Beijing’s food scene blends imperial traditions with hearty local flavours. From crispy roast duck to quirky street snacks, the city offers dishes that tell stories of its history. This guide covers the best restaurants, lesser-known local delicacies and must-try dishes for travellers seeking an authentic taste of the capital.
Must-Try Beijing Dishes
Before you leave Beijing, be sure to try these iconic dishes:
Dish | Description | Where to Try |
Peking Duck | Crispy-skinned duck wrapped in thin pancakes with secret sauce. | Siji Minfu (故宫店) |
Copper Pot Hotpot | Tender mutton cooked in a traditional copper pot with clear broth. | Donglaishun (王府井店) NAN MEN HOTPOT |
Lu Zhu | A hearty stew of pork offal, intestines, and baked bread. | Chenji Lu Zhu (天坛店) |
Douzhi | A sour, fermented mung bean drink – a local breakfast staple. | Huguosi Snack Street |
Zhajiangmian | Chewy noodles topped with salty-sweet soybean paste and vegetables. | FANG ZHUAN CHANG No.SIXTYNINE |
Best Restaurants in Beijing
1. Siji Minfu Roast Duck (故宫店)
- Specialty: Peking Duck with views of the Forbidden City.
- Address: No.11 Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District.
- Why Visit: This branch is famed for its historic setting near the palace walls. The duck is roasted over fruitwood for a smoky aroma, and the set meal includes duck soup and stir-fried organs for the adventurous. Book ahead – queues can stretch for hours.
- Price per person: 146 RMB
2. Donglaishun (东来顺)
- Specialty: Copper Pot Hotpot with hand-cut mutton.
- Address: 198 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District.
- Why Visit: A 120-year-old brand known for its quality meat. The broth is light, letting the mutton’s natural flavour shine. Pair with their sesame sauce and pickled garlic.
- Price per person: 141 RMB
3. Yaoji Chao Gan (姚记炒肝店)
- Specialty: Lu Zhu (offal stew) and Beijing-style breakfasts.
- Address: No.311 Gulou East Main Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
- Why Visit: A no-frills spot packed with locals. Their lu zhu is rich but not overly greasy, and the fried dough sticks (油条) are perfect for dipping.
- Price per person: 32 RMB
4. King’s Joy (京兆尹)
- Specialty: High-end vegetarian dishes.
- Address: No. 2 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District.
- Why Visit: A Michelin-starred restaurant serving creative Buddhist cuisine. Try the truffle dumplings or mushroom “Peking Duck” – a vegan twist on the classic.
- Price per person: 1016 RMB
Where Locals Eat: Hidden Food & Food Streets
1. Huguosi Snack Street (护国寺小吃街)
- Address: Huguosi Street, Xicheng District.
- What to Try:
- Douzhi: Sour fermented drink paired with salty pickles.
- Wandouhuang: Sweet pea cake, a traditional dessert.
- Jiaoquan: Crispy fried dough rings.
- Tip: Go early (before 9 AM) to see locals enjoying breakfast.
2. Ghost Street (簋街)
- Address: Dongzhimen Inner Street, Dongcheng District.
- Highlights:
- Spicy Crayfish: Late-night favourite – messy but addictive.
- Lanzhou Lamian: Hand-pulled noodles in beef broth.
- Open: 24 hours. Best visited after 10 PM for the buzzing atmosphere.
3. Niujie (牛街)
- Address: Niujie Street, Xicheng District.
- Highlights:
- Halal Kebabs: Lamb skewers grilled with cumin and chilli.
- Shao Bing: Flaky sesame bread stuffed with meat or red bean paste.
- Why Visit: Beijing’s Muslim quarter offers unique flavours influenced by Hui cuisine.
Top Shopping Streets & Tourist Spots with Great Food
Place | What to Do | Nearby Eats |
Wangfujing Street | Shop at global brands and historic tea shops. | Quanjude Roast Duck (9 Wangfujing St) – a classic duck chain. |
Qianmen Street | Explore Qing dynasty architecture. | Dou Yi Chu Shao Mai Guan (Chinese time-honored brand) (38 Qianmen St) – try the Shao Mai. |
Nanluoguxiang | Wander traditional hutongs (alleys). | Street Snacks : Candied hawthorn berries (冰糖葫芦) and jianbing (savoury crepes). |
Beijing Food Tips for Visitors
1. Navigating Menus
- Use translation apps for pictures – many local spots have no English menus.
- Look for 图片菜单 (picture menus) or point at what others are eating.
2. Street Food Safety
- Choose stalls with long queues – high turnover means fresher ingredients.
- Avoid raw vegetables (washed in tap water) and stick to cooked items.
3. Michelin Guide Picks
- Cai Yi Xuan (Four Seasons Hotel): Fancy dim sum with Forbidden City views.
- Jing Yaa Tang: Modern duck dishes in a sleek setting.
4. Tipping & Payments
- Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up bills is appreciated.
- Use Alipay or WeChat Pay – cash is less common now.
Beijing Food FAQ
Q: What is the most famous food in Beijing?
A: Peking Duck – crispy, golden-skinned duck carved tableside. Best tried at Siji Minfu.
Q: Where can I eat like a local in Beijing?
A: Head to Ghost Street (Dongzhimen Inner St) for spicy crayfish or Niujie (Niujie St) for halal street food. Avoid touristy Wangfujing snack street – it’s overpriced.
Q: What’s the most popular restaurant?
A: Siji Minfu (Forbidden City branch) is top for duck. For hotpot, locals swear by Donglaishun (198 Wangfujing St).
Q: What are three must-see tourist spots?
A: Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu), Temple of Heaven.
Q: What’s Beijing’s most famous shopping street?
A: Wangfujing Street – Don’t miss the night market.
Q: What are the must-eat foods?
A: Peking Duck, Copper Pot Hotpot, Lu Zhu (offal stew), Zhajiangmian (noodles), Douzhi (fermented drink – for the brave!).
Q: What’s a unique Beijing speciality?
A: Douzhi – a pungent, fermented mung bean drink. Locals love it for breakfast; foreigners often find it challenging. Try it at Huguosi Snack Street.
Beijing’s food scene is a thrilling mix of old and new. Whether you’re tucking into a £100 duck banquet or a £2 bowl of noodles in a hutong alley, every bite tells a story. Use this guide to eat your way through the capital!