Local Cuisine & Dining Recommendations

Beijing’s cuisine is a flavorful blend of imperial traditions and northern Chinese comfort food. From the crispy perfection of Peking Duck to bustling street markets, the city offers a rich culinary journey for every kind of traveler.

Peking Duck (北京烤鸭): A must-try dish in Beijing! Served with crispy skin, thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. Try it at time-honored restaurants like Quanjude or Da Dong.

Zhajiangmian (炸酱面): Also known as Beijing noodles with soybean paste, this hearty local favorite features thick wheat noodles topped with rich, savory sauce and crunchy vegetables.

Lamb Hot Pot (涮羊肉): A warming winter staple. Dip thin slices of lamb into a bubbling copper pot filled with flavorful broth. Dong Lai Shun is a famous spot to try it.

Wangfujing Street Snacks (王府井小吃): Sample quirky and delicious snacks like sugar-coated hawthorns (tánghúlu), fried scorpions, grilled squid, and stinky tofu at the lively Wangfujing Snack Street.

Mongolian Barbecue & Fusion Cuisine: Explore Beijing’s diverse dining scene with a mix of Northern Chinese barbecue, modern fusion bites, and creative vegetarian offerings in areas like Sanlitun and Gulou.

Traveler Tip: Don’t leave Beijing without trying a traditional breakfast of steamed buns, soy milk, and fried dough sticks at a local eatery. It’s how locals fuel their day!