Beijing food is hearty, savory, and sometimes surprising. Here's what to eat, where to eat it, and how to order like a local. I've included prices in both ¥ and $ , and noted which places accept credit cards.
1. Peking Duck (北京烤鸭) - The Iconic Dish
What is it? Peking duck is Beijing's most famous dish. The duck is roasted until the skin is crispy and mahogany-colored, then carved tableside. You wrap the skin and meat in a thin pancake with sweet bean sauce, cucumber, and scallions. It's crispy, savory, and absolutely delicious.
Where to Eat Peking Duck:
| Restaurant |
Area |
Price per Person |
Credit Card |
| Quanjude (全聚德) |
Wangfujing |
¥300 ($42) |
✅ Yes |
| Dadong (大董) |
Multiple locations |
¥400 ($55) |
✅ Yes |
| Siji Minfu (四季民福) |
Wangfujing / Sanlitun |
¥150 ($21) |
✅ Yes, English menu |
💡 Local's choice: Siji Minfu is where Beijing locals actually go. Quanjude is touristy but historic. Dadong is high-end and Instagrammable.
How to Order: Most restaurants have English menus for Peking duck. If not, show this: "我要北京烤鸭" (Wǒ yào Běijīng kǎoyā). Book in advance for dinner.
2. Jianbing (煎饼) - Beijing's Breakfast of Champions
What is it? Jianbing is a savory crepe cooked on a flat griddle. It's topped with egg, crispy fried dough (cuanr), scallions, cilantro, and sauces (sweet bean sauce + chili). It's folded up and eaten on the go. Think of it as Beijing's answer to a breakfast burrito — but crispier and more flavorful.
Where to Get Jianbing:
Any street corner! Look for a flat griddle and a vendor spreading batter. The best ones are near subway stations between 6:30-9:30 AM.
Price: ¥8-15 ($1.10-2.10) per jianbing
Payment: Cash or mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay). Foreign credit cards usually don't work at street stalls.
💡 How to Order: Point and say "This one" (Zhège 这个). Or show this: "我要煎饼，加鸡蛋" (Wǒ yào jiānbing, jiā jīdàn) = "I want jianbing with egg."
3. Zhajiangmian (炸酱面) - Noodles with Soybean Paste
What is it? Zhajiangmian is Beijing's soul food. It's thick wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and ground pork, then topped with fresh cucumber strips, bean sprouts, and radishes. You mix it all together before eating. It's salty, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
Where to Eat Zhajiangmian:
Haiwanju (海碗居) - Multiple locations, ¥35 ($5) per person, English menu available
Noodle Lovers (面爱面) - Sanlitun area, ¥40 ($5.50), credit cards accepted
Local hole-in-the-wall shops - Anywhere in hutong neighborhoods, ¥15-20 ($2-3)
4. Douzhi (豆汁) - Fermented Mung Bean Drink
An acquired taste! Sour, funky fermented drink. Locals love it, foreigners usually hate it. Try it for the story.
Price: ¥5 ($0.70) | Where: Nanluoguxiang snack shops
5. Lüdagun (驴打滚) - "Rolling Donkey"
Sweet rice cake rolled in soybean flour. Soft, chewy, not too sweet. A local dessert.
Price: ¥10 ($1.40) | Where: Daoxiangcun shops
6. Tanghulu (糖葫芦) - Candied Hawthorn
Hawthorn berries coated in hard sugar syrup on a stick. Like Chinese candy apples. Perfect winter street snack.
Price: ¥10-15 ($1.40-2.10) | Where: Wangfujing Snack Street
7. Chuanr (串儿) - Beijing BBQ Skewers
Lamb, beef, chicken wings, vegetables — all grilled over charcoal and seasoned with cumin and chili. Late-night favorite.
Price: ¥5-10 ($0.70-1.40) per skewer | Where: Guijie (Ghost Street)
8. Beijing Hotpot (涮羊肉)
Thinly sliced mutton cooked in a copper hotpot with clear broth. Dip in sesame sauce. Winter comfort food.
Price: ¥80-120 ($11-17) per person | Where: Donglaishun (东来顺)
9. Wontons (馄饨)
Small dumplings in light broth. Different from wonton soup you get abroad — these are delicate and savory.
Price: ¥15 ($2) | Where: Any breakfast shop
10. Baozi (包子) - Steamed Buns
Steamed buns filled with pork, beef, or vegetables. Qingfeng Baozi is a local chain that's cheap and good.
Price: ¥2-5 ($0.30-0.70) each | Where: Qingfeng Baozi (庆丰包子铺)
11. Donkey Burger (驴肉火烧)
Not kidding — it's a flatbread stuffed with braised donkey meat. Tastes like beef, very savory. A Hebei specialty popular in Beijing.
Price: ¥15 ($2.10) | Where: Hebei Flavor restaurants
12. Fried Sauce Noodles (炸酱面) - Cold Version
In summer, Zhajiangmian is served cold. Refreshing and savory at the same time.
Price: ¥18 ($2.50) | Where: Any local noodles shop
13. Suanla Fen (酸辣粉) - Hot & Sour Glass Noodles
Spicy, sour, and addictive. Glass noodles in a tangy broth with peanuts and vegetables. Not for the faint of heart!
Price: ¥15 ($2.10) | Where: Food courts, Guijie
14. Bingtang Hulu (冰糖葫芦) - Ice Sugar Gourd
Like tanghulu but with a thick clear sugar coating. Crunchier and sweeter. A winter street food.
Price: ¥10 ($1.40) | Where: Temple of Heaven area
15. Youtiao (油条) - Fried Dough Sticks
Long, golden-brown fried dough. Crispy outside, chewy inside. Usually eaten with soy milk for breakfast.
Price: ¥2 ($0.30) | Where: Any breakfast stall
