Peking's Top 5 Must-try Food

Beijing, this Ancient City with a rich history, not only has many famous landmarks but also boasts a diverse array of delicious food. Whether it's the exquisite royal cuisine or the authentic street snacks, you can truly feel the cultural depth and unique charm of this city through tasting. Now, let's dive into the world of Peking's food and explore five must-try dishes.

1. Peking Duck

Intro: Peking Duck is known as "the world's most delicious dish" and represents Beijing's cuisine. It originated in the Ming Dynasty and was once a famous dish in the royal court, later becoming popular among the public. There are two main styles: hanging oven duck and braised oven duck, each with its own merits.

Recommended places: Quanjude, Bianyifang, Siji Minfu, etc.

Tasting tips: When the duck is served, the chef will slice it into thin pieces, served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, green onion, and cucumber. One bite, and you'll experience the crispy skin, tender meat, and rich sauce, leaving you wanting more.

2. Old Beijing Fried Sauce Noodles

Intro: Fried sauce noodles are a traditional snack in Beijing and a favorite among locals. Made with handmade noodles, fried sauce, and a variety of toppings, they have a unique taste and are nutritious.

Recommended places: Haiwanju, Ghost Street Fried Sauce Noodle Shop, etc.

Tasting tips: Order a bowl of fried sauce noodles and watch the chef evenly pour the sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle with cucumber, bean sprouts, and yellow beans. After mixing, each bite is filled with rich sauce flavor and refreshing toppings.

3. Douzhi'er with Jiaoquan

Intro: Douzhi'er is a unique snack from old Beijing, known for its distinct sour and rich bean flavor. It originated in the Qing Dynasty and is a breakfast staple for locals. Jiaoquan is a fried dough snack that looks like a bracelet and pairs perfectly with douzhi'er.

Recommended places: Various breakfast stalls, Huguosi Snack Shop, etc.

Tasting tips: Order a bowl of douzhi'er and a few jiaoquan. First, taste the douzhi'er to experience its unique sour flavor; then take a bite of jiaoquan, which is crispy and flavorful. Together, they create a delightful combination of sour and crunchy.

4. Lu Zhu Huo Shao

Intro: Lu Zhu Huo Shao is a traditional street snack in Beijing, originating in the Qing Dynasty. It consists of pig intestines, pig lungs, tofu, and huoshao, which are simmered for a long time, allowing the ingredients to absorb the flavors and create a rich broth.

Recommended places: Xiaochang Chen, Nan Hengjie Lu Zhu Shop, etc.

Tasting tips: Order a serving of lu zhu huo shao and watch the chef serve the cooked ingredients and huoshao in a bowl. Pick up a piece of huoshao, soaked in the broth, making it delicious; then try a piece of pig intestine or lung, which is tender and flavorful.

5. Donkey Rolling

Intro: Donkey Rolling is a traditional sweet snack in Beijing, named for the way the glutinous rice balls roll in yellow soybean flour during preparation. Made with glutinous rice, yellow soybean flour, and red bean paste, it has a soft, sweet texture.

Recommended places: DaoXiangcun, Huguosi Snack Shop, etc.

Tasting tips: Buy a piece of donkey rolling and take a gentle bite. The outer layer is soft and elastic, while the filling is sweet and gooey, not overly sweet, with a hint of bean and rice fragrance. This snack is not only a sweet memory of childhood for Beijingers but also a must-try for visitors.

Travel Tips:

Book in advance: The food spots in Beijing are super popular, especially the hot restaurants and trendy snack shops. It's a good idea to book ahead or go during off-peak times to avoid long waits.

Try local snacks: Besides the five major dishes mentioned, there are plenty of authentic snacks in Beijing worth trying, like Fried Liver, spicy tripe, and ai wo wo. So, take some time to explore and taste more to really experience Beijing's food culture.

A food trip in Beijing is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a cultural experience. Hope this guide adds some deliciousness and joy to your trip to Beijing!