Having lived in Beijing for over a decade, I deeply understand what the saying “Nothing is more delicious than dumplings” means to the people here.
On the Winter Solstice, eating dumplings is a must—otherwise, as the old saying goes, your ears might freeze off. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, families gather around to make dumplings together, a tradition believed to bring good luck. Even when relatives or friends are setting off on a long journey, a dumpling meal is customary—known as “dumplings before the trip, noodles upon return.”
Dumplings are more than just food in Beijing—they’re part of daily life and a symbol of home. They bring a sense of comfort and familiarity with every bite. But with so many dumpling restaurants scattered across the city, which ones are truly worth trying?
This guide is the result of our team visiting dozens of spots ourselves, carefully reviewing feedback from platforms like Dianping and Xiaohongshu, and finally narrowing it down to the most authentic and satisfying places. We hope it helps you find dumplings that not only taste great—but also feel like home.
Recommended Time-Honored Dumpling Restaurants in Beijing
Time-honored brands are part of Beijing’s collective memory. To truly understand the flavor of the city, you have to appreciate these longstanding establishments. They’ve witnessed the city’s transformation over the years, all while preserving the traditional tastes cherished by generations.
Huifeng Dumpling House: Award-Winning “China Time-Honored Brand”
Huifeng Dumpling House is a well-known name in Beijing. Recognized as an official China Time-Honored Brand, this state-owned restaurant has a long history and is beloved by many older generations of Beijingers. The interior maintains a classic Chinese style, and it’s a popular spot for family gatherings and tourists seeking authentic flavors.
Huifeng once won the title of “Best Dumplings in Beijing” in a city-wide competition—an honor that cements its reputation in the local dumpling scene. The dumplings here are made using traditional methods, offering a balanced, dependable taste that rarely disappoints. Dining here isn’t just about the food—it’s about trust in quality and a tribute to a long-standing culinary legacy.
Average Price per Person: ¥50–70
Address: No. 199, Xisi North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Recommended Fillings: Pork with Fennel, Pork with Three Delicacies
Baoyuan Dumplings: Creative Dumplings That Look as Good as They Taste
Operating for nearly 20 years, Baoyuan Dumplings has earned a consistent spot in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand selection—an award given to restaurants offering delicious food at great value. This recognition speaks volumes about Baoyuan’s quality and consistency.
On platforms like Xiaohongshu, Baoyuan is especially famous for its colorful “rainbow dumplings.” Don’t worry—the vibrant skins aren’t artificial. The colors come from kneading fresh vegetable juice into the dough, a testament to the shop’s dedication to natural ingredients.
Among the many creative fillings, the Kung Pao Chicken dumpling is the most recommended. With its bold flavor and multi-layered texture, it offers a unique dumpling experience far beyond the ordinary.
Average Price per Person: ¥50–70
Address: North Side of Building 6, Maizidian Street, Chaoyang District (Maizidian Main Branch)
Recommended Fillings: Kung Pao Chicken, Rainbow Dumplings, Nine-Delicacy Dumplings
Xianlaoman: A True Taste of Beijing Home Cooking
To many Beijingers, Xianlaoman feels like a “family canteen.” On review platforms like Dianping, it’s frequently praised for being authentic, comforting, and great value for money. The dumplings here are a classic example of home-style Beijing fare—hand-rolled skins with a satisfying chew, generously filled with well-seasoned ingredients.
What I especially love is how their fillings change with the seasons. It shows real care and tradition—there’s something special about eating what’s freshest at the moment.
With many branches throughout Beijing (all bustling with customers), Xianlaoman has clearly earned a strong local reputation. It’s also a regular on Dianping’s “Must-Eat List” and enjoys an 86% local recommendation rate—impressive for any restaurant.
Average Price per Person: ¥50–70
Address: No. 252 Andingmen Inner Street, Dongcheng District (Andingmen Branch)
Recommended Fillings: Signature Laoman Dumplings, Spanish Mackerel & Chive, Vegetarian Laoman
Jinguyuan Dumpling House: The Gold Standard for Mackerel Dumplings
When it comes to mackerel dumplings in Beijing, most locals will point you straight to Jinguyuan. A long-time favorite on Dianping’s “Must-Eat List,” this place is packed during mealtimes, buzzing with hungry dumpling lovers. The setting is simple, more like a fast-food joint, but no one seems to mind—they’re here for one thing: the dumplings.
Jinguyuan has built its name on mastering a single filling—mackerel. Their dedication shows in every bite: the fish filling is smooth and mousse-like in texture, generously portioned, and completely free of any fishy aftertaste.
Instead, you get the clean umami of fresh fish perfectly paired with fragrant chives. Many food bloggers rate Jinguyuan’s mackerel dumplings as the benchmark in their Beijing dumpling roundups.
Personally, I also love their Tomato & Egg filling—it’s a flavor I’ve never found elsewhere, fresh and comforting. Just be prepared for long lines, and consider avoiding peak hours if you can.
Average Price per Person: ¥50–70
Address: Room 201, 2nd Floor, Building 10, Haidian Cultural & Education Industry Park, No. 44 North 3rd Ring Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Recommended Fillings: Mackerel, Cucumber & Shrimp, Tomato & Egg
Baiweiyuan Dumpling House: The Community’s Evergreen Favorite
Baiweiyuan has been a beloved staple in its neighborhood for over a decade, thriving on the strong word-of-mouth from local residents. Though the shop is small and modest, it’s always clean and well-kept. The menu offers a wide variety of dumplings—from common classics to less typical fillings—all made fresh to order.
While it may not have official awards or high-profile endorsements, Baiweiyuan consistently ranks among the top dumpling spots in Chaoyang District on Dianping, thanks to loyal regulars from the community.
This enduring popularity is the best testament to its reliable quality.
Average Price per Person: ¥40–60
Address: No. 52 Tuanjiehu Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Recommended Fillings: Chive, Egg & Shrimp; Vegetarian Three Delicacies; Beef & Scallion
Unique Dumplings in Beijing
Beyond the traditional time-honored brands, Beijing is also home to many distinctive dumpling restaurants that are especially popular among the younger generation.
Jiaodong Liu Mama Juicy Dumplings: The Authentic Exploding-Shuice Taste of Shandong
Ranked number one on Dianping’s popular Beijing dumpling list, this spot is a favorite among young people. Its standout feature? The word “juicy.” Many customers warn to take the first bite carefully because the flavorful broth inside can literally burst out and burn your mouth. This is the hallmark of authentic Jiaodong-style dumplings, where a special filling technique locks the savory meat juice inside the dumpling wrapper.
The signature dish here is the “Family Platter” dumplings, which include a variety of seafood fillings such as mackerel, cuttlefish, yellow croaker, and sea cucumber—perfect for those who want to sample all the flavors in one order.
Average Price per Person: ¥50–70
Address: No. 3818, Warehouse 8, 798 Art District, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Recommended Fillings: Octopus & Scallop, Mackerel Dumplings, Sea Cucumber Dumplings
Bingshan Yijiao – Wild Vegetable Dumplings: A Fresh Choice from the Mountains
As the name suggests, this place specializes in wild vegetable dumplings you won’t find elsewhere. The restaurant is clean and bright, offering a healthy and refreshing vibe. If you’re used to traditional pork and scallion fillings, Bingshan Yijiao will open a whole new world of dumpling flavors for you.
They use wild herbs like Siberian ginseng and dandelion in their fillings, which not only taste fresh and delicious but are also very nutritious. This shop has captured the modern desire for healthy and novel food, carving out a unique niche within the traditional dumpling scene and gaining a devoted following.
Average Price per Person: ¥30–50
Address: No. 105, 1st Floor, Building 8, Donghuashi Nanli East District, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Recommended Fillings: Siberian Ginseng & Pork, Dandelion & Pork, Cornmeal & Pickled Cabbage
Kaoqiangchi Seafood Dumplings: Fist-Sized, Impossible to Eat in One Bite
Famous on Xiaohongshu and Dianping for their enormous fillings that almost burst through the wrapper, this spot has drawn many food bloggers eager to try it out. Their signature mantis shrimp steamed dumplings are made with a whole mantis shrimp inside, delivering a fresh and unique flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Many reviews mention the simple, no-frills environment, and the place is often full during meal times—proof of its popularity.
Average Price per Person: ¥40–60
Address: Basement Level 1, No. 1 Fuchengmen Outer Street, Fucheng Jishili, Xicheng District, Beijing
Recommended Fillings: Mantis Shrimp Steamed Dumplings, Premium Fresh Shrimp Steamed Dumplings, Vegetarian Three Delicacies Steamed Dumplings
Modern Dumplings: New Twists on a Classic Favorite
Even a traditional dish like dumplings can be reinvented to offer fresh flavors and a touch of sophistication.
Xiding Sea Urchin Dumplings: The Luxury Choice Among Dumplings
Online, Xiding is often associated with words like “high-end,” “exquisite,” and “special occasion.” Unlike typical dumpling restaurants, this place offers a refined dining experience with elegant ambiance and attentive service, making dumpling-eating feel truly upscale.
The hallmark of Xiding lies in its ingredients. Their signature Sea Urchin Dumplings feature wild sea urchins flown daily from Dalian to ensure freshness. The preparation is simple—minimal seasoning lets the natural sweetness of the ingredients shine through. For several consecutive years, Xiding has been featured in the prestigious Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, solidifying its status among Beijing’s top fine dining spots.
Average Price per Person: ¥200–300
Address: Blue Harbor, No. 6 Gongyuan Road, Maizidian Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Recommended Fillings: Original Sea Urchin, Abalone Dumplings
How to Choose?
If you want to experience old Beijing culture and authentic local flavors, go for Huifeng Dumpling House, Xianlaoman, or Baiweiyuan. One is a historic, award-winning classic; another is a beloved local chain known as the “family canteen” of Beijingers;
The third is a community favorite that embodies everyday warmth. If you are craving the best mackerel dumplings in town, head straight to Jinguyuan Dumpling House, which is widely regarded by food connoisseurs as the ultimate choice.
If you are looking for something fresh and interesting to try, Baoyuan Dumplings offers Instagram-worthy colorful dumplings with creative fillings. Jiaodong Liu Mama is a must-visit for juicy dumplings that “explode” with flavor. For healthy and unique wild vegetable fillings, Bingshan Yijiao is highly recommended. If you love big, generously stuffed seafood dumplings, Kaoqiangchi is the place to go, with mantis shrimp steamed dumplings as their specialty.
For important business dinners or romantic dates, Xiding Sea Urchin Dumplings provides an elegant atmosphere, attentive service, and top-quality dishes that will not disappoint.
Comparison Summary of Beijing Dumpling Restaurants
| Restaurant Name | Core Features | Recommended Fillings | Avg. Price (RMB) | Atmosphere | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huifeng Dumpling House | China Time-Honored Brand, Award-Winning | Pork with Three Delicacies, Pork with Fennel | 50–70 | Traditional, State-Owned | Tourists, Families & Elders |
| Baoyuan Dumplings | Michelin Bib Gourmand, Creative Dumplings | Kung Pao Chicken, Rainbow Dumplings | 50–70 | Lively, Innovative | Tourists, Young People |
| Xianlaoman | Dianping Must-Eat, Authentic Home-Style | Signature Laoman, Mackerel & Chive | 50–70 | Casual, Local | Locals, Value Seekers |
| Jinguyuan Dumpling House | No.1 Mackerel Dumplings | Mackerel, Cucumber & Shrimp | 50–70 | Bustling, Casual | Locals, Mackerel Fans |
| Baiweiyuan Dumpling House | Long-Standing Community Favorite | Chive-Egg-Shrimp, Vegetarian Three Delicacies | 40–60 | Cozy, Homely | Nearby Residents, Value Seekers |
| Jiaodong Liu Mama | Juicy Meat Dumplings | Octopus & Scallop, Mackerel Dumplings | 50–70 | Lively, Trendy | Young People, Seafood Lovers |
| Bingshan Yijiao | Healthy Wild Vegetable Dumplings | Siberian Ginseng & Pork, Dandelion & Pork | 30–50 | Clean, Unique | Health-Conscious, Adventurous Eaters |
| Kaoqiangchi | Large Seafood Fillings, Fist-Sized Dumplings | Mantis Shrimp, Premium Shrimp | 40–60 | Crowded, Local | Young People, Ingredient-Focused |
| Xiding Sea Urchin Dumplings | Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, Top Ingredients | Original Sea Urchin, Abalone | 200–300 | High-End, Elegant | Business Dinners, Romantic Dates |
How to Eat Dumplings
When eating dumplings in Beijing, the most classic accompaniment is vinegar and garlic. A clove of purple-skinned garlic paired with a freshly steamed dumpling creates an irresistible combination—the sharp spiciness of the garlic perfectly blending with the dumpling’s savory aroma.
In winter, using Laba garlic (fermented garlic) with dumplings adds a tangy, sweet, and crunchy twist that’s uniquely flavorful.
Of course, the quality of the dipping sauce depends mainly on the vinegar. Shanxi’s aged black vinegar has a strong, robust flavor, while Zhenjiang vinegar is slightly sweet. Generally, meat fillings pair best with the heavier Shanxi vinegar to cut through the richness, while vegetable fillings go well with the sweeter Zhenjiang vinegar to enhance freshness.
Closing Remarks
After more than a decade of creating travel guides, we’ve seen countless trendy spots rise and fade away quickly. But dumpling restaurants—especially those run with genuine care—always manage to endure, warming both the stomach and heart of this city. Whether nestled in bustling shopping centers or tucked away in quiet alleys, the lively spirit of everyday life they bring remains the same.
This guide reflects my years of dining discoveries, combined with our team’s on-site visits and comprehensive analysis of user reviews across multiple platforms. It is a carefully crafted insider map meant to help you find that perfect plate of steaming, satisfying dumplings in Beijing.
