Beijing Food Guide: 7 Authentic Restaurants and Snack Recommendations

Hey, when traveling to Beijing, besides climbing the Great Wall and exploring the Forbidden City, what to eat is absolutely the most important part!

This guide curates 8 specialty restaurants frequented by locals and some highly-rated snack spots, perfect for those with “decision paralysis.”Follow this “foodie map,” and you’ll effortlessly discover hidden street-side delights like a true Beijing native.

Restaurant Recommendations

1. Siji Minfu (Peking Duck Restaurant)

• Why Go: For authentic Peking duck, this is a top choice. Chefs carve the roasted duck right before your eyes. The skin is incredibly crispy, while the meat stays tender and juicy. They keep it warm over low heat to ensure every bite hits the perfect texture.
• Location: Nanchizi Street
• Must-Try Dishes: Peking duck is a must. The stir-fried bean sprouts make for a refreshing cold appetizer. The mustard duck feet offer a unique, slightly pungent yet addictive flavor. The honey-glazed crispy shrimp feature large, sweet-and-savory shrimp balls. The roasted lamb, known as Bole, is fragrant and aromatic.
• Average Cost: ¥130 – ¥180 per person

2. Xiyuanju Hot Pot (Hot Pot Restaurant)

• Why Go: This establishment holds an exceptionally high reputation locally for shuā ròu (a hot pot style featuring thinly sliced meat cooked in clear broth), has earned a Michelin star, and attracts numerous celebrities. Its ingredient quality is outstanding.
• Location: Inside Xiyue Shopping Mall, Wangfujing
• Recommended Dishes: Must try the dry-aged lamb leg—a specially treated cut with a more intense flavor. The beef shoulder neck is also exceptionally tender. Pair it with sweet pickled garlic to cut through richness, and finish with a refreshing bowl of sweet pear soup.
• Average Cost: ¥168

3. Cha Tang Li (Traditional Snack Shop)

• Why Go: Sample multiple classic Beijing snacks in one visit amidst an authentic old-Beijing ambiance.
• Location: 94 Gulou East Street
• Recommended dishes: The door-nail meat pie is a thick, round meat patty with a thin crust, packed with juicy meat filling. The imperial milk roll is a dessert made by wrapping cheese around hawthorn and red bean paste, offering a unique blend of sweet and sour flavors. Almond tofu is a chilled dessert with a fragrant almond aroma, especially refreshing in summer.
• Average Cost: ¥50 per person

4. Fangzhuancang 69 Zhajiang Noodles (Noodle House)

• Why Go: A dedicated spot for authentic Beijing-style zhajiang noodles. The interior features old Beijing decor, with some seats offering views of Qianmen Street. Free refills on noodles and toppings ensure you leave satisfied.
• Location: 45 Qianmen Street, Xicheng District
• Recommended dishes: The star is undoubtedly the zhajiang noodles, featuring a secret-recipe meat sauce bursting with flavor. The Old Beijing-style beef tripe with vermicelli combines tripe and glass noodles tossed in sesame paste and chili oil for a rich texture. After your meal, savor a complimentary bowl of noodle broth for a satisfying finish.
• Average cost per person: 40 RMB

5. Heyian Meat Pies (Home-style Restaurant)

• Why Go: Generous portions, home-style flavors, excellent value, perfect for sharing.
• Location: Intersection of Meishi Street and Paizi Hutong
• Recommended Dishes: The signature beef pancake features an incredibly thin crust packed with beef filling. Beijing-style shredded pork in sweet bean sauce is typically wrapped in tofu skin, but it is delicious on its own. The sour and spicy soup is incredibly appetizing.
• Average Cost per Person: ¥54

6. Liu’s Grill (Grill Restaurant)

• Why Go: “Zhi Zi” refers to a circular iron griddle where you grill various fresh meats yourself at the table, offering a highly immersive experience. Staff will guide you on what to grill first, so no need to worry about cooking mistakes.
• Location: No. 85, La Zhu Hutong
• Recommended dishes: Grilled lamb and beef are both tender and juicy. Try grilled pickled cabbage—it soaks up the meat’s fat and becomes incredibly tasty. Fried corn cakes paired with stinky tofu is a unique local combination worth trying if you’re adventurous.
• Average cost per person: ¥110–120

7. Nanmen Shuanrou (Hot Pot Restaurant)

• Why Go: Conveniently located near Tiantan Park, perfect for dining after sightseeing. Set in a traditional hutong courtyard with pleasant scenery. Generously sliced meat with minimal fat.
• Location: Yongdingmen Dongjie
• Recommended Dishes: Various lamb slices and lamb neck meat (from the back of the neck) are excellent. The authentic Beijing way is to coat the meat generously with rich sesame paste sauce. Don’t forget to order refreshing tiger salad (a cold vegetable dish) and candied garlic as sides.
• Average Cost per Person: 100 – 120 RMB

Snack and Dessert Recommendations

Beyond main meals, these snack spots are worth a dedicated visit:

Niu Lao Lao Milk Pudding: A wildly popular artisanal dessert shop.

• Location: Building 1, Anzhenli District 2, Anding Road.
• Note: For the most popular red bean milk rolls, call to reserve between 9-10 AM daily as they sell out quickly. Orders placed after opening at noon are often unavailable.
• Recommended: Red Bean Milk Roll (features a crispy milk curd outer layer with smooth red bean paste inside). The Red Bean Double Skin Milk and Caramel Crispy Grain Double Skin Milk are also generously portioned with rich, creamy flavors.

Niujie Manji Shao Bing: Located in Beijing’s renowned “Niujie” Muslim culinary district.

• Address: No. 3, Shuili Hutong, Xicheng District.
• Recommended: Freshly baked beef shaobing with an ultra-crispy crust that crackles when bitten into, generously filled with beef, and topped with sesame seeds for enhanced aroma.

Hope this guide helps you plan a delicious culinary journey in Beijing! Many more Beijing delicacies await your discovery—embrace the adventure and savor every bite!