Must-Try Foods In Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) (Beijing) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), Beijing, China

The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism located in the northeastern part of Beijing, China. While the temple itself is primarily a place of worship and does not have a direct culinary history, it is situated in Beijing, a city with a rich and diverse gastronomic heritage. The surrounding area reflects this heritage, offering a variety of traditional Chinese foods that align with the customs and dietary laws observed by Buddhist monks, many of whom follow a vegetarian diet.

Over the years, as Lama Temple became more popular with both pilgrims and tourists, nearby eateries started to adapt their menus to cater to the diverse preferences of visitors, including the vegetarian dishes favored by Buddhist traditions. Today, you can find an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods influenced by regional Chinese cuisines near the temple.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), Beijing, China

1. Beijing Roast Duck (Non-Veg): A quintessential Beijing dish known for its crispy skin and succulent meat, typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
2. Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings) (Veg/Non-Veg): Classic Chinese dumplings which can be found with a variety of fillings, including vegetables, for a vegetarian option.
3. Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Soybean Paste) (Veg/Non-Veg): A traditional Beijing noodle dish with a thick savory sauce; vegetarian versions are available with tofu instead of meat.
4. Stir-Fried Tomato and Eggs (Veg): A simple yet beloved Chinese home-style dish featuring eggs scrambled with fresh tomatoes.
Mapo Tofu (Veg/Non-Veg): A Sichuan dish with tofu set in a spicy sauce, typically made with minced meat but also available in a vegetarian version without meat.
5. Congee (Veg/Non-Veg): A comforting rice porridge that can be eaten plain or accompanied by a variety of toppings, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
6. Baozi (Steamed Buns) (Veg/Non-Veg): These fluffy steamed buns are filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, mushrooms, and occasionally meat substitutes for a vegetarian-friendly snack.
7. Peking Soybean Juice (Douzhi) (Veg): A traditional Beijing beverage made from fermented soybeans, often paired with jiaoquan (crispy fried rings).
8. Hot and Sour Soup (Veg/Non-Veg): This tangy and spicy soup can be tailored to vegetarians by omitting traditional pork slices and replacing them with tofu.
9. Chinese Pancakes (Jianbing) (Veg/Non-Veg): A popular Beijing street food snack that is like a crepe filled with eggs, scallions, and sauces. Vegetarian options are usually available.

Top Famous Restaurants in Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), Beijing, China

1. Kong Yiji Restaurant
   No. 44 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

   Famous Food: Zhajiangmian (Veg/Non-Veg)

2. King's Joy Beijing
   2 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

   Famous Food: Buddha's Delight (Veg): An assortment of braised vegetables and tofu.

3. Black Sesame Kitchen
   3 Heizhima Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

   Famous Food: Peking Duck Wraps (Non-Veg)

4. Vege Tiger
   Gongti Beilu, across from Workers’ Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang District, Beijing

   Famous Food: Vegan Mock Duck (Veg): A plant-based take on Beijing's famed duck dish.

5. Haidilao Hot Pot
   Multiple locations throughout Beijing

   Famous Food: Customizable Hot Pot (Veg/Non-Veg): Choose from a variety of broth bases and ingredients, including ample vegetarian options.