Peking Duck is famous for a reason, but Beijing's food scene goes so much deeper. Here are 15 dishes — from imperial banquets to hutong street snacks — that you absolutely must try.
The Iconic
1. Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
The undisputed king. Crispy skin, tender meat, wrapped in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce, cucumber, and scallions. Go to Quanjude (全聚德) for tradition or Da Dong (大董) for a modern take. Price: ¥200-300/person
2. Zhajiangmian (炸酱面)
Beijing's soul food — hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich fermented soybean paste, shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, and pork. The best bowls are found in family-run shops in the hutongs. Price: ¥15-25
The Imperial
3. Mongolian Hotpot (涮羊肉)
Thinly sliced lamb swirled in a copper pot of bubbling broth. Unlike Sichuan hotpot, Beijing style uses a clear broth so you taste the quality of the meat. Donglaishun (东来顺) has been doing it since 1903. Price: ¥100-150/person
4. Imperial Court Cuisine (宫廷菜)
What the emperors ate. Delicate, artfully presented dishes like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and Pea Flour Cake. Try Fangshan Restaurant in Beihai Park. Price: ¥300-500/person
The Street Food
5. Jianbing (煎饼)
China's ultimate breakfast crepe — egg, crispy cracker, scallions, cilantro, hoisin and chili sauce. Watch them make it fresh on a hot griddle. Price: ¥8-12
6. Lamb Skewers (羊肉串)
Sizzling cumin-spiced lamb on a stick, grilled over charcoal by Uyghur vendors. Best found around Ghost Street (簋街) at midnight. Price: ¥5-10/skewer
7. Donkey Burger (驴肉火烧)
Don't knock it till you try it — shredded braised donkey meat in a flaky flatbread, from Hebei Province but beloved in Beijing. Price: ¥15-20
The Sweet
8. Candied Hawthorn (冰糖葫芦)
Skewered hawthorn berries coated in hardened sugar — a winter street food classic. The sweet-tart crunch is addictive. Price: ¥5-10
Where to Eat in Beijing
- Ghost Street (簋街): 1.5km of restaurants open until 4am — the epicenter of Beijing night food
- Wangfujing Snack Street: Touristy but fun for exotic snacks (scorpion on a stick, anyone?)
- Niujie (牛街): Beijing's Muslim quarter — incredible halal lamb and beef dishes
- Hutong family eateries: The most authentic meals are in tiny courtyard restaurants with no English menu
Want to taste it all with a local guide? Check our Beijing Food Tour — 4 hours, 8+ tastings, English-speaking guide.