Beijing Food Guide | What to Eat in Beijing: Local Dishes, Restaurants, and Dining Recommendations (2026)
This guide is intended for foreign tourists visiting Beijing for the first time. It helps you identify representative local dishes, distinguish the flavor characteristics of different dishes, and understand how to choose restaurants, order food, and estimate costs. You can make choices based on your personal tastes, dietary restrictions, and itinerary—there’s no need to try everything on the list.
Table of Contents
Beijing’s Calling Card: More Than Just a Culinary Feast of Roast Duck
[Texture] Crispy, flavorful duck skin that melts in your mouth
[Recommended Styles] Oven-roasted (fruity aroma) vs. Steamed-oven (tender meat)
[Best Value] Ziguangyuan (under 100 RMB per person)
This is Beijing’s most famous dish, hands down. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender and smooth, and it’s traditionally eaten wrapped in thin pancakes with sweet bean sauce and vegetables.
Key Differences Between the Two Roasting Methods
- Hanging Oven Style: Roasted over an open flame using fruitwood, resulting in exceptionally crispy skin that melts in your mouth
- Steamed Oven Style: Roasted in a sealed oven without an open flame, yielding more tender meat with less fat
Sample List of Restaurants
⚠The prices per person listed in the table are for reference only; actual prices may vary depending on your order and the season. Please check with the restaurant directly regarding hours of operation and reservations before dining.
| Restaurant | Location | Average Price | Reservation Method | One-Sentence Recommendation |
| Siji Minfu (Forbidden City Branch) | Near the Forbidden City | Approx. 160 RMB | Book via WeChat Mini Program; secure scenic seats early | Unbeatable views —enjoy roast duck while gazing at the red walls |
| Liqun Roast Duck Restaurant | No. 11 Beixiangfeng Hutong, Qianmen | Approx. 150 RMB | Call to reserve in advance: 010-67025681 | A time-honored establishment in the hutong, offering authentic, traditional flavors |
| Bianyifang | Multiple locations | Approx. 120 RMB | Phone reservations | English menu available, friendly service |
| Da Dong | Multiple locations | Approx. 350 RMB | Reservations required for dinner | Upscale and refined, creative roast duck |
| Dayali | Multiple locations | Approx. 90 RMB | Phone reservations are required one day in advance | Affordable and value-for-money |
How to Choose a Peking Duck Restaurant: Base Your Decision on Your Needs
- To complement a visit to the Forbidden City: Prioritize restaurants located near the attraction to save time on travel.
- If you want to experience the hutong dining atmosphere: Consider Liqun Roast Duck Restaurant, but be sure to check their operating hours and reservation availability in advance.
- If you’re looking for value for money: Check out affordable options like Ziguangyuan or Dayali.
- If you want a refined dining experience: Choose Da Dong; this option comes with a higher price tag.
Authentic Way to Eat
1. Dip the crispy duck skin in granulated sugar to savor its pure, fruity aroma
2. Spread sweet bean sauce on a thin pancake, add slices of duck meat, shredded scallions, and cucumber strips, then roll it up
3. After finishing your meal, ask the restaurant to make duck bone soup for free
[Local Tip] The trendy tourist restaurants near the Forbidden City are overpriced—locals never go there!
The Soul of the Hutong: Beijing-Style Pastries and Snacks
Zha Jiang Mian (Noodles with Fried Soybean Paste)
Taste Note: The sauce is salty, aromatic, and rich; if you’re trying this for the first time, we recommend not pouring all the sauce onto the noodles at once. Vegetarian Note: The sauce contains meat and is not vegetarian.
[Local Tip] Don’t just focus on the noodles—be sure to pair them with a clove of raw garlic. That’s the true soul of Old Beijing!
Hand-rolled noodles topped with a rich sauce made from slow-simmered pork belly and yellow bean paste, served with fresh vegetables, are a staple in Beijingers’daily diet. Authenticity Key: Slow-simmered yellow bean paste and chewy, hand-rolled thick noodles.
| Restaurant | Location | Price per Person | Reservation | One-Line Recommendation |
| Haiwanju | Multiple locations | Approx. 40 RMB | No reservation required | Strong Old Beijing atmosphere, generous portions |
| No. 69 Fangzhuangchang | Hutong + multiple locations | Approx. 30 RMB | Reservations/takeout available | Popular, affordable option with authentic flavor |
Authentic Way to Eat
1. Pour the sauce over the noodles and mix well
2. Add all the toppings and mix well
3. Eat with garlic to cut through the richness and enhance the flavor
Men Ding Meat Pies
Serving Suggestions: The meat filling is piping hot and is best enjoyed as a light meal or snack. If you cannot eat beef or pork, please check with the staff in advance to confirm the filling ingredients.
With a crispy, golden crust and a juicy, tender filling, these pies are named for their resemblance to the nails on a city gate.
| Restaurant | Location | Price per Person | Reservation Method | One-Line Recommendation |
| Baorui Gate-Nail Meat Pies | Niujie, Xicheng District | Approx. 15 RMB | Walk-in | A Niujie institution with incredibly juicy fillings |
| Menkuang Hutong Men Ding Meat Pies | Menkuang Hutong, Xicheng District | Approx. 12 RMB | Walk-in | A long-standing hutong shop with year-round lines |
Eating Tips
Take a small bite first to let the steam escape and avoid burning your mouth; enjoy it while hot for the best texture.
Old Beijing Pastries (Tang Huoshao, Aiwowo, Lvdagun)
Note: These are generally quite sweet, so you might want to buy a small amount to try them first; they also make great gifts. Be sure to check the expiration date and ingredient list before purchasing.
- Tanghuoshao: Made with sesame paste and brown sugar, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet but not cloying
- Aiwowo: Glutinous rice dough wrapped around red bean paste or sesame filling, soft, chewy, and subtly sweet
- Lvdagun: Millet flour coated with red bean paste, rich in bean aroma
| Shop | Location | Price per Person | Description |
| Daoxiangcun | Multiple locations | Approx. 20 RMB | Top choice for souvenirs, a wide variety |
| Huguosi Snacks | Multiple locations | Approx. 15 RMB | Made fresh on-site, a one-stop tasting experience |
[Serving Suggestion] Pair with jasmine tea to cut through the sweetness and richness.
Local Specialties: Traditional Offal Dishes
Braised Pork Intestines with Fried Bread
Pork intestines, lungs, and heart, along with fried tofu and bread, are simmered in a rich, time-honored broth until tender. This is a beloved late-night staple in Old Beijing, though newcomers may need some time to adjust to the flavor.
| Restaurant | Location | Average Price | Reservation Method | One-Line Recommendation |
| Beixinqiao Braised Delicacies | No. 141, Dongsi North Street, Dongcheng District | Approx. 40 RMB | No reservation required; cash recommended | 24-hour establishment, popular with locals |
| Menkuang Hutong Century-Old Braised Offal | Menkuang Hutong, Xicheng District | Approx. 35 RMB | No reservation required | Authentic hutong flavor, great value |
Authentic Pairings
Add chili oil and garlic sauce, and pair with Beiyang soda—the perfect combination to cut through the richness.
[Tips for First-Timers] If it’s your first time, ask for less lung to make it easier to get used to.
Chao Gan — A Traditional Beijing Breakfast
Note: The main ingredients are pork liver and pork intestine; this dish is not suitable for people who do not eat pork or offal.
Not stir-fried, but a thick, rich soup made by simmering pork intestines and liver with starch and garlic. It features a strong garlic aroma, tender liver, and plump intestines.
| Restaurant | Location | Average Price | Reservation Method | One-Line Recommendation |
| Yaoji Chao Gan (Gulou Branch) | No. 311, Gulou East Street, Dongcheng District | Approx. 25 RMB | Opens at 6:00 AM, no reservation required | Popular Breakfast Spots Around Gulou |
| Tianxingju (Qianmen Branch) | 81-83 Xianyukou Street, Qianmen | Approx. 20 RMB | Opens at 6:30 PM, no reservation required | A century-old establishment with traditional flavors |
Authentic Way to Eat
Don’t use chopsticks; tilt the bowl and slurp the soup, paired with pork and scallion buns.
Boiled Tripe
Tip: Be sure to distinguish between beef tripe and lamb tripe, and choose according to your dietary restrictions; eat it as soon as possible after blanching, as the texture will deteriorate once it cools.
Beef or mutton tripe is quickly blanched in boiling water and served with sesame paste, fermented bean curd, and Chinese chive flower sauce. The texture is crisp, tender, and chewy.
| Restaurant | Location | Average Price | Reservation Method | One-Line Recommendation |
| Jin Shenglong | De’wai Street, Xicheng District | Approx. 120 RMB | Phone reservation | Established in 1894, top-quality |
| Baodu Feng | Qianmen Street | Approx. 60 RMB | Walk-in | Affordable and authentic |
Key Tips
Order fresh and eat while hot; it becomes hard and loses its crispness once cooled.
Soybean Milk + Fried Dough Rings—A Local Breakfast Specialty
Douzhi is made by fermenting mung beans and has a unique fermented tartness that sets it apart from regular soy milk; its flavor is quite distinctive, so it may not be to everyone’s taste.
[Local Tip] Don’t gulp it down on your first try! Pair it with crispy jiaochuan and shredded pickles, and you’ll discover its magic!
| Restaurant | Location | Average Price | Reservation | One-Line Recommendation |
| Huguosi Snacks | Multiple locations | About 15 RMB | Walk-in | Easy to find, perfect for trying |
| Yin San Douzhi | Dongcheng District | About 10 RMB | Walk-in | Locals line up for the authentic flavor |
[Tip for First-Timers] Start with small sips and pair it with pickled vegetables. If you can’t handle it, don’t force yourself.
Old Beijing-Style Copper Pot Hot Pot: How to Order and Enjoy
Tip: Copper pot hot pot is available year-round and is best enjoyed with a group. If you don’t eat lamb, be sure to let the staff know in advance.
A copper pot heated over charcoal, with a clear broth base (ginger slices, scallion segments, and dried shrimp), brings out the lamb’s natural flavor. Thinly sliced Inner Mongolian lamb cooks in just 10–15 seconds, resulting in a tender, smooth texture with no gamey taste.
Note: Depending on the thickness of the meat slices and the heat of the stove, be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before eating.
| Restaurant | Location | Price per Person | Reservation Method | One-Line Recommendation |
| Jubaoyuan | Niujie, Xicheng District | Approx. 120 RMB | Arrive early/call to reserve | Top spot in Niujie, always has a line |
| Nanmen Shuanrou | Multiple locations | Approx. 100 RMB | Walk-in | Great value; multiple locations mean no crowds |
A quick tip for ordering: It’s best to share dishes among a group; don’t order too many dishes at once to avoid waste.
Traditional Old Beijing Style
1. Dip the lamb in sesame paste
2. Eat the meat first, then cook Chinese cabbage, frozen tofu, and glass noodles
3. Finish by drinking the broth—it’s savory and warms the stomach
Practical Tips for Choosing a Restaurant: Learn to Evaluate Places on Your Own
1. Check the menu: Take a close look at the dishes and prices, and make sure there are no unclear additional charges.
2. Refer to recent, genuine reviews: Don’t just look at star ratings; focus on recent customer feedback regarding taste, price, and service.
3. Check for dietary restrictions: Make sure the dishes don’t contain ingredients you avoid, such as organ meats, peanuts, or seafood.
4. Take long lines with a grain of salt: A long line indicates popularity, but it doesn’t guarantee the food will suit your taste; don’t spend excessive time traveling just to eat at one specific restaurant.
5. Prioritize restaurants along your sightseeing route—eat where it’s convenient—rather than traveling a long distance just to “check off” a particular spot.
Sample 24-Hour Dining Itinerary (Feel free to take a screenshot to save)
Important Note:
This is just a suggested itinerary. You don’t have to try every single place listed—feel free to pick and choose based on your preferences. Prioritize dining spots that are along your day’s sightseeing route.
- Breakfast: Yaoji Chao Gan / Tianxingju + Pork Buns
- Lunch: Siji Minfu Roast Duck or Haiwanjia Zha Jiang Mian
- Afternoon Tea: Daoxiangcun Pastries + Jasmine Tea
- Dinner: Jubaoyuan Copper Pot Hot Pot
Quick Guide to Choosing Meals Based on Your Situation
| Your Travel Plans | Meal Recommendations |
| Just a short 1-day stopover in Beijing | Choose 1 main meal + 1–2 types of snacks |
| On a tight budget | Prioritize fried sauce noodles, “men ding” meat patties, and pastry-style snacks |
| Want to experience local specialties | If you’re open to offal and fermented flavors, try stir-fried pig liver and fermented soybean drink |
| Traveling with family or friends | Dishes suitable for sharing, such as Peking duck and copper pot hot pot |
Practical Tips for Dining in Beijing
| Need | What to Do |
| English Menu | Not every restaurant has an English menu; you can use photo-review apps or translation apps to help you order |
| How to Pay | WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used; however, not all merchants accept foreign currency credit cards, so bring cash as a backup payment method. |
| What to Do If You’re Vegetarian | Try to choose vegetarian restaurants; when ordering individual vegetarian dishes, be sure to confirm that the broth and sauces do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. |
| What to Do If You Have Allergies | Use a translation app to list your allergens in advance; also confirm that the staff can understand them, and be aware of cross-contamination risks. |
| Meal Times | Lunch (11:30–13:30) and dinner (17:30–19:30) are peak dining hours; dining outside these times can help avoid lines. These times are for reference only—not all restaurants strictly adhere to them. |
| Drink Pairings | Beibingyang soda and jasmine tea are common local beverages; choose them as desired—they are not must-try items. |
Budget Guide (2026 Prices)
Note: The table shows reference prices per person and does not include service charges; exchange rates fluctuate in real time, and the U.S. dollar and euro are provided for reference only.
⚠Prices are primarily in RMB; foreign currency amounts are for rough estimation only, and actual amounts are subject to the exchange rate on the day of purchase.
| Type | Price in RMB | Approx. USD | Approx. EUR |
| Street food (single serving) | 10–20 RMB | 1.4–2.8 USD | 1.2–2.5 EUR |
| Simple Meal (Noodles, Fried Rice) | 30–50 RMB | $4–7 | €3.5–6 |
| Hearty Meal (With Meat Dishes) | 60–100 RMB | $8–14 | €7–12 |
| A Peking duck feast | 150–200 yuan | $20–28 | €18–24 |
| A hot pot meal | 80–150 yuan | $11–20 | €10–18 |
After Enjoying the Local Cuisine, Continue Your Beijing Itinerary
- Complete Guide to Using Alipay for Foreigners
- Shichahai Hutong City-Walk Tour Guide
- Guide to Exploring the Area Around the Forbidden City
Author’s Note: This article is based on on-site visits and publicly available information; restaurant prices, operating hours, and payment options are subject to change. Please check the latest announcements from the establishments before dining or visiting.
