Beijing foods：Peking Duck 、Zhajiangmian、Mutton Hot Pot、Baozi & Jiaozi

Here’s a guide to iconic Beijing foods with English introductions, covering classics, street food, snacks and top spots.
1. Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
Signature: Crispy, amber skin, tender juicy meat, roasted over fruit wood (apple/cherry) for aroma.
Served with: Thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, scallions, cucumber shreds.
Vibe: Luxury to casual; a royal dish since the Ming Dynasty.
Where: Quanjude (全聚德) (est.1864, historic) | Bianyifang (便宜坊) (600y/o, closed-oven style).
Price: ¥200–400/person.

2. Zhajiangmian (炸酱面 / Soybean Paste Noodles)
Signature: Chewy noodles tossed with slow-cooked pork & bean paste; fresh veggie toppings (cucumber, radish, bean sprouts).
Vibe: Hearty, home-style, Beijing’s “national noodle.”
Where: Fangzhuang No.69 (方砖厂 69 号) (Michelin-recommended, old hutong spot).
Price: ¥50–80/bowl.

3. Mutton Hot Pot (铜锅涮肉)
Signature: Simmer paper-thin lamb in a clear copper-pot broth; dip in sesame sauce with garlic/chili oil.
Vibe: Warm, communal, winter favorite; classic Beijing dining ritual.
Where: Donglaishun (东来顺) (time-honored, premium lamb) | Juxtapoz (聚宝源) (local favorite).
Price: ¥150–250/person.

4. Baozi & Jiaozi (包子 & 饺子)
Baozi: Fluffy steamed buns stuffed with juicy pork, beef, or veggies; try ** Goubuli (狗不理)** (famous Tianjin/Beijing chain).

北京狗不理包子
Jiaozi: Boiled/ pan-fried dumplings with minced pork & cabbage; a must for festivals.


北京饺子
Price: ¥30–60/plate.
5. Lu Zhu Huoshao (卤煮火烧)
Signature: Hearty stew of pork intestines, lungs, tofu, and dense wheat cakes; rich, savory broth.
Vibe: Bold, authentic street flavor; local comfort food.
Where: Street stalls near Qianmen/Guijie.
Price: ¥40–70/bowl.

6. Jianbing (煎饼 / Beijing Crepe)
Signature: Crispy mung bean pancake with egg, scallions, cilantro, and a crunchy cracker; sweet-spicy sauce.
Vibe: Iconic breakfast/street food; cheap, portable, flavorful.
Where: Morning stalls near hutongs/subways.
Price: ¥8–15/each.


7. Beijing Snacks (北京小吃)
Ludagun (驴打滚 / Glutinous Rice Roll): Soft rice cake with red bean paste, rolled in soybean flour; sweet, chewy.


Pea Cake (豌豆黄): Smooth, sweet yellow pea puree cake; imperial summer treat.


北京豌豆黄
Douzhi (豆汁儿 / Fermented Soybean Drink): Sour, savory fermented drink; an acquired local taste, paired with jiaoquan (焦圈) (fried rings).


8. Guijie (簋街) – Food Street
Vibe: Neon-lit, bustling 24/7 street; Beijing’s “late-night food paradise”.
Must-try: Spicy crayfish (málóngxià), grilled skewers, hot pot.


北京簋街麻辣小龙虾
Price: ¥100–200/person.