Beijing Culinary Journey: My Top 3 Authentic Dinner Experiences
My first three evenings in Beijing were a flavour-packed adventure, from iconic roast duck to hidden hutong eats, culminating in a creamy, delightful Beijing dessert. Every bite was a taste of authentic Beijing, and every meal left me utterly satisfied!
🥇 First Night: Si Ji Min Fu Roast Duck (Dengshikou Branch)
We initially aimed for the Forbidden City branch of Si Ji Min Fu, but reservations were impossible! So, a spontaneous switch to the Dengshikou location proved just as popular. Even arriving around 3 PM meant a 30-minute wait, a testament to its fame. We ordered a whole duck for three people, and it was perfect. The crispy duck skin, dipped in sugar, was an instant favourite – an explosion of rich flavour with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Paired with the traditional lotus leaf pancakes, sweet bean paste, and spring onions, it set a wonderfully ceremonial tone for our first Beijing dinner.
Must-try: Crispy and tender roast duck, especially the skin dipped in sugar! The pancake wrappers are so thin they're almost translucent. The complimentary duck bone broth is simmered into a milky white goodness.
Quick Tip: Try to dine outside of peak hours for a shorter queue. If the Forbidden City branch is too crowded, the Dengshikou, Qianmen, and Wangfujing branches offer the same excellent taste!
🥈 Second Night: Heyan Meat Pie (Dongsi Branch)
Just a 3-minute walk, about 300 metres from our hotel, Heyan Meat Pie in Dongsi was an unmissable stop. This place is a gem, with mains averaging around 50 RMB. Their signature beef pie is famously juicy and packed with flavour!
Must-try: The meat pie has a crispy exterior and is bursting with filling. The Qianlong Cabbage, dressed in a thick sesame paste, is incredibly rich. The Kung Pao chicken, with its sweet and spicy profile, is also delicious. The pie crust is delightfully crisp, making this a place I'd definitely revisit.
🥉 Third Night: Menkuang Hutong Century-Old Braised Pork
Time to try what's considered the most authentic Beijing flavour – Lu Zhu Huo Shao! This dish features pork offal braised to perfection, swimming in a rich, flavourful broth. The huoshao (flatbread) soaks up the delicious soup, offering a bold yet increasingly moreish taste. We also had the Zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles); the sauce was savoury, and the noodles had a good chew, making it a solid choice.
Insider Tip: If you're hesitant about offal or prefer milder flavours, you might want to try a small portion. However, as locals say, you haven't truly experienced Beijing without trying Lu Zhu!
🍮 Sweet Ending: Ziguangyuan Milk Skin Yogurt
No Beijing meal is complete without a traditional dessert! The milk skin yogurt at Ziguangyuan is incredibly rich, a delightful blend of creamy cheese and yogurt. Its intense milky flavour is cool and refreshing, a perfect palate cleanser to end our culinary journey. It's a fantastic way to cap off the trip!
Good to know: Ziguangyuan has multiple branches across Beijing, and it's a local favourite.
Overall, from elegant roast duck to humble hutong stalls, Beijing's food scene offers so much more than just Douzhier!
