China

What to eat in Beijing

Beijing’s food scene mixes imperial cuisine with street‑level flavors from across China. The city’s markets, night‑streets and modern districts let you sample everything from roast duck to regional snacks.

Local dishes to try

Peking Duck

Crispy roasted duck served with pancakes, scallions and sweet bean sauce, a staple at banquets and specialty restaurants.

Jiaozi

Boiled or pan‑fried pork or vegetable dumplings, eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner, especially during Chinese New Year.

Zhajiangmian

Thick wheat noodles topped with fermented soybean paste, minced pork and fresh cucumber, a common lunch dish.

Douzhi

Savory, slightly sour soup sold at street stalls, often enjoyed with fried dough sticks for breakfast.

Baozi

Fluffy buns filled with pork, beef or vegetables, a quick snack from breakfast stalls.

Jianbing

Savory crepe folded with egg, crispy crackers, herbs and sauce, popular breakfast street food.

Luzhou Laobing

Pan‑fried flatbread with scallions, sold in night markets as a snack or side.

Mijiu

Sweet fermented rice drink, often served warm in traditional tea houses.

Where to eat

1
Guijie (Ghost Street)
Hundreds of eateries serve spicy hot pots, grilled skewers and Peking duck.
2
Wangfujing Snack Street
A pedestrian lane packed with candied fruit, fried insects and classic Beijing snacks.
3
Sanlitun Bar Street
International and modern Chinese eateries, great for late‑night dining and fusion dishes.

Photos: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons

Tips for eating out

Meal times: lunch 12‑2 pm, dinner 6‑9 pm;
Reservations are advisable for popular restaurants, especially on weekends;
Avoid tipping; service charge is usually included, and polite table manners are appreciated