Beijing'S Top 10 Famous Foods

1. Peking Roast Duck (北京烤鸭)

• Description: Crispy-skinned duck roasted over fruitwood, served with pancakes, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce.
• Best place to try: Quanjude or Da Dong.
• Price range: ¥200-500 per duck.

2. Zhajiangmian (炸酱面)

• Description: Hand-pulled noodles topped with savory soybean-pork sauce and fresh vegetables.
• Key feature: Customizable with seasonal toppings like bean sprouts or radish greens.
• Price: ¥15-30 per bowl.

3. Mongolian Hotpot (涮羊肉)

• Description: Thinly sliced lamb cooked in copper pots with clear broth.
• Unique aspect: Diners dip meat in sesame sauce or chili oil.
• Price: ¥80-150 per person.

4. Beijing Yogurt (北京酸奶)

• Description: Thick, tangy yogurt served in ceramic jars, often sweetened with honey.
• Where to find: Hutong street vendors.
• Price: ¥5-10 per jar.

5. Jianbing (煎饼)

• Description: Crispy crepe filled with egg, cilantro, and hoisin sauce, folded around a cracker.
• Best time to eat: Breakfast from roadside stalls.
• Price: ¥8-15 each.

6. Douzhi (豆汁)

• Description: Fermented mung bean drink with a sour, acquired taste—locals love it!.
• Cultural note: Often paired with jiaquan (fried dough rings).
• Price: ¥3-5 per bowl.

7. Peking Dumplings (锅贴)

• Description: Pan-fried dumplings with juicy pork or lamb fillings.
• Texture: Crispy bottom with tender wrapper.
• Price: ¥20-40 per plate.

8. Mala Tang (麻辣烫)

• Description: DIY spicy soup with skewered meats, tofu, and veggies.
• Heat level: Adjustable (from mild to “numbing spicy”).
• Price: ¥25-50 per serving.

9. Sugar-Coated Haws (糖葫芦)

• Description: Candied hawthorn berries on a stick, sometimes with fruit fillings.
• Seasonal: Winter specialty.
• Price: ¥10-20 per stick.

10. Imperial Court Snacks (宫廷小吃)

• Description: Bite-sized desserts like pea flour cake (豌豆黄) or sesame paste rolls (驴打滚).
• Origin: Recipes from the Qing Dynasty.
• Price: ¥10-30 per box.

Comparison Chart