Food In Beijing

Food History of Beijing, China

Beijing, the capital city of China, has a rich culinary history that dates back centuries. Known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, Beijing's food is influenced by the traditions of the imperial kitchen, as well as regional cuisines from all over China due to the city’s status as the political and cultural center of the country. Importantly, the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties shaped Beijing's culinary landscape, with many dishes served to emperors finding their way into the city's food heritage. Decrees by emperors during the Yuan Dynasty also left their mark with the introduction of various cooking methods and ingredients. Beijingers have historically favored wheat-based dishes, with noodles, dumplings, and pancakes forming staple parts of the diet.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Beijing, China for Tourists

1. Peking Duck (Non-Veg) - A world-famous delicacy, featuring crispy skin and succulent meat, traditionally served with pancakes, spring onions, and hoisin sauce.
2. Jiaozi (Dumplings) (Veg/Non-Veg) - Chinese dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients including vegetables and minced meat, and are often enjoyed during Chinese New Year.
3. Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Soybean Paste) (Veg) - A hearty noodle dish topped with a thick sauce made from fermented soybean paste, usually served with julienne cucumbers and other vegetables.
4. Gong Bao Ji Ding (Kung Pao Chicken) (Non-Veg) - A spicy stir-fry classic made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers.
5. Beijing Zha Jiang (Beijing Fried Sauce Noodles) (Veg/Non-Veg) - Thick wheat noodles served with a mix of ground pork (optional) and a fermented bean paste sauce, typically garnished with fresh vegetables.
6. Mongolian Hotpot (Non-Veg) - A communal dining experience where diners cook a variety of meats and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth at the table.
7. Wontons (Veg/Non-Veg) - Often served in soup, these delicate dumplings are filled with vegetables or minced meat and wrapped in thin dough.
8. Bing (Chinese Pancakes) (Veg) - A wide range of pancakes, including spring onion pancakes (cong you bing) and red bean paste pancakes, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
9. Wangfujing Snack Street (Veg/Non-Veg) - Not a dish, but a must-visit for adventurous eaters looking to try a variety of street foods, including sweet, savory, and exotic snacks.
10. Sweet and Sour Fish (Non-Veg) - A classic dish made with a crispy fried fish covered in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, often carp or Mandarin fish.

Top Famous Restaurants in Beijing, China

• Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant
  1-2 Nanxincang International Plaza, 22A Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing

  Famous Food: Peking Duck (Non-Veg)

• Din Tai Fung
  24 Xinyuanxili Middle Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing

  Famous Food: Steamed Dumplings (Veg/Non-Veg)

• Jindingxuan
  77 Hepingli West St, Dongcheng District, Beijing

  Famous Food: Dim Sum (Veg/Non-Veg)

• King's Joy Beijing (Jing Zhao Yin)
  2 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

  Famous Food: Vegetarian Cuisine (Veg)

• Haidilao Hot Pot
  Multiple locations across Beijing

  Famous Food: Hot Pot (Veg/Non-Veg)

• Lao She Teahouse
  3 Qianmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

  Famous Food: Traditional Beijing Snacks (Veg/Non-Veg)