If you are looking for the answer for “What to eat in beijing”, then you are at the right place!
Here are some of the must-try dishes in Beijing, each with a detailed introduction and highlights:
1. Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
Peking Duck is an iconic dish from Beijing, renowned for its succulent meat and crispy skin. This dish has been a staple of Chinese cuisine since the Imperial era, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, and it was particularly refined during the Ming Dynasty in the imperial kitchens of the Forbidden City. Traditionally, the duck is seasoned, air-dried, and roasted in a closed or hung oven until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. The meat is often served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and a side of sliced scallions and cucumber.
Highlight:
- Crispy Skin and Tender Meat: The combination of the crispy skin and tender meat provides a textural delight.
- Historical Significance: Peking Duck is not just a dish but a historical experience, having been served in royal courts.
2. Jianbing (煎饼)
Jianbing is a popular Chinese street food that originated in northern China, specifically Shandong, and has a history stretching back nearly 2,000 years
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. It is a type of savory crepe made from a batter of wheat and grain flour, cooked with an egg and topped with a variety of ingredients such as scallions, cilantro, and deep-fried dough sticks (youtiao). Jianbing can be customized with different fillings and sauces, making it a versatile and beloved breakfast option.
Highlight:
- Versatility: Jianbing can be made to suit different tastes with various fillings.
- Street Food Staple: It’s a common and beloved breakfast item, perfect for on-the-go meals.
3. Shuan Yangrou (涮羊肉)
Also known as “Mongolian hotpot,” Shuan Yangrou is a traditional Beijing dish, especially popular during winter. It involves thinly sliced lamb cooked in a hot pot filled with a flavorful broth. The dish dates back to the Yuan Dynasty and gained popularity during the Qing Dynasty among the Manchu people in Beijing. The lamb slices are dipped and briefly cooked in the boiling broth, which is often prepared with spices and herbs, before being eaten with dipping sauces.
Highlight:
- Warming and Comforting: Ideal for cold weather, providing warmth and comfort.
- Rich History: A dish with deep historical roots, having been enjoyed by royalty and commoners alike.
4. Roujiamo (肉夹馍)
Often referred to as the “Chinese burger,” Roujiamo is a traditional street food consisting of shredded, braised meat (commonly pork) stuffed in a flatbread called “mo.” The origins of Roujiamo can be traced back to the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC), making it one of the oldest forms of a sandwich worldwide. The meat is slow-cooked with a variety of spices until tender and flavorful, then paired with the crisp, yet chewy flatbread.
Highlight:
- Ancient Origins: One of the world’s oldest sandwich forms.
- Flavorful Meat: The braised meat is rich in flavor, making for a satisfying bite.
5. Jing Jiang Rousi (京酱肉丝)
Jing Jiang Rousi, or sautéed shredded pork in sweet bean sauce, is a classic Beijing dish. The dish features stir-fried pork tenderloin with a savory and slightly sweet bean sauce. Traditionally, the pork is served with shredded leeks and thin pancakes or tofu skins, which make it easy to wrap and eat. This dish has been a part of Beijing’s cuisine for centuries and remains a favorite among locals and visitors.
Highlight:
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of sweet bean sauce and tender pork creates a delightful taste.
- Easy to Eat: Often served with pancakes or tofu skins for convenient wrapping.
6. Jiaozi (饺子)
Jiaozi, or Chinese dumplings, are a traditional and widely loved food in Beijing and across China. These dumplings are made by wrapping a filling, typically consisting of minced meat and vegetables, in a thin dough skin. They can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried. Jiaozi are especially popular during Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity due to their shape resembling ancient Chinese money. They are often enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil.
Highlight:
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried.
- Symbolic Significance: A staple in Chinese New Year celebrations.
7. Noodles with Soybean Paste (炸酱面)
Zhajiangmian, or noodles with soybean paste, is a beloved Beijing noodle dish. The dish consists of thick wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory soybean paste made from fermented soybeans and pork. The noodles are usually garnished with fresh vegetables like cucumber, radish, and bean sprouts, which add a refreshing contrast to the hearty sauce. This dish is a staple in Beijing cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Highlight:
- Rich and Savory Sauce: The fermented soybean paste provides a deep, umami flavor.
- Balanced Dish: The fresh vegetable toppings balance the richness of the sauce.
8. Mongolian Hotpot (蒙古火锅)
Similar to Shuan Yangrou, Mongolian Hotpot is a communal dining experience featuring a pot of boiling broth where diners cook thin slices of meat (often lamb) and vegetables. Originating from Mongolia, this dish has become a staple in Beijing, especially during the colder months. The broth can be plain or spicy, and the cooked ingredients are dipped in a variety of sauces before eating. This hotpot is not only about the food but also the social experience, as it is meant to be enjoyed with friends and family.
Highlight:
- Communal Experience: Ideal for social gatherings and family meals.
- Customizable Flavors: Various broths and dipping sauces to suit different preferences.
9. Malatang (麻辣烫)
Malatang, meaning “spicy and numbing hotpot,” is a popular street food and hotpot variation. Originating from Sichuan province, it has become immensely popular in Beijing. This dish features a customizable broth where diners can choose from a variety of skewered ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and tofu to be cooked in a spicy, aromatic broth infused with Sichuan peppercorns and chili. The result is a flavorful and intensely spicy experience that tingles the senses.
Highlight:
- Intense Flavors: The spicy and numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns.
- Customizable Ingredients: Diners can select their favorite skewered ingredients for a personalized meal.
In conclusion, Beijing offers a rich tapestry of flavors and culinary history that reflects its long and storied past. Each of these dishes provides a unique taste of the city’s vibrant food culture.
