish in Beijing. Made from soy milk, gypsum, and other ingredients, it offers a fragrant and soft texture with rich nutritional value. Often served with chili sauce and cilantro, it’s a comforting and hearty way to start the day.
6. Beijing Grilled Meat
Grilled meat is a renowned dish in Beijing with a rich history. Locally, it is often referred to as 'Zhizi grilled meat.' The meat, when cooked, is tender and juicy, typically served with fresh vegetables and raw garlic, creating an unforgettable flavor experience.
7. Steamed Dumplings
When traveling to China, and especially to Beijing, missing out on steamed dumplings would be a big mistake. These dumplings are made from wheat dough, shaped into half-moons, and filled with a wide range of ingredients depending on individual preferences. Common fillings include minced pork with fragrant onions or cabbage, scrambled eggs, or shrimp. There are also vegetarian options with fillings like mung beans, sugarcane, taro, or shiitake mushrooms, offering a mild yet delightful taste. They are usually enjoyed with soy sauce or chili vinegar for added flavor.
8. Braised Pork
Braised pork is a well-loved dish in Beijing. It features pork that has been marinated with spices and garlic, then slow-cooked until tender. The longer it's cooked, the more delicious it becomes. This dish is often served with stinky tofu and is best enjoyed hot to savor its full, rich flavor.
9. Braised Shark Fin
Braised shark fin is a dish rooted in Beijing's traditional cuisine, often referred to as 'Golden Braised Shark Fin.' While shark fin may sound extravagant, it was originally a delicacy in the Qing imperial court. The meat is tender, translucent, and rich in flavor. Today, shark fin is often substituted with fish fins, which are braised to perfection, delivering a flavorful and tender dish with a savory broth that's rich but not overly greasy.
10. Stinky Tofu
Stinky tofu is made from fermented tofu. After the fermentation process is complete, the tofu is deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. It is seasoned with various spices like curry powder and roasted chili, adding extra flavor. This street food is a local favorite, often sold from carts. However, its pungent aroma might be off-putting to some, so it’s recommended to approach with caution if you're unfamiliar with its strong smell!
Instead of the usual boiled eggs, in Beijing, eggs are steamed with tea. Adding cinnamon, rock sugar, and herbs gives the eggs a unique, aromatic fragrance, rich flavor, and a nourishing quality.
12. Mantou Jiaozi
For a long time, mantou has been a traditional dish in China during the New Year, especially in northern provinces like Beijing. Mantou consists of two main parts: the dough and the filling. The dough is made from wheat flour, rolled thin, and wrapped around the filling. The filling typically includes salted pork, sesame oil, and white pepper. It is usually dipped in soy sauce when served. Mantou can be either steamed or fried.
13. Flower Rolls
This is a common appetizer in northern Chinese meals. To make this dish, the chef spreads dough with green onions and sesame oil, then rolls it up into a spiral shape, resembling flowers. Inside the rolled dough, there's a savory filling made of stir-fried vegetables, meat, or shrimp.
14. Beijing’s 'Three Non-Stick' Dish
'Three Non-Stick' refers to a dish that doesn’t stick to the plate, chopsticks, or teeth. Made primarily from eggs, starch, and sugar, these ingredients are whisked together at high speed and then deep-fried. The dish requires great skill to prepare, and without years of experience, it’s nearly impossible to get it right.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnApril 22, 2024
