Beijing Dinner Diary: Three Authentic Old Beijing Flavors to Savor
My first three evenings in Beijing were a culinary adventure, perfectly planned from iconic roasted duck to humble hutong snacks, culminating in creamy, traditional desserts. Each bite was a true taste of Beijing, and every meal was incredibly satisfying!
1. Siji Minfu Peking Duck (Dengshikou Branch)
Our initial plan was to dine at the Forbidden City branch, but it was incredibly difficult to secure a reservation. We switched to the Dengshikou location, and even arriving around 3 PM, we still waited half an hour – a testament to its immense popularity!
For three people, a whole duck was just right. The crispy duck skin, dipped in white sugar, was love at first bite. The rich, oily aroma exploded with flavor – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and melting in your mouth. Paired with the lotus leaf pancakes, sweet bean paste, and shredded scallions, it was a perfectly ceremonial start to our Beijing trip.
- Highly Recommended: Crispy and Tender Peking Duck + Duck Skin Dipped in White Sugar! The pancake wrappers are so thin they're almost translucent, and the duck bone broth is simmered for free into a milky white delight.
Pro Tip: It's advisable to avoid peak hours; you'll likely wait less. If the Forbidden City branch is too crowded, the Dengshikou, Qianmen, and Wangfujing branches are equally excellent and offer the same great taste!
2. Heyan Meat Pie (Dongsi Branch)
Conveniently located just 300 meters, or a 3-minute walk, from our hotel on Dongsi South Street, this place was a must-visit! It's a hidden gem with an average cost of just 50 RMB per person. Their signature beef pie is an explosion of juice!
- Highly Recommended: The meat pie boasts a crispy crust with an overflowing amount of juicy filling. The Qianlong Cabbage, tossed with a rich sesame paste, is incredibly flavorful. The Kung Pao Chicken, with its sweet and spicy profile, is also delicious. The crispy pastry is the kind of thing that makes you want to return.
3. Menkuang Hutong Century-Old Braised Offal
We had to try Beijing's most authentic flavor – Lu Zhuo Huo Shao! The pork offal is braised to perfection, infused with deep flavors, and the broth is rich. The huo shao (flatbread) soaks up all the delicious soup, offering a bold taste that only gets more satisfying with each bite! We also enjoyed a bowl of Zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles); the sauce was savory, and the noodles had a great chewy texture, making it another good choice.
- TIPS: If you're hesitant about offal or strong flavors, you might want to try it in moderation. However, as old Beijingers say, "You haven't truly visited without trying Lu Zhuo."
Sweet Finish: Ziguangyuan Milk Skin Yogurt
After our savory meals, a traditional Beijing dessert was in order. The milk skin yogurt here is incredibly rich, resembling a blend of cheese and yogurt with an intense milky flavor. Served chilled, it's wonderfully refreshing and the perfect ending to our culinary journey.
- Ziguangyuan has multiple branches across Beijing and is a local favorite!
