Must-Try Foods In The Forbidden City (Beijing) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of The Forbidden Raider City, Beijing, China

The Forbidden City, known as the Imperial Palace, was the heart of Chinese royalty and governance for over 500 years and served as the residence of the emperor and his household. Emperors were known to have lavish banquets with numerous courses. The cuisine inside it was symbolic of imperial power and was meticulously prepared by a multitude of kitchen staff and royal chefs. Ingredients were sourced from all over the empire and included the finest grains, vegetables, fruits, and meats. The Forbidden City became a melting pot for various Chinese cooking styles, blending culinary traditions from the far reaches of the empire.

Must-try Top 10 Food Dishes in The Forbidden City, Beijing, China for Tourists

1. Peking Duck (Non-Veg): A world-renowned Beijing specialty, Peking Duck is known for its crispy skin and succulent meat, typically served with pancakes, spring onions, and hoisin sauce.
2. Jiaozi (Either Veg or Non-Veg): These are Chinese dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, often enjoyed during the Chinese New Year and other festivals.
3. Zhajiangmian (Either Veg or Non-Veg): Noodles covered with a thick sauce made of fermented soybean paste and minced meat or vegetables.
4. Gong Bao Chicken (Non-Veg): A spicy stir-fry dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers.
5. Mapo Tofu (Either Veg or Non-Veg): A popular Sichuan dish with tofu set in a spicy sauce, traditionally made with ground pork or beef but also available as a vegetarian dish.
6. Yuxiang Shredded Pork (Non-Veg): Translates to "fish fragrance" shredded pork, this dish doesn't contain fish but is named after the seasonings which traditionally flavored fish in Sichuan cuisine.
7. Beijing Zha Jiang (Non-Veg): Beijing's version of Zhajiangmian, with a sauce typically containing ground pork over hand-pulled wheat noodles.
8. Hot and Sour Soup (Either Veg or Non-Veg): A tangy and spicy soup which can be tailored with either meat or tofu, bamboo shoots, and wood ear mushrooms.
9. Beijing Roast Duck (Non-Veg): Similar to Peking Duck, often featuring a crispy skin and tender meat, served with pancakes and various condiments.
10. Steamed Buns (Baozi) (Either Veg or Non-Veg): A variety of fillings, sweet or savory, enclosed in a soft, fluffy dough and steamed to perfection.

Top Famous Restaurants in The Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Note: There are no restaurants inside The Forbidden City itself as it is a historical site and museum. However, there are some around the area.

TRB Forbidden City

Address: 95 Donghuamen St, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China

Famous Food: Modern European cuisine (Both Veg and Non-Veg options)

Black Sesame Kitchen

Address: 3 Heizhima Hutong, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China

Famous Food: Beijing and Northern Chinese dishes (Both Veg and Non-Veg culinary experiences)

Siji Minfu Restaurant Peking Roast Duck (Dengshikou)

Address: 32 Dengshikou W St, Dong Dan, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China

Famous Food: Peking Roast Duck (Non-Veg)

Lost Heaven Beijing

Address: 23 Qianmen St, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China

Famous Food: Yunnan ethnic cuisine (Both Veg and Non-Veg)

King's Joy

Address: 2 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China

Famous Food: Gourmet vegetarian dishes (Veg)

Da Dong Roast Duck

Address: Nanxincang International Plaza, 22A Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Famous Food: Roast Duck (Non-Veg)

While some restaurants primarily offer vegetarian or non-vegetarian options, it is advisable for tourists to inquire about specific dishes to meet their dietary preferences.