Many people know the basics of Chinese food, largely thanks to the huge Chinese communities all around the world. If you’re into Chinese food in a big way, a trip to China is sure to delight your taste buds! The huge country has hundreds of gastronomic offerings. Places to eat range from quick-and-easy street food options to high-class swanky restaurants. Where better to try a large selection of authentic Chinese meals than in the nation’s capital? Feast on diverse delicious dishes in Beijing and enjoy a culinary adventure.
With traditional local fare, food found all around the country and eateries that bring regional tastes to the capital, dining in Beijing is exciting. And that’s before you even consider the influences from other cultures and countries. If you’re completely stuffed after indulging in all the tempting Beijing dishes, don’t worry; nobody will judge you! It might make navigating the crowded streets and public transportation systems uncomfortable, though. It’s easy, however, to hire a car and driver for an affordable cost. Sit back, relax and watch through the window as you’re transported between the sights and foodie hotspots, perhaps with a snack in hand!
1. Peking Duck
Peking duck is one of the most famous dishes in Beijing. The chef roasts the duck to crispy perfection, with the inner meat still tender and juicy. The sliced meat combines crunchiness softness. The tempting meat will be accompanied by finely sliced cucumber and spring onion. Add meat, the raw vegetables and sauce to a thin pancake, roll and relish.
2. Jianbing
Jianbing is a popular breakfast food in Beijing. Affordable, quick and convenient, you can find jianbing vendors all around the city. The street carts are certainly different to those found in places like LA! Jianbing is a great grab-and-go option for a breakfast on the run when exploring Beijing. A thin crepe is fried with an egg before being stuffed with sauce and spring onions.
3. Shuan Yang Rou
Shuan yang rou is a terrific dish to try in Beijing to see how Mongolian influences have made their way into the local cooking scene. A type of hotpot, you cook your own shuan yang rou, with ingredients and equipment provided in numerous restaurants. All you need to do is boil thin strips of mutton, noodles and vegetables in a hot broth. You can then dip your cooked ingredients into a tasty sauce and drink the broth.
4. Dou Zhier
Dou Zhier is a hearty bean soup that blends sour, sweet and tangy flavors. The greenish color and unusual taste might, however, deter many, but it’s among the most popular dishes in Beijing with locals.
5. Spicy Crayfish
Similar to lobster, but with a much more wallet-friendly price tag, crayfish is a common meal in Beijing. The crayfish is cooked with fresh chili and peppercorns, creating a fiery burst of flavor.
6. Zha Jiang Mian
Noodles are omnipresent in Asia, with numerous Chinese dishes prepared using a variety of noodle types. Zha jiang mian is a common noodle dish in Beijing. The noodles are boiled and drained before being liberally coated with a pork sauce and topped with a handful of fresh vegetables.
7. Roujiamo
Roujiamo is a meat-stuffed pita. Sauces and spices are added for flavor. Many sellers offer roujiamo that have a spicy kick. It could be a perfect lunch on the go when you’re discovering the sights and sounds of Beijing.
8. Yutou Paobing
If you don’t mind your food looking at you as you tuck in, yutou paobing is one of the fantastic dishes in Beijing for adventurous foodies to enjoy. A whole fish head floats in a large bowl of stew. You can dip pancakes into the stew and mop up all the gravy once you’ve devoured the meal.
This is just a small selection of the many dishes in Beijing that are sure to make your stomach rumble. If you’re hankering for something sweet, shaqima, lvdagun, tanghulu and youtiao are great go-to options, and the yogurt-like suannai is sweet and refreshing. Enjoy eating your way around Beijing!