Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Beijing: A Guide to the Best Traditional Foods
Jingjiang Shredded Pork is a must-try authentic Beijing dish. It features shredded pork stir-fried in Beijing’s signature sweet bean sauce. The pork is then wrapped in thin pancakes along with cucumber and scallion slices, making it one of the most famous traditional dishes in Beijing.
2. Pea Flour Cake (Wandouhuang)
Wandouhuang, or Pea Flour Cake, is a famous traditional Beijing snack that originated in the imperial courts. It is a refreshing dessert ideal for summer, made by soaking and boiling peas until soft, then blending them into a smooth paste before setting them into a gelatinous cake.
3. Fermented Mung Bean Drink (Douzhi)
Douzhi is an essential part of Beijing breakfast. Paired with crispy fried dough, it’s the perfect start to the day for locals. However, the unique taste of this fermented mung bean drink may not be easily accepted by everyone.
4. Stir-fried Liver (Chaogan)
Chaogan is a famous traditional Beijing dish made from pig liver. This savory stew also includes ingredients like pig heart, intestines, and lungs, making it a hearty and flavorful local specialty.
5. Ai Wowo
Ai Wowo is a popular Beijing snack, often seen around the Spring Festival. Made from sticky rice and filled with a mixture of walnuts, peanuts, and melon seeds, these sweet treats are soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
6. Old Beijing Hotpot
Old Beijing Hotpot is a beloved traditional meal. Unlike the spicy Sichuan hotpot, it uses a copper pot heated by charcoal. Meat and vegetables are dipped into a sesame-based sauce, creating a unique and rich flavor.
7. Braised Offal (Luzhu)
Luzhu is another iconic Beijing dish. Made from a combination of pig intestines, lungs, and other offal, it is simmered in a rich broth. Served with a crispy bread called “huoshao,” it is a local favorite.
8. Tea Soup (Chatang)
Chatang, or Tea Soup, is a traditional Beijing snack that was once sold by street vendors in old Beijing. This comforting porridge-like dish was a popular choice for breakfast in the past.
9. Zhajiang Noodles
Zhajiang Noodles are a staple of Beijing cuisine. This hearty dish consists of thick wheat noodles topped with a savory meat sauce and fresh vegetables, offering a satisfying and filling meal.
10. Peking Duck
No list of Beijing food is complete without mentioning Peking Duck. Known for its crispy skin and tender meat, Peking Duck is renowned worldwide, with Quanjude’s roast duck being particularly famous. This dish is often referred to as one of the finest delicacies in the world.
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