Quick Answer
Peking duck is just the start. A guide to Beijing's must-eat dishes, from imperial roast duck to hutong street snacks.
Why it matters
Beijing's defining dish is roasted until the skin is glass-crisp, then carved at the table and wrapped in thin pancakes with scallion, cucumber and sweet bean sauce. Book a respected roast-duck house and order it as the centrepiece of a shared meal.
TL;DR (Quick Answer)
- The icon: Peking roast duck, carved tableside, rolled in thin pancakes.
- Also try: zhajiangmian noodles, jianbing breakfast crêpes, lamb hotpot, candied haws.
- Pair with: the Great Wall and the Beijing & Xi'an tour.
Peking Duck, Done Properly
Beijing's defining dish is roasted until the skin is glass-crisp, then carved at the table and wrapped in thin pancakes with scallion, cucumber and sweet bean sauce. Book a respected roast-duck house and order it as the centrepiece of a shared meal.
Beyond the Duck
For everyday Beijing, eat zhajiangmian (noodles in fermented bean sauce), a folded jianbing crêpe for breakfast, and — in cooler months — copper-pot lamb hotpot. In the hutongs, snack on candied-haw tanghulu and fresh yoghurt in a jar.
Make It Part of the Trip
Beijing's food sits naturally alongside its sights — a duck dinner after a day on the Great Wall, street snacks between the Forbidden City and the hutongs. See the Beijing travel guide or fold it into the Golden Triangle itinerary.
FAQ
Where is the best Peking duck in Beijing?
Beijing has several famous roast-duck houses; any well-reviewed specialist will serve it carved tableside with pancakes. Your guide can book ahead for the best tables.
What should I eat in Beijing besides duck?
Zhajiangmian noodles, jianbing breakfast crêpes, copper-pot lamb hotpot, and hutong street snacks like tanghulu (candied haws).
Is Beijing food spicy?
Generally no. Northern food leans savoury and wheat-based rather than spicy — a milder contrast to Sichuan or Hunan.
