Where to Find the Best Food in Beijing

Beijing. This is a megacity where profound heritage collides with vibrant energy, and deep tradition intertwines with relentless innovation. It unfolds like a vast double-sided embroidery – one side revealing the magnificent history and solemn order embodied by the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, while the other pulses with the raw vitality flowing through its hutong alleyways and bustling street life.

Venture north of the central axis, and the imperial aura lingers. The vermilion walls and golden tiles of the Forbidden City whisper tales of millennia past, while the summit of Jingshan Hill offers sweeping views of the ancient capital’s sprawling veins. The shimmering waters of Shichahai and the grey brick walls of courtyard homes (siheyuan) embody old Beijing’s refined elegance and leisurely pace.

Head south of the axis, and you touch the city’s beating heart. Qianmen Dashilan buzzes with centuries-old shops, the echoes of folk arts linger in Tianqiao, and the warmth of everyday life and lively energy in the depths of the hutongs forms the city’s most authentic, most heartfelt foundation.

The delightful surprise is that Beijing is far more than just historical depth. The avant-garde spirit of the 798 Art District, the trendy pulse of Sanlitun, and the modern landmarks of the Olympic Park all showcase this ancient capital’s remarkable transformation and renewal amidst the tides of modernity.

To truly understand Beijing, you must touch the bricks of the palace walls, wander through its winding hutongs, immerse yourself in the clamor of its markets, and discover the new trends hidden in its corners. Measuring its every facet with your own footsteps is the only way to grasp its unique, all-encompassing charm.

And on this journey of exploration, nothing brings you closer to the soul of the city than savoring its culinary soul. Now, let’s unveil the essential local flavors and outstanding eateries you simply cannot miss!

SIJI MINFU （四季民福）

Peking duck is an absolute must-try when in Beijing. While there are many famous roast duck restaurants, Siji Minfu (四季民福) stands out for its great value and exceptional taste.

Their ducks are roasted in traditional fruitwood ovens, resulting in skin that’s incredibly crispy yet bursting with juice. A signature way to enjoy it is dipped in granulated sugar – the flavor explodes wonderfully in your mouth. For the succulent duck meat, wrap it in thin pancakes (jianbing) along with sweet bean sauce, cucumber strips, hawthorn strips, and scallion shreds. Each satisfying bite makes it impossible to stop at just one!

Beyond the duck, highly recommend their Beile Roast Lamb (Prince’s Sizzling Lamb, 贝勒烤肉) – tender, flavorful meat (note: avoid if you don’t eat lamb!). Another essential dish is the Honey-Glazed Crispy Skin Shrimp (蜜汁酥皮虾) – featuring crispy shells, perfectly springy shrimp, and stunning looks to match its delicious taste.

Siji Minfu has many branches across the city. Simply use the “Dianping” app (大众点评) to find the one nearest to you. Be warned: it’s a very popular eatery, so arrive early to avoid long queues!

Baye Hot Pot (Bayeshuanrou 八爷涮肉)
- Wangfujing • Forbidden City Branch

Just a 500-meter walk from the Forbidden City, this spot is perfectly located. Step inside to find classic Chinese decor that immerses you in traditional ambiance.

Must-Order Dishes:

Freshly Sliced Lamb Shangnao (Premium Neck Cuts – 鲜切羔羊上脑):
Artfully fanned into a butterfly shape, showcasing expert knife skills. The lamb is exquisitely tender – cook for just 16-18 seconds in the broth. Dip into the rich sesame sauce (majiang) for authentic, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

Wuzhumuqin Scallion Lamb (乌珠穆沁沙葱羊肉):
Thin slices where fresh scallions are rolled right into the lamb, naturally reducing gaminess while enhancing sweetness. As it cooks over the simmering broth, the aroma is captivating.

Freshly Sliced Yellow Cattle Beef (鲜切小黄牛肉):
Served dramatically over a bed of crushed ice, the beef boasts a vibrant, enticing red color. Cut to the perfect thickness, it offers a soft, tender texture with a satisfyingly rich aftertaste.

Baye Chrysanthemum Clear Broth (八爷菊香清泉锅):
Cooked in beautiful cloisonné traditional copper pots. The broth itself is a masterpiece of simplicity: clear water infused with chrysanthemum petals, scallions, ginger, kelp, dried shiitake mushrooms, red dates, and goji berries. This pure broth perfectly highlights the natural flavor of the premium meats.

Baye Sesame Pastry (八爷麻将烧饼):
Bite-sized pastries, resembling little chess pieces. These savory, fragrant delights are the ideal traditional accompaniment to round off your hot pot feast.

Xian Lao Man (馅老满)

A dumpling-focused restaurant bursting with choices! Fillings range from classics like Pork with Chives and Shrimp and Beef with Scallions to delicious vegetarian options.
Thin wrappers generously packed with flavorful fillings—each bite is pure satisfaction. Pair them with fermented Laba garlic to add fragrance and cut richness, creating the perfect balance.
Beyond dumplings, enjoy authentic Beijing cuisine:Kung Pao Chicken ，Qianlong-style Sesame Paste Salad .A true taste of Beijing tradition.

Halal Wang's Beef Noodles at Opera House （清真戏楼王记牛肉面）

Tucked away in a hutong near the Lama Temple (Yonghegong), this no-frills beef noodle shop is a true neighborhood haunt. Most customers are regulars from nearby hutong alleys. With barely a dozen tables inside, it’s cozy at best—but on nice days, grab a roadside seat outside and soak in the local rhythm while you eat, watching neighbors go about their day against a backdrop of classic Beijing street life.

The star is their beef noodles: generous chunks of meat, slow-cooked until meltingly tender. For the full experience, pair it with a plate of crispy vegetable fritters . At that moment, chopsticks in hand, noodles steaming before you… you’ve arrived as a true local.

Yin San Douzhi (尹三豆汁)

Yin San Douzhi was founded during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China era (circa 1910s) as a century-old establishment near the North Gate of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven. It began with street vendors carrying shoulder poles, its name “Yin San”honoring three generations of the Yin family who preserved the traditional fermentation techniques.

The craft of brewing Douzhi originated from Beijing’s working-class resourcefulness – fermenting residue from mung bean starch production to create an affordable, protein-rich drink for ordinary people. This culinary legacy has endured for over a century.

This fermented drink is an acquired taste – many find its pungent aroma challenging, but devotees adore it passionately. In Beijing, it’s a staple for local elders, who swear by its cooling effect during summer heat.

The authentic experience requires a sacred trio:
🥣 Sip the Douzhi
🥨 Bite into a Jiaocuan (crispy dough ring)
🥒 Nibble pickled radish shreds
…in rhythmic succession. This is the true test of a Beijing palate!

Kaorou Liu (烤肉刘)Legendary Old Beijing Griddle-Grilled Meat

Born in the 1920s with fiercely guarded family recipes, Kaorou Liu elevates Old Beijing grilling into high culinary drama—beginning as the cast-iron zhizi (griddle) whispers smoke, then hisses fiercely when oil hits its surface. Watch as paper-thin lamb or beef fans into a ring around a scallion mound, flipping the instant pale edges appear before cumin-chili snowstorms ignite the meat. Scallion perfume marries searing juices in a fragrant riot until crispy, lace-like curls emerge—your chopsticks must pounce now! (My stomach growls rebelliously just describing this; I’d sprint there this second.) Don’t miss the sacred shaobing ritual: crack open a sesame bun like a treasure chest, stuff it with charred meat and tangy pickled cabbage, and surrender to that glorious carb-fat explosion—pure Beijing adrenaline on a plate.

Hi! I’m Yoyo, a traveler with adventure in my blood and taste buds forever hunting for the next feast. My mission? To live off the beaten path and constantly seek out the new and exciting.I want to share all my experiences and hard-earned practical knowledge with you, to help you discover the wonders of this ancient yet vibrantly alive country.