Top 15 Authentic Beijing Foods:
A Guide from Familiar to Adventurous

Discover the diverse flavors of Beijing with this guide to 15 authentic local dishes, from the comforting and familiar to the bold and adventurous. Whether you’re indulging in iconic dishes like Peking Duck or venturing into unique treats like Stewed Pork Offal, there’s a taste for everyone. Let’s dive in!

Peking Duck
(烤鸭)

You can’t visit Beijing without trying Peking Duck, famous for its crispy skin, tender meat, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The duck is typically served in slices with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and crunchy veggies, and you get to assemble it into a wrap yourself—so fun and delicious!

Copper Pot Hot Pot
(铜锅涮肉)

Copper Pot Hot Pot is an iconic dining experience that’s been a favorite of Beijing locals for centuries. You’ll dip thin slices of tender lamb or beef into a bubbling broth, watching it cook in seconds. Add in fresh veggies, tofu, and mushrooms, and mix it all up with different dipping sauces to customize each bite. It’s a fun, communal experience that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family, especially on a chilly day!

Zhizi BBQ
(炙子烤肉)

Zhizi BBQ is a fun dining experience where you grill your own ingredients on a round, cast-iron grill called a “zhizi.” You can choose from a variety of items—tender meats like beef, lamb, and chicken, along with seafood, vegetables, and more. While it shares similarities with Korean BBQ in the interactive grilling style, Zhizi BBQ offers its own distinct Beijing flavor.

Beijing Shredded Pork in Soybean Paste (京酱肉丝)

Beijing Shredded Pork in Soybean Paste is a popular dish found on menus all over China. Tender strips of pork are stir-fried and coated in a savory, umami-rich soybean paste sauce, creating bold and satisfying flavors. Served with thin pancakes or crisp lettuce wraps, it’s a hands-on experience where you can pair the pork with fresh scallions or crunchy cucumbers for a refreshing balance in every bite.

Meat Pies
(肉饼)

A popular snack among locals, meat pies are both comforting and satisfying. Imagine a flaky, golden-brown pastry filled with seasoned ground meat—usually pork or beef—and a mix of aromatic spices. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it’s the perfect snack for a quick bite or a hearty meal. They come in different shapes too, some resembling little doorbells, while others look like quesadillas.

Zhajiang Noodle
(炸酱面)

Zhajiang Noodle is a Beijing classic that noodle lovers shouldn’t miss. Think of it as the Chinese cousin of Korean jajangmyeon, with thick wheat noodles topped with a savory, umami-packed sauce made from fermented soybean paste and stir-fried pork. Topped with fresh cucumber, bean sprouts, and radish slivers, this hearty dish is mixed together before eating, blending its bold, salty flavors with crunchy, refreshing textures.

Tanghulu
(糖葫芦)

Tanghulu is a fun and sweet treat, a bit like caramelized fruit on a stick but with a unique Beijing twist. Skewered hawthorn berries (or sometimes strawberries and grapes) are coated in a crunchy, glossy sugar syrup, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. It’s the perfect snack for strolling through the city, indulging in a sweet, crunchy bite!

Rolling Donkey
(驴打滚)

Red bean fans, this one’s for you! Rolling Donkey is a classic Beijing snack made with a soft, chewy rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste, then rolled in a layer of fragrant roasted soybean flour. Its quirky name comes from how it resembles a donkey playfully rolling in dust—pretty imaginative, don’t you think?

Yellow Pea Cake
(豌豆黄)

Yellow Pea Cake is a classic Beijing dessert that’s as simple as it is elegant. Made from sweetened pea puree, this smooth, jelly-like treat has a texture similar to a light mousse, melting easily in your mouth. Traditionally enjoyed during spring when fresh peas are in season, it’s a light and refreshing dessert that’s been passed down through generations.

Old Beijing Yogurt
(老北京酸奶)

Old Beijing Yogurt has captured hearts far beyond the capital, becoming a favorite across China. Served in a traditional clay jar, it’s loved for its smooth texture and tangy, mildly sweet flavor. With a lighter consistency than Greek yogurt, it’s the perfect refreshing snack or a fuss-free breakfast option.

Ai Wowo
(艾窝窝)

Ai Wowo a traditional Beijing snack often enjoyed in the spring and summer after Chinese New Year. These glutinous rice balls are filled with sweet fillings like sesame paste, red bean paste, or crushed peanuts, then lightly rolled in powdered sugar or shredded coconut. Soft, chewy, and delicately sweet, Ai Wowo is a simple yet satisfying treat that symbolizes good fortune and celebration.

Douzhi
(豆汁)

Douzhi is a traditional Beijing drink made from fermented mung beans, known for its unique, slightly sour taste. It’s often paired with pickled vegetables or crispy deep-fried dough sticks to balance out the flavor. These days, trying Douzhi has become a fun challenge for Chinese tourists due to its distinct taste—most first-timers find it tough to finish off. But if you’re up for something truly local and different, it’s a must-try experience!

Quick-fried Tripe
(爆肚)

Quick-fried tripe is a bold and flavorful Beijing snack, perfect for those feeling adventurous. It features tender, boiled beef tripe served with a selection of savory sauces and seasonings. You’ll typically pour a mix of sesame paste, spicy chili oil, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions over the tripe, then toss it all together. If you’re feeling extra daring, you can try different cuts of tripe from various parts of the beef or lamb stomach for an even more unique experience.

Stewed Pork Offal
(卤煮)

Stewed Pork Offal is a dish for adventurous eaters, offering bold, savory flavors that are considered a true Beijing delicacy. It features tender braised pork offal, like intestines and stomach, along with pork head meat and tofu, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. You can customize it with toppings like fresh cilantro, garlic paste, and other seasonings for an extra burst of flavor. I haven’t quite mustered the courage to try it yet—maybe you’re more adventurous!

Pork Liver Stew
(炒肝)

Pork liver stew is a classic Beijing street food that’s definitely not for the faint of heart. This savory dish combines tender pig liver and intestines, stir-fried in a rich, garlicky sauce and served in a thick, flavorful broth. It’s commonly paired with steamed buns, and believe it or not, it’s a popular breakfast choice among locals. Take the plunge and give it a taste if you’re feeling brave!

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