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Beijing's culinary scene is a vibrant mix of historical flavors and modern twists. From the world-famous Peking duck to hearty street food, these renowned eateries offer a taste of the city's rich food culture. Here's a guide to some of the must-visit restaurants and their signature dishes.
Siji Minfu Roast Duck Shop (四季民福烤鸭店)
Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant is a popular dining spot in Beijing, renowned for its Peking duck, a must-try dish when visiting the city. The restaurant is known for its traditional cooking methods, high-quality ingredients, and a commitment to maintaining the authentic flavors of Beijing cuisine. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists, often with long lines, so it’s best to make a reservation or be prepared for a wait. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
1. Peking Roast Duck (北京烤鸭)
The star of the show! The duck is roasted to perfection with crispy skin and tender meat. It’s served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, cucumber, and scallions. You wrap everything up in the pancake for a delicious bite.
2. Crispy Duck Skin with Sugar (金黄脆香鸭)
A traditional delicacy, where crispy skin is dipped in sugar for a sweet and savory bite.
Jubaoyuan (聚宝源)
Jubaoyuan (聚宝源) is a well-known traditional Beijing hotpot restaurant, famous for its mutton-based hotpot and a rich history that dates back several decades. Located in the Niujie area, which is known for its Muslim community, Jubao Yuan specializes in halal hotpot, making it a unique spot to enjoy this popular Chinese dining style. The restaurant is particularly famous for its high-quality, hand-cut mutton, which is the centerpiece of the meal. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
1. Hand-Sliced Mutton (手切鲜羊肉)
The signature dish at Jubao Yuan. The mutton is sliced by hand to the perfect thickness, ensuring it’s tender and flavorful when cooked in the hotpot. It’s a must-try.
2. Beef Tripe (牛百叶)
Thinly sliced beef tripe is a popular hotpot ingredient, offering a different texture and flavor. It cooks quickly, so it’s perfect for a quick dip in the broth.
3. Frozen Tofu (冻豆腐)
Frozen tofu absorbs the flavors of the broth and adds a smooth texture to your hotpot experience.
Hu Da Restaurant (胡大饭馆)
Hu Da Restaurant (胡大饭馆) is a beloved dining spot in Beijing, especially famous for its spicy Sichuan-style seafood and crayfish (小龙虾). Located in the bustling area of Gui Jie (Ghost Street), which is known for its vibrant food scene and late-night dining, Hu Da attracts both locals and tourists looking for bold flavors and a lively atmosphere. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
1. Spicy Crayfish (麻辣小龙虾)
The star dish of Hu Da, these crayfish are cooked in a spicy and numbing Sichuan-style sauce that’s packed with flavors. It’s a must-try, especially if you enjoy a bit of heat.
2. Grilled Oysters (烤生蚝)
Juicy and flavorful, these oysters are grilled to perfection, often topped with garlic and chili for an extra kick.
3. Boiled Crawfish with Garlic (蒜香小龙虾)
For those who prefer less spice, this version of crayfish is cooked in a fragrant garlic sauce, offering a rich and savory taste.
Nanmen Hotpot (南门涮肉)
Nanmen Hotpot (南门涮肉) is a well-known restaurant in Beijing, famous for its traditional Beijing-style hotpot, also known as "shuan rou" (涮肉). Unlike Sichuan-style hotpot, which is known for its spicy broths, Beijing-style hotpot typically uses a mild, clear broth that lets the natural flavors of the ingredients shine. Nanmen Hotpot has been a favorite among locals for years, offering a classic and authentic hotpot experience. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
1. Hand-Sliced Mutton (手切鲜羊肉)
The hallmark of Beijing-style hotpot. The mutton is sliced thinly by hand, ensuring it cooks quickly and remains tender and juicy. It's a must-try at Nanmen Hotpot.
2. Sesame Sauce (麻酱)
The classic dipping sauce for Beijing hotpot is made from a blend of sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. It complements the meat perfectly.
3. Beef Slices (鲜牛肉)
Fresh, thinly sliced beef that cooks quickly in the hotpot. It’s tender and pairs well with various dipping sauces.
King's Jot (京兆尹)
It's a prestigious and upscale restaurant in Beijing, known for its refined presentation of traditional Chinese cuisine, particularly dishes inspired by imperial and Beijing flavors. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored traditional courtyard, offering a luxurious and culturally immersive dining experience. Jingzhaoyin is not just about food; it’s about experiencing the elegance and history of Chinese culinary traditions. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
1. braised Pork Rice(卤肉饭)
The braised pork is typically slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, star anise, and other aromatics. This process results in tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork with a balanced sweetness and umami depth.
2. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙)
A famous Chinese soup known for its complex preparation and rich ingredients, including abalone, sea cucumber, scallops, and other delicacies. It’s a symbol of luxury and a must-try for those looking to experience the heights of Chinese cuisine.
3. Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallion (葱烧海参)
This dish is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, featuring tender sea cucumber braised with fragrant scallions. It’s known for its rich flavor and unique texture.
4. Traditional Beijing Noodles with Soybean Paste (老北京炸酱面)
A more casual yet iconic Beijing dish, featuring noodles served with a rich soybean paste, minced pork, and fresh vegetables. It’s a comforting dish that offers a taste of local everyday cuisine.
Beixinqiao Luzhu Old Store（北新桥卤煮老店）
It's a famous eatery in Beijing that specializes in traditional Beijing street food, particularly "lu zhu" (卤煮). This dish is a local delicacy that has been enjoyed by Beijingers for generations. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavors, no-frills atmosphere, and dedication to preserving the traditional taste of Beijing snacks. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
1. Lu Zhu (卤煮)
The star dish of the restaurant. "Lu Zhu" is a hearty stew made from pork offal, tofu, blood sausage, and intestines, all simmered in a rich, savory broth that’s flavored with soy sauce, garlic, and spices. It's served with slices of bing, a type of flatbread, to soak up the flavorful broth. This dish is a must-try for those looking to experience authentic Beijing street food.
2. Fried Liver (炒肝)
Another traditional Beijing dish, "chao gan" is made from pig liver and intestines stir-fried in a thick, garlicky sauce. It has a strong flavor and is a favorite among locals.
3. Beijing-style Pancake (北京煎饼)
A popular street food in Beijing, this pancake is made from a mixture of mung bean flour and wheat flour, cooked on a griddle and often filled with egg, scallions, and sauce. It’s a great accompaniment to the richer dishes on the menu.
Yinsan DouZhi（尹三豆汁）
Yinsan DouZhi (尹三豆汁) is a well-known spot in Beijing for trying one of the city's most iconic and traditional dishes: douzhi (豆汁), a fermented mung bean drink. This drink has a unique, sour flavor that is deeply rooted in Beijing's culinary history, and while it might be an acquired taste for some, it's a must-try for those wanting to experience authentic Beijing food culture. Yin San Douju is famous for serving this traditional beverage along with a selection of local snacks. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
1. Douzhi (豆汁)
The main attraction at Yin San Douju, douzhi is a fermented mung bean drink that has a distinct sour taste. It's often enjoyed by locals, particularly for breakfast. The drink is typically served warm and is known for its health benefits. It's best enjoyed with some of the traditional side snacks offered at the restaurant. Douzhi has a strong, sour flavor that might take some getting used to, but it’s a unique taste of Beijing’s culinary heritage. Give it a try, even if just for the experience!
2. Jiaoquan (焦圈)
These are crispy, deep-fried dough rings that are typically paired with douzhi. The crunchiness of the jiaoquan contrasts nicely with the smooth texture of the douzhi, making them a perfect combination.
3. Shaobing (烧饼)
It is a traditional Chinese flatbread that’s especially popular in Beijing. It’s a versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own, with fillings, or as an accompaniment to other dishes. Shaobing has a long history in Chinese cuisine, and it remains a beloved part of Beijing’s street food culture.
Niujie Muslim Manhengji（牛街清真满恒记）
Niujie Muslim Manhengji (牛街清真满恒记) is a well-known halal restaurant located in the Niujie area of Beijing, which is the heart of the city's Muslim community. The restaurant is famous for its authentic halal Beijing cuisine, particularly focusing on traditional Muslim dishes. It’s a great place to experience the rich culinary heritage of Beijing’s Hui Muslim community. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
1. Beef and Lamb Skewers (牛肉羊肉串)
Grilled over open flames, these skewers are seasoned with cumin, chili, and other spices, offering a smoky and flavorful bite. They are a staple in halal cuisine and a must-try at Manhengji.
2. Beef Baozi (牛肉包子)
Beef baozi are soft, fluffy steamed buns with a slightly sweet dough that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling. The buns are typically round, with a pleated top where the dough is pinched together.
3. Beijing-Style Lamb Hotpot (涮羊肉)
A traditional Beijing hotpot featuring thinly sliced lamb. The lamb is cooked in a light, clear broth and is often paired with dipping sauces like sesame paste and soy sauce. It’s a communal dish, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Muslim · Yarer Li Ji · Hotpot（清真·鸦儿李记·涮肉）
It's a renowned halal hotpot restaurant in Beijing, celebrated for its authentic and traditional Beijing-style lamb hotpot. Located in the Niujie area, which is known for its vibrant Muslim community, this restaurant is a go-to spot for those seeking an authentic halal dining experience in the city. Here are some recommended dishes for reference:
1. Beijing-Style Lamb Hotpot (涮羊肉)
The signature dish of the restaurant. This hotpot features thinly sliced lamb, which is cooked in a light, clear broth. The lamb is typically dipped into a sesame paste-based sauce, sometimes with added ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and cilantro. The freshness and quality of the lamb are the highlights of this dish.
2. Lamb Leg (羊腿肉)
Another excellent cut for hotpot, lamb leg is leaner and provides a firmer texture. It's sliced thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly in the broth.
3. Hand-made Noodles (手擀面)
These fresh noodles are often added to the hotpot towards the end of the meal. They absorb the rich flavors of the broth and provide a satisfying conclusion to the hotpot experience.
Changshun Ma Ji Snack Store (昌顺马记小吃店)
Changshun Ma Ji Snack Store is a renowned snack shop located in the Changping District of Beijing, known for its unique culinary offerings. It's is a fantastic destination for those looking to dive into Beijing’s traditional halal cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of classic Beijing snacks or eager to try something new, this eatery offers a genuine taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage.
1. The Baked Cake with Jar Meat (烧饼夹坛子肉)
It's a combination that draws in diners with its tender, juicy, and non-greasy meat, which is soft and full of flavor.
2. Lamb Soup (羊汤)
A nourishing and flavorful soup made from lamb bones, often simmered for hours to extract a rich, clear broth. The soup is typically served with pieces of lamb meat and sometimes with vegetables like white radish. It’s a comforting dish, especially on colder days.Additionally, the baked cake with pork elbow and the baked cake with fried egg sausage are must-try items on the menu.
