Your Guide to 9 Must-Try Dishes in Beijing

A trip to Beijing is not complete without tasting the city’s iconic dishes. In this article, we provide you Your Guide to the Best Foods in Beijing, ensuring a delightful travel experience. Also, if you are looking for A Travel Guide to Beijing: Top 9 Dishes, this content can help you make the best choices. Furthermore, for those seeking Your Guide to 9 Must-Try Dishes in Beijing, this comprehensive guide is a great starting point.

1. Peking Duck

Peking Duck is one of Beijing’s most iconic dishes and is a must-try when visiting the city. Known for its crispy skin and tender meat, it is served in renowned restaurants such as Bianyifang and Da Dong. The preparation involves air-drying the duck, roasting it over a charcoal fire, and then slicing it thinly. It is usually served with thin pancakes, fresh scallions, and sweet bean sauce. To fully enjoy this delicious dish, it is recommended to savor it in a traditional setting with professional service.

2. Zha Jiang Mian (Noodles with Soybean Paste)

Zha Jiang Mian is a popular and famous noodle dish in Beijing that you should not miss. The noodles, topped with a rich and golden soybean paste sauce, have a unique and savory taste. They are typically served with ground meat, cucumbers, scallions, and fresh vegetables. The soybean paste, made from fermented beans, gives the dish a deep and delicious flavor. For the best experience, visit local restaurants and traditional eateries in Beijing that prepare this noodle dish using authentic methods and fresh ingredients.

3. Hotpot

Hotpot is an excellent dining experience in Beijing. This communal way of dining involves cooking raw ingredients such as meat, vegetables, tofu, and shrimp in a large pot of boiling spicy broth, allowing each person to cook and enjoy their food as they like. Beijing hotpot, enhanced with local spices and sauces, offers a unique flavor. This dish is often enjoyed in social and friendly settings and is suitable for all tastes due to its variety of ingredients.

4. Jian Bing

Jian Bing, a traditional Chinese crepe, is a popular breakfast option in Beijing and a must-try. This thin crepe is filled with eggs, various sauces, fresh vegetables, and delicious meats, then fried to crispy perfection. Beijing Jian Bing, with its diverse spices and flavors, provides a fantastic taste to start your day. Street vendors and local eateries are the best places to try Jian Bing prepared in the authentic style.

5. Baozi

Baozi is a popular type of dim sum in Beijing, filled with soft dough and various meats. This delicious dish is typically served with condiments such as soy sauce, vinegar, and fresh scallions, imparting a rich and aromatic flavor. Baozi comes in different varieties, including beef, pork, and vegetarian options, and can be enjoyed as a snack or a main meal. For the best Baozi experience, visit reputable and well-known dim sum restaurants in Beijing.

6. Douzhi

Douzhi, or fermented mung bean drink, is a traditional Beijing beverage often consumed with dim sum dishes. This tangy and flavorful drink, made from fermented mung beans, is not only tasty but also beneficial for gut health. Douzhi can be found at many street food stalls and local eateries in Beijing. Tasting this traditional drink introduces you to an essential part of Beijing’s culinary culture.

7. Wonton Soup

Wonton Soup is a light and popular dish in Beijing featuring wontons filled with meat and vegetables in clear, aromatic broth. Typically garnished with fresh scallions and parsley, this soup offers a comforting and delightful taste. Wonton Soup can be found in traditional Chinese restaurants and reputable eateries in Beijing, where it is prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

8. Chatang

Chatang is a favorite traditional dessert in Beijing with a distinct and delightful taste. This dessert consists of roasted millet flour and hot water, garnished with toppings like sugar, jam, and sesame seeds. Chatang has a sweet and fragrant flavor and pairs well with tea or other hot beverages. For the best Chatang experience, visit old-style restaurants and local dessert shops in Beijing that prepare this dessert using traditional methods and quality ingredients.

9. Chandol

Chandol is another traditional Beijing beverage made from various herbs and spices. This drink has a pleasant aroma and delightful taste, often consumed during colder seasons to keep the body warm. Chandol may include ingredients like ginger, honey, and cinnamon, contributing to its pleasant and natural flavor. It can be found in many traditional cafes and eateries in Beijing, prepared with old recipes and natural ingredients.