10 authentic restaurants in Beijing: a secret list of Beijing spots
Visiting Beijing is not only a cultural experience with which Forbidden City and Big Wall, is also a culinary adventure! Here you'll find delicacies that locals love, from traditional copper-pot hotpot to classic soybean paste noodles in hidden alleys. Whether you're looking for imperial flavors or street-food cravings, this guide takes you straight to the heart of authentic Beijing flavor.
10 most recommended restaurants in Beijing
Siji Minfu (Chinese: 民福)
Specializing in traditional hanging-roasted roast duck, with crispy skin and juicy meat, accompanied by its signature sweet sauce. Branches near the Forbidden City offer views of the red walls and golden roofs.
Recommended dishes: Roast duck, grilled Beile meat, fried dumplings
Average price per person: 120-150 RMB
Addresses:
- Forbidden City Branch: No. 11, Nan Chi Zi Dajie, Dongcheng District
- Donghuamen Branch: No. 98, Donghuamen Dajie, Dongcheng District
- Qianmen Branch: Dashilan and Meishi Jie Intersection, Xicheng District
Ziguangyuan (Chinese: 紫光园)
A century-old halal restaurant, famous for its copper hotpot and traditional Peking dishes. Excellent value, ideal for family meals.
Recommended dishes: Scrambled eggs with vinegar, sugar rolls, fried noodles, yogurt
Average price per person: 60-80 RMB
Addresses:
- Xizhimen Branch: No. 106, Xizhimennei Dajie, Xicheng District
- Chaoyangmen Branch: South Chaoyangmen Street, Dongcheng District
- Tongzhou Branch: Intersection of Xinhua Nanlu and Jingtang Lu, Tongzhou District
Hongyuan Nanmen Hotpot (宏源南门涮肉)
A classic Peking hotpot with clear broth. The key lies in the hand-cut fresh lamb and homemade sesame sauce.
Recommended dishes: Superior lamb, rolls, pickled garlic
Average price per person: 90-120 RMB
Addresses:
- Tiantan Branch: Intersection of Tiantan Donglu and Tiyuguan Xilu, Dongcheng District
- Houhai Branch: No. 51A, Dianmen Wai Dajie, Xicheng District
- Guomao Branch: No. 12A, Jianguomen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Huguosi Snacks (护国寺小吃)
A chain specializing in traditional Peking sandwiches. Try a selection of classic desserts like donkey rolls and yellow pea puree, perfect for a complete local breakfast.
Recommended dishes: Flour tea, fried cream cake, glutinous rice balls
Average price per person: 30-50 RMB
Addresses:
- Main Branch: No. 93, Huguosi Street, Xicheng District
- Niujie Branch: Xicheng District
- Qianmen Branch: Dongdajie of Qianmen, Dongcheng District
Dahuaishu Grill (大槐树烤肉)
A hidden gem in the hutongs, known for its iron grill that sizzles with beef and lamb. Best served with fried sausage and a Beibingyang soda.
Recommended dishes: Grilled meat, fried sausage, fermented tofu
Average price per person: 80-100 RMB
Address:
- No. 23, Dongjie Art Gallery, Dongcheng District
Fangzhuanchang No. 69 Zhajiangmian (方砖厂69号炸酱面)
Famous hutong noodle restaurant where Nicholas Tse ate. Firm and flavorful noodles, with pickled garlic and soybean paste.
Recommended dishes: Noodles with soybean paste, pickled intestines, plum drink
Average price per person: 30-40 RMB
Addresses:
- Fangzhuanchang hutong branch: No. 69, Fangzhuanchang hutong, Dongcheng district
- Nanluoguxiang Branch: West Side Entrance of Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District
Baxiansheng Hotpot (八先生涮肉)
Traditional light hotpot, without the smell of lamb. Served with pickled garlic and sesame bread, it's a delight!
Recommended dishes: Superior lamb, hand-cut lamb, rolls
Average price per person: 100-130 RMB
Addresses:
- Sanlihe Branch: Sanlihe Street, Xicheng District
- Chaoyang Park Branch: Chaoyang Park South Street, Chaoyang District
Beijing Pie
A small restaurant tucked away in a hutong. Freshly made empanadas with generous fillings. The kung pao chicken is sweet and spicy, perfect with rice.
Recommended dishes: Beef empanada, kung pao chicken, hot and sour soup
Average price per person: 40-60 RMB
Addresses:
- Donghuamen Branch: Near Donghuamen Dajie, Dongcheng District
- Wangfujing Branch: Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, Dongcheng District
Yuebin Restaurant (悦宾饭店)
Beijing's first private restaurant. Its garlic pork knuckle is tender and flavorful. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a 80s diner.
Recommended dishes: Knuckle with garlic, gluten with Chinese cabbage, sweet and sour ribs
Average price per person: 90-120 RMB
Address:
- No. 43, Cuihua Hutong, Dongcheng District
Luyuexuan Lamb Bone Hotpot (芦月轩羊蝎子火锅)
Ideal for cold weather, their lamb bone hotpot is tender and flavorful. It's served with cabbage, tofu, and fried noodles.
Recommended dishes: Lamb bone hotpot, stretched noodles, sesame bread
Average price per person: 80-100 RMB
Addresses:
- Xizhimen Branch: Xizhimen Wai Dajie, Xicheng District
- Jinsong Branch: Near Jinsong Zhongjie, Chaoyang District
Practical tips for these popular restaurants
Taste differences:
Peking cuisine typically features intense, savory flavors, with frequent use of sesame, soy sauce, and fermented seasonings. Some traditional dishes, such as douzhi or fermented tofu, have very distinctive flavors; it's recommended to try small portions first.
Queues and waiting:
Popular restaurants like Siji Minfu (Forbidden City Branch) or Fangzhuanchang No. 69 can have long lines, especially during rush hour. If you're short on time, choose restaurants like Ziguangyuan, with more locations and a variety of dishes, to save time without missing out on the local culinary experience.
Conclusion
From roast duck in front of the Forbidden City to grilled meat in a hidden alley, Beijing cuisine is steeped in authenticity and tradition. Don't just rely on popular recommendations; follow the locals' lead, try soybean paste noodles, or warm up with a hearty lamb hotpot. And if you discover a delicious restaurant in Beijing, share it in the comments so we can all enjoy it!
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