Food In Tiananmen Square

Food History of Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

The area around Tiananmen Square has a food history that is deeply intertwined with the culture and political history of Beijing. While Tiananmen Square itself is not known for food but rather as a historical and iconic political landmark, the surrounding neighborhoods offer a rich culinary tradition. The square is adjacent to the Forbidden City, which was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. The imperial kitchens within the Forbidden City influenced Beijing's cuisine significantly, while the numerous eateries and food stalls that have historically lined the streets and alleys around the square have introduced the common people's flavors to the broader population—including the many visitors to the area.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

While visiting Tiananmen Square, tourists should explore nearby areas to taste Beijing's culinary delights. Here are the top 10 must-try dishes:

1. Peking Duck (Non-Veg) - A world-famous Beijing specialty, this dish features crispy roasted duck sliced and served with pancakes, spring onions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce.
2. Jiaozi (Veg/Non-Veg options available) - Chinese dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables or minced pork, often served with soy sauce or vinegar for dipping.
3. Zhajiangmian (Non-Veg) - Noodles topped with a thick sauce made from ground pork and fermented soybean paste, usually served with fresh cucumber.
4. Beijing Zhajiangmian (Non-Veg) - A variation of Zhajiangmian specific to Beijing, featuring thick, chewy noodles.
5. Stir-fried Tomato and Egg (Veg) - A simple yet beloved homestyle comfort food consisting of scrambled eggs mixed with stir-fried tomatoes.
6. Lvdagunr (Veg) - A traditional Beijing snack made of glutinous rice rolls with sweet bean flour, often found at street food stalls.
7. Mongolian Hot Pot (Non-Veg) - A hearty meal consisting of various meats, vegetables, and noodles that diners cook themselves in a pot of simmering broth.
8. Wonton Soup (Non-Veg) - A comforting soup featuring wontons filled with minced pork and shrimp, served in a clear broth, sometimes with leafy greens.
9. Sweet and Sour Fish (Non-Veg) - A dish typical of Beijing cuisine where a whole fish is fried and then doused in a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
10. Baodu (Non-Veg) - Finely sliced quick-boiled tripe served with a variety of sauces, which is a popular snack or street food item.

Top Famous Restaurants in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Here are some famous restaurants around Tiananmen Square where you can experience the local cuisine:

Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

Address: 30 Qianmen Street, Beijing

Famous Food: Peking Duck (Non-Veg)

Donghuamen Night Market

Address: Wangfujing, Dongcheng, Beijing

Famous Food: A variety of local snacks (Veg/Non-Veg options available)

Jindingxuan

Address: No. 77 Hepingli West Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

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

Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Address: T1-22, 3rd floor, No.44, Guangqu Road, Chaoyangmenwai, Beijing

Famous Food: Roast Duck (Non-Veg)

King's Joy Beijing

Address: No.2 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Famous Food: Vegetarian cuisine (Veg)

Haidilao Hot Pot

Address: Multiple locations

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

Xian Lao Man

Address: 252 Andingmen Nei Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Famous Food: Dumplings, or Jiaozi (Veg/Non-Veg options available)

Due to the central and symbolic importance of Tiananmen Square, many of the mentioned dishes and restaurants are just a short distance away, in the neighboring streets and districts, where the culinary heart of Beijing really beats.