Beijing truly hides so many delicious spots. I absolutely won't let any friends come to Beijing without knowing where to eat!!
This Beijing food guide, curated with my local BFF, features time-honored establishments and authentic local eateries frequented by Beijingers—all with stellar reputations.
Restaurant Recommendations
Sijiminfu Roast Duck
A must-try for roast duck! Freshly sliced duck with crispy skin and tender meat. Generous portions kept warm throughout, delivering exceptional flavor.
Honey-Glazed Crispy Shrimp Balls
Delicious shrimp balls with veins removed—perfect for one-bite satisfaction.
Location: Nanchizi Street
Recommended: Roast Duck, Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts, Mustard Duck Feet, Honey-Glazed Crispy Shrimp, Prince's Grilled Meat
Average Cost: ¥130–180 RMB
Xi Yuan Ju Hot Pot
Hailed as the pinnacle of Beijing's hot pot scene, this Michelin-starred restaurant frequented by celebrities offers impeccable ingredients!
Location: Wangfujing Xiyue
Recommended: Dry-aged lamb leg, premium beef brisket, fish maw, fresh bean curd sheets, candied garlic, pear soup
Average Price: ¥168RMB
Tea Soup Li
Door Nail Meat Pie: Thin crust, generous filling—bite into it and juices burst out. Imperial Milk Roll: Inside, hawthorn and red bean paste blend with cheese for an unexpectedly delightful taste. Almond Tofu: The broth is delicious, though the tofu itself isn't as flavorful. The icy-cold texture makes it a summer must-try! Perfect for cutting through richness.
Location: 94 Gulou East Street
Recommended: Tea Soup, Meat Pies with Nail-Shaped Toppings, Imperial Milk Rolls, Almond Tofu
Average Cost: 50 RMB
No. 69 Fangzhuan Factory Zhajiang Noodles
The shop is brimming with authentic Old Beijing flavor~ With stunning views of Qianmen outside the windows. Unlimited noodle and topping refills! Generous portions! The secret-recipe meat sauce is mind-blowingly fragrant, and the Old Beijing-style tripe noodles are so delicious you'll want two servings!
Location: No. 45 Qianmen Street, Xicheng District
Recommended: Zhajiang Noodles, Old Beijing Boiled Tripe Noodles, Meatball Soup, Plum Tea
Average Cost: 40 RMB
Yaoji Stir-Fried Liver
A Beijing staple since childhood, stir-fried liver bursts with garlicky richness. The thickened sauce coating the outside is an absolute must-try!
Thin wrappers, generous fillings, and incredibly juicy—never greasy. Almond jelly, icy cold, is the perfect palate cleanser.
Location: Gulou East Street
Recommended: Stir-fried liver, steamed buns, boiled tripe, fried dough sticks
Average cost: 33 RMB
Riverbank Meat Pies
The hot and sour soup is incredibly delicious, and the table was piled high with dishes! The Beijing-style shredded pork is great on its own and not greasy at all. Four or five people couldn't finish it all. The pie crust is incredibly thin—barely noticeable in your mouth, leaving only the rich, flavorful filling.
Location: Intersection of Meishi Street and Paizi Hutong
Recommended: Beef Pie, Beijing-Style Shredded Pork, Kung Pao Chicken, Pickled Cucumber, Hot and Sour Soup
Average Cost: 54 RMB
Liu's Grill House
Sizzling with juices! Tender and succulent, with an overall rich aroma. The server will guide you on what to grill first, so even beginners needn't worry. The pickled cabbage has a unique flavor.
Location: No. 85, La Zhu Hutong
Recommended: Grilled Lamb, Grilled Beef, Pickled Cabbage, Fish Tofu, Fried Corn Cakes, Mixed Mushroom Platter
Average Cost: 110–120 RMB
South Gate Hot Pot (Recommended by Guan Xiaotong)
Located near the Temple of Heaven, it's super convenient to grab a bite here after exploring the site. Enjoy the relaxing hutong views outside your window! The lamb slices are incredibly tender with minimal fat, and they're absolutely perfect when dipped in sesame sauce!
Location: Yongdingmen East Street
Recommended: Lamb neck, lamb slices, fresh-cut yuanbao tofu, fresh bean curd sheets, tiger salad, candied garlic
Average cost: 100–120 RMB
Tip: During peak tourist season, book early via their official account to avoid two-hour waits!
Snack Recommendations
Niu Lao Lao Milk Pudding
Location: Building 1, Anzhenli District 2, Anding Road, Beijing. Order by 9-10 AM if you want some—they sell out by noon.
Recommended: Red Bean Milk Roll—a signature must-try! Limited edition. The outer layer has a crumbly milk curd texture, while the inside is sweet and smooth with distinct layers. So delicious it disappears in minutes.
Red Bean Double Skin Milk, Caramel Crispy Grain Double Skin Milk, Rum Raisin Yogurt, Oreo Yogurt. Generously topped with soft, sticky red beans and crunchy crispy grains—these two double skin milk options are my favorites.
Niujie Manji Shao Bing
Location: No. 3, Shu Ying Hutong, Xicheng District
Must-try: Signature Beef Shao Bing. Freshly baked, it's incredibly crispy—you can hear the crackling! Generous beef filling, and the sesame seeds on top add perfect flavor.
Yin San Douzhi
Address: 1st Floor, No. 1 Qianmen Dashilar Commercial Street, 20 meters west of the Dashilar Archway.
Recommended:
This time-honored establishment offers a rich, authentic flavor—truly a Beijing specialty! The douzhi resembles mung bean milk, with a tangy, sour-fermented taste and thick consistency (a distinct pickled vegetable aroma hits you). The mung bean flavor is pronounced upon first sip.
Fried dough rings taste and feel like fried dough sticks taken to the extreme (small, crispy fried dough sticks). Every bite is so crispy it crumbles.
Soaking them in douzhi neutralizes the sourness, but they taste better eaten plain. Soaking them in douzhi makes them lose their crispiness and aroma.
