Best Local & Traditional Foods to Try in Beijing
Discover the 6 best local and traditional foods to try in Beijing. Get AI-powered recommendations for authentic dishes, traditional cuisine, and the best restaurants.
Peking Duck
This iconic dish features tender roasted duck with crispy skin, served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced cucumbers. It's a must-try for any visitor to Beijing, known for its rich flavors and historical significance as a royal dish.
Ingredients
Best Time
dinner
Cultural Significance
Peking Duck is a symbol of Beijing cuisine and has been served since the imperial era.
Where to try it
Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)
A comforting dish of wheat noodles topped with a savory mixture of ground pork stir-fried with fermented soybeans, garnished with fresh vegetables. It's a popular and hearty meal loved by locals.
Ingredients
Best Time
lunch
Cultural Significance
Zhajiangmian is a staple in Beijing's culinary scene, often enjoyed as a family meal.
Where to try it
Jiaozi (Dumplings)
These delicious dumplings are typically filled with minced meat and vegetables, then boiled or pan-fried. They are a traditional dish enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Best Time
dinner
Cultural Significance
Dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture, especially during the Lunar New Year.
Where to try it
Tanghulu (Candied Hawthorn Berries)
A popular street snack, tanghulu consists of hawthorn berries coated in a hard candy shell. It is a sweet and tangy treat, often enjoyed during winter festivals.
Ingredients
Best Time
anytime
Cultural Significance
Tanghulu is a nostalgic snack for many locals, often associated with childhood memories and street fairs.
Where to try it
Mung Bean Cake
This traditional dessert is made from mung beans and sugar, often flavored with pandan or other natural ingredients. It's a light and refreshing sweet treat, perfect after a meal.
Ingredients
Best Time
anytime
Cultural Significance
Mung bean cakes are often enjoyed during festivals and are a symbol of good fortune.
Where to try it
Sesame Seed Cake
A popular sweet treat, this cake is made from ground sesame seeds and sugar, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. It's crunchy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside.
Ingredients
Best Time
anytime
Cultural Significance
Sesame seed cakes symbolize happiness and are often shared during special occasions.