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When traveling to Beijing, many visitors often wonder: besides the famous Peking duck, what other delicious foods are worth trying? You need not worry. Beijing brings together a wide variety of authentic cuisines from all across China.
Many skilled chefs and restaurateurs choose to establish their businesses here, hoping to build their reputation on this prominent stage. Next, we will introduce some must-try traditional delicacies in Beijing.
Beijing Food List
Our team analyzed hundreds of data entries from Chinese culinary platforms and carefully selected the most distinctive Beijing dishes. Additionally, we included notable regional specialties available in Beijing. Taking into account the tastes of our international friends, we thoughtfully curated this menu to offer a balanced and appealing selection.
| Menu Name | Featured Dishes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Authentic Beijing Flavors | Peking Duck, Zhajiang Noodles, Douzhi (Fermented Mung Bean), Braised Intestines with Bread, Donkey Roll, Candied Hawthorn | Classic traditional Beijing snacks and specialties |
| Beijing & Regional Classics | Quanjude Peking Duck, Sichuan Boiled Fish, Donglaishun Hot Pot, Shaanxi Roujiamo, Cantonese Dim Sum | Famous Beijing old brands combined with authentic Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Cantonese dishes |
| International-Friendly Beijing | Peking Duck Wraps, Mild Spicy Hot Pot, Steamed Sea Bass, Stir-fried Vegetables, Steamed Dumplings, Candied Hawthorn | Balanced flavors suited to international tastes, featuring Beijing and nearby regional dishes |
| Beijing Old Brands & Regional Flavors | Da Dong Roast Duck, Chongqing Noodles, Yunnan Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, Northeastern Sweet and Sour Pork, Sweet Red Bean Buns | A mix of Beijing classics and selected well-known dishes from other regions |
Now, let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of these dishes. Hopefully, this will be helpful to you.
Authentic Beijing Flavors
Peking Duck
Peking Duck is Beijing’s most famous traditional dish, renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat. The duck is carefully prepared by air-drying and roasting to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
It is typically served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions, offering a rich and unique flavor experience.
Where to Eat Authentic Peking Duck in Beijing
Below are the specific locations we have organized. You can first arrive at the area and then use your phone’s navigation to find the exact restaurant address.
| Area | Representative Restaurant | Highlights | Average Price (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near Qianmen Street | Quanjude | Traditional classic Peking Duck | 150–250 RMB |
| Near Qianmen Street | Bianyifang | Historic, traditional roast duck | 130–220 RMB |
| Wangfujing District | Da Dong | High-end roast duck, innovative dishes | 200–350 RMB |
| Hepingli, Dongcheng District | Da Dong (Flagship) | Refined roast duck, modern style | 250–400 RMB |
| Financial Street, Xicheng District | Various chain outlets | Consistent quality, convenient | 120–200 RMB |
Quanjude is the most famous restaurant in Beijing. Its storefront is shown in the picture below, and the interior environment is of good quality.
Zhajiang Noodles
Zhajiang Noodles are a classic Beijing comfort food.
Wheat noodles are topped with a savory soybean paste sauce cooked with minced pork and often garnished with shredded cucumber and bean sprouts.
Where to Find Authentic Zhajiang Noodles in Beijing
| Restaurant Name | Address | Highlights | Price Range (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hugosisi Snack | Huguosi Street, Xicheng District | Traditional authentic Beijing Zhajiang Noodles | 15–25 RMB |
| Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodle Shop | Hepingli, Dongcheng District | Focused on Zhajiang Noodles with rich sauce | 20–30 RMB |
| Sijiminfu Zhajiang Noodle Branch | Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District | Famous roast duck restaurant also known for good Zhajiang Noodles | 25–40 RMB |
| Jubao Yuan | Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng District | Historic brand, generous portions | 18–28 RMB |
| Bianyifang | Qianmen Street, Xicheng District | Traditional old brand, popular Zhajiang Noodles | 20–35 RMB |
This dish is beloved for its salty and hearty taste.
Douzhi
Douzhi is a traditional Beijing fermented mung bean beverage with a slightly sour and distinctive flavor.
It is commonly enjoyed at breakfast alongside crispy fried dough sticks called “Jiaoquan.”
Because Zhajiang noodles are found everywhere, you can easily spot this dish walking the streets early in the morning, so there aren’t specific flagship stores anymore.
My thoughts
These three dishes are famous throughout Beijing and well-known across China. You can definitely try them when you’re in Beijing, and then choose other dishes based on your own interests.
International-Friendly Beijing
Besides authentic local cuisine, catering to the tastes of international visitors is equally important. The following dishes are likely to suit foreign friends very well. Most of them are relatively mild in flavor, and the mildly spicy hot pot is not as spicy compared to Sichuan-style hot pot.
| International-Friendly Beijing | Peking Duck Wraps, Mild Spicy Hot Pot, Steamed Sea Bass, Stir-fried Vegetables, Steamed Dumplings, Candied Hawthorn | Balanced flavors suited to international tastes, featuring Beijing and nearby regional dishes |
Peking Duck Wraps
A simplified version of the classic Peking Duck, served as a convenient wrap with crispy duck skin, tender meat, hoisin sauce, and fresh vegetables rolled in a thin pancake.
Perfect for a quick yet authentic taste of Beijing’s signature dish.
Mild Spicy Hot Pot
A flavorful hot pot with a gentle spicy kick, milder than the famous Sichuan hot pot.
It features a variety of fresh ingredients cooked in a savory broth, suitable for those who prefer less intense heat but still want a warming, communal dining experience.
Steamed Sea Bass
Steamed Sea Bass is a classic Chinese dish renowned for the delicate, naturally sweet flavor of its tender flesh. The preparation emphasizes preserving the original taste of the fish to showcase its freshness. Typically, the sea bass is cleaned thoroughly and scored lightly on both sides to allow it to cook evenly and absorb seasoning.
It is then garnished with julienned ginger and spring onions and lightly seasoned with rice wine to remove any residual fishy odor. The fish is steamed over high heat for approximately six to eight minutes, depending on its size. After steaming, hot oil and seasoned soy sauce are poured over the fish, and it is finished with a sprinkling of fresh scallions.
The resulting dish has a clean, aromatic broth, a smooth and silky texture, and a taste that is fresh and subtle. Rich in high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential micronutrients, steamed sea bass is both nutritious and light on the palate. It pairs well with steamed rice, simply prepared vegetables, or a clear soup. Widely served in Cantonese and Jiangsu-Zhejiang restaurants, as well as in home kitchens, it is a beloved dish that reflects both culinary skill and the premium quality of the ingredients.
Typically garnished with ginger, scallions, and a light soy-based sauce, it’s a healthy and elegant choice popular among international visitors.
Where to Eat Steamed Sea Bass in Beijing
Our team has compiled a list of restaurants in Beijing where you can enjoy this delicacy. If you are in Beijing, we recommend visiting the following establishments. These restaurants are highly popular on major Chinese review platforms and are well worth trying.
| Restaurant Name | Recommended Dish | Cuisine / Style | Per Fish Price (Approx.) | Average Cost per Person | Address (Beijing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tianbao Pavilion (The St. Regis) | Steamed Sea Bass | Cantonese | ~¥500–600 per fish | ¥600–800 | No. 21 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District |
| Hongshan Rayting Hotel Western | Steamed Sea Bass | Fusion Western-Chinese | ~¥300–400 per fish | ¥300–500 | No. 2 Workers’ Stadium North Road, Chaoyang District |
| Pasta Box (Sanyuanqiao) | Grilled Sea Bass with Balsamic | Italian | ~¥160–200 per portion | ¥150–250 | No. 2A Jiangtai Road, Sanyuanqiao, Chaoyang District |
| Ritan Shuanrou (Tuanjiehu Branch) | Fresh Sea Bass Hot Pot | Northern Hot Pot | ~¥150–200 per 500g | ¥150–250 | No. 3 Tuanjiehu North Road, Chaoyang District |
| Tongchunyuan (Jiangsu-Zhejiang) | Steamed or Braised Live Sea Bass | Jiangsu-Zhejiang Cuisine | ~¥220–300 per fish | ¥200–300 | No. 5 Beichizi Street, Dongcheng District |
Special thanks to Mr. Zhu for his patient assistance and enthusiastic support, which have made this content compilation more complete.
Other Menu Items
In addition to the menu above, our research indicates that the dishes listed in the following table are also well suited for international visitors.
| Dish Name | English Name | Description | Price Range (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 宫保鸡丁 | Kung Pao Chicken | Sweet, slightly spicy, home-style | ¥15–30 per serving | Available at almost all eateries |
| 糖醋里脊 | Sweet and Sour Pork | Sweet and sour flavor, popular with all ages | ¥15–35 per serving | Widely loved |
| 青椒土豆丝 | Stir-fried Potato with Green Pepper | Light and refreshing, home-style | ¥10–20 per serving | Common in regular restaurants |
| 番茄炒蛋 | Stir-fried Tomato and Egg | Classic home dish, mild flavor | ¥10–20 per serving | Suitable for foreigners |
| 炒青菜 | Stir-fried Greens | Light and healthy | ¥8–15 per serving | Often bok choy or spinach |
| 馄饨 | Wonton Soup | Thin skin, fresh filling, clear broth | ¥8–15 per bowl | Traditional noodles, widely available |
| 炸酱面 | Noodles with Soybean Paste | Signature Beijing noodle dish | ¥10–20 per bowl | Common in small local eateries |
| 鱼香肉丝 | Fish-flavored Shredded Pork | Slightly spicy, flavorful | ¥15–30 per serving | Available on many menus |
You may present this Chinese menu to the restaurant owner, ask to see pictures of the dishes, and then choose your preferred items to order.
Where to Find Authentic Beijing Street Food
If the dishes mentioned above still do not meet your expectations, we have also compiled a list of Beijing’s most renowned snack streets. You can head straight to these locations to explore a wide variety of local delicacies and purchase anything you would like to try.
| Snack Street | Location | Highlights | Typical Price Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wangfujing Snack Street | Dongcheng District, Wangfujing | Most famous snack street, traditional Beijing snacks, exotic skewers | ¥30–¥80 (approx. $4–$11) |
| Nanluoguxiang | Dongcheng District, near Gulou | Hutong atmosphere, mix of traditional and trendy snacks, cafes | ¥30–¥100 (approx. $4–$14) |
| Gui Jie (Ghost Street) | Dongzhimen Inner Street | Famous for late-night dining, spicy Sichuan and Hunan food | ¥50–¥150 (approx. $7–$21) |
| Qianmen Street (Dashilan) | Qianmen Area | Historic architecture, time-honored restaurants, Beijing specialties | ¥40–¥120 (approx. $6–$17) |
| Niujie | Xicheng District | Muslim food culture, halal snacks, traditional pastries | ¥30–¥80 (approx. $4–$11) |
My thoughts
These snack streets are bustling both early in the morning and late at night, offering excellent opportunities to savor authentic Beijing delicacies. Although the prices are generally much lower than those in restaurants, the quality and taste are by no means compromised.
We hope this guide is helpful to you and wish you a wonderful time in Beijing.
