Beijing Local Cuisine
Explore the authentic flavors and must-try dishes of Beijing
Beijing's most famous culinary export, crispy duck served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce
Best Places:
- Quanjude Restaurant
- Bianyifang
- Da Dong
Pro Tip:
Order half duck for 2-3 people, full duck for 4-6 people
Popular breakfast crepe with egg, crispy wonton, scallions, and savory sauce
Best Places:
- Street vendors
- Subway stations
- Morning markets
Pro Tip:
Best when made fresh in the morning, watch the cooking process
Hand-pulled noodles with fermented bean sauce, a Beijing comfort food classic
Best Places:
- Local noodle shops
- Hai Di Lao
- Traditional restaurants
Pro Tip:
Mix the sauce thoroughly with noodles before eating
Perfect for cold Beijing winters, featuring lamb and vegetables in spicy broth
Best Places:
- Dong Lai Shun
- Little Sheep
- Local hot pot restaurants
Pro Tip:
Great for groups, order lamb rolls and fresh vegetables
Candied fruit on sticks, a sweet street food favorite especially in winter
Best Places:
- Street vendors
- Tourist areas
- Night markets
Pro Tip:
Traditional hawthorn berries are most authentic, eat quickly before melting
Dining Etiquette
- • Use chopsticks properly, don't stick them upright in rice
- • Try a little of everything when dining with others
- • It's polite to serve others before yourself
- • Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows appreciation
Ordering Tips
- • Point at menu pictures if language is a barrier
- • Ask for "bu la" (not spicy) if you can't handle heat
- • Street food is generally safe from busy vendors
- • Don't tip - it's not customary in China