What to Eat in Beijing: Must-Try Dishes & Street Food Guide

Landing in Beijing for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As a Malaysian, I’m used to kopitiams, nasi lemak for breakfast, and food courts buzzing until midnight—so you can imagine my excitement (and slight skepticism) walking into a city where the food scene is equally loud, bold, and proud. But more importantly—this city knows how to feed you. From sizzling street-side chuan’r 🍢 to steaming bowls of zhajiangmian 🍜, every bite comes with history, heat, and a whole lot of heart. And the best part? Prices won’t burn a hole in your wallet—¥10 snacks? Yes please! 💸

If you're a fellow Malaysian foodie 🛍️🍲🧋, Beijing hits the sweet spot between adventure and comfort. The food is rich in flavour, not unlike our own local dishes—except you’ll find yourself dipping into sesame paste hotpot instead of satay sauce, and munching on sugar-coated tanghulu 🍡 instead of ais krim Malaysia. For families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, there are kid-friendly treats and fun night markets 🎠; couples 💑 can share intimate meals in traditional courtyard restaurants under lantern light 🌇; and solo travelers 💃 will love the energy of late-night food streets like Guijie, with skewers in one hand and milk tea in the other. Beijing is also a blend of imperial grace and modern edge—think Thean Hou Temple vibes with the scale of KLCC. Whether you’re still planning where to stay in Beijing or already touching down at PEK, the city’s mix of tradition and trend makes it irresistible.

Ready to explore? Here's what to eat in Beijing! 🍽️🗺️

🥟 A Steamy Encounter with Beijing’s Juiciest Jiaozi

Tucked down a narrow hutong in Dongcheng, I followed my nose to a tiny family-run joint with red lanterns swaying above the door. The aroma—ginger, garlic, and a whisper of sesame—hit me even before I sat down. When the bamboo basket arrived, piping hot and beading with steam, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. I picked up the first jiaozi—plump and delicate—dipped it in a mix of black vinegar and chili oil, and took a bite. The thin, chewy wrapper gave way to an explosion of minced pork, napa cabbage, and green onion. Juices dribbled down my chin. It was messy. And magical. I ate at Xian Lao Man, a no-frills place brimming with locals and laughter—what made it unforgettable was the authenticity, and the grandma in the back rolling dumplings like she’d been doing it since the Revolution.

📖 About Jiaozi

Jiaozi are Beijing’s beloved dumplings—usually filled with pork and vegetables, then boiled or pan-fried. They’re a Lunar New Year staple, symbolizing wealth and unity, but locals eat them year-round. In Beijing, it’s almost a love language.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Always ask for vinegar with fresh garlic—it’s how locals roll.
• Try both boiled and pan-fried (shui jiao vs. guo tie) to taste the texture difference.
• Pair with a local Yanjing beer or warm soy milk, depending on the season.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for dumpling lovers, comfort food seekers, and even picky eaters. Kids love them, and spice lovers can add chili oil for an extra kick.

🍜 Slurping Through Beijing’s Boldest Noodles

I stumbled upon this comforting bowl in a bustling courtyard eatery near Gulou, after a long morning of temple hopping. The name of the dish, zhajiangmian, sounded simple enough—but what arrived was anything but. Thick, hand-pulled wheat noodles came heaped in a swirl, topped with a generous dollop of dark, savory soybean paste, minced pork, and crisp julienned vegetables—cucumber, radish, and soybeans. I mixed everything together and took a bite. The noodles were chewy and springy, the sauce umami-packed with a faint sweetness, and the crunch of the fresh veg cut through the richness like a song. I had it at Haidilao Noodle House, not far from the Drum Tower—simple chairs, plastic bowls, but unforgettable flavor. The warmth of the staff and the slurping of locals made it feel like home.

📖 About Zhajiangmian

Zhajiangmian, literally “fried sauce noodles,” is a quintessential Beijing comfort food. It traces back to northern Chinese home kitchens and has become a beloved staple. The sauce, made from fermented soybean paste and pork, is heartier than it looks—and each region in China has its own twist.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Mix the sauce thoroughly before eating—it’s meant to coat every strand.
• Add a spoonful of raw garlic or vinegar on the side for a bold, local flavor.
• Best enjoyed at lunch with a cold plum juice or mung bean soup.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Great for noodle lovers, budget travelers, and anyone seeking a local classic with bold flavors. Less spicy, so it’s family-friendly too.

🔥 Midnight Bites & Sizzling Skewers in a Back Alley

It was past 10 p.m. when I wandered into a smoky side alley near Sanlitun, lured by the scent of cumin and charcoal. A crowd huddled around a tiny metal cart, where a man flipped skewers over glowing coals like a magician. I ordered lamb chuan’r—the Beijing street food legend—and waited as the fat sizzled and popped. When he handed it over, the meat was blistered, smoky, and covered in a crust of chili, salt, and roasted cumin seeds. My first bite was juicy, tender, and deeply satisfying, with just the right hit of spice. I stood on the sidewalk, licking my fingers and soaking in the buzz of the street—locals laughing, beers clinking, the night alive.

📖 About Chuan’r

Chuan’r (串儿) are skewered meats grilled over charcoal, originally from Xinjiang but now beloved all over Beijing. Traditionally lamb, it’s a popular late-night snack and perfect street-side beer companion. You’ll find it in night markets, back alleys, and outside bars.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Order at least 3–5 skewers—one is never enough.
• Go for lamb (yangrou chuan’r), but try grilled eggplant or mantou too.
• Best paired with cold Yanjing beer and good company.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Ideal for late-night eaters, spice fans, and casual snackers. Not too heavy, but full of flavor.

🌅 Beijing’s Best Morning Wake-Up Call in a Crepe

My day started early near the Temple of Heaven, and the streets were already humming. On a corner, a vendor was spinning batter on a hot griddle like a street-side performance. I joined the small queue and ordered a jianbing—Beijing’s favorite breakfast. The vendor cracked an egg on the crepe, spread it thin, then layered in chili paste, hoisin sauce, fresh scallions, cilantro, and the magic: a crispy fried cracker (baocui) folded inside. Rolled up like a savory wrap, it was still steaming in my hands. That first bite? Crispy, gooey, spicy, and tangy all at once. It was the kind of flavor explosion that makes you stop walking. I devoured it leaning on a tree, smiling like a local.

📖 About Jianbing

Jianbing is a traditional Chinese street crepe, made fresh to order. Though it originated in Tianjin, it’s become a Beijing breakfast essential, beloved for its mix of crispy and soft textures and customizable fillings.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Ask for “bu la” (not spicy) if you’re sensitive to heat.
• Add an extra egg or sausage for a heartier version.
• Go early—it’s a breakfast-only deal and sells out fast!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Great for vegetarians (minus the sausage), budget travelers, and anyone needing a quick, satisfying bite on the go.

🍽️ Peking Duck Perfection in a Palace of Tradition

The moment I walked into Quanjude’s historic Qianmen branch, I knew I was in for a culinary ceremony. Red carpets, elegant lighting, waiters in silk jackets—this wasn’t just dinner; it was theater. Soon, a chef in crisp whites wheeled over a whole roast duck, golden and glistening like lacquered mahogany. With swift, graceful movements, he carved thin slices of crackling skin and tender meat. I wrapped the first piece in a warm pancake with scallion, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce. That bite—crispy, rich, sweet, and smoky—was like nothing I’d ever tasted. I paused. Then smiled. THIS was Beijing on a plate.

📖 About Peking Duck

Peking Duck is Beijing’s most iconic dish, dating back to imperial times. Roasted until the skin is crispy and the fat rendered, it’s traditionally served with pancakes, hoisin-like sauce, and thin slivers of vegetable. It’s more than food—it’s a ritual.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Reserve in advance, especially at Quanjude.
• Ask for the duck skin with sugar—it’s how locals savor the crunch.
• A half-duck is plenty for two if you’re ordering sides.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Ideal for foodies, first-timers in Beijing, and those who appreciate a little culinary drama. Great for groups and celebratory meals.

🥩Lamb, Legacy, and a Copper Pot Full of History

On a chilly evening near Wangfujing, I slipped into Dong Lai Shun, one of Beijing’s oldest Muslim restaurants. Inside, the scent of spices and simmering broth greeted me like a warm blanket. At my table, a tall, traditional copper hotpot with glowing coals at its base bubbled gently. I ordered hand-cut lamb—delicate pink ribbons arranged like a fan—and dipped each slice into the boiling broth. The lamb cooked in seconds, coming out buttery-tender and subtly fragrant. Dipped in sesame-garlic sauce, it melted on my tongue. Between bites, I added tofu, cabbage, and noodles, each soaking up flavor from the bubbling broth. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a moment in Beijing’s culinary timeline.

📖 About Mongolian Hotpot

Known as shuan yangrou, Beijing’s hotpot is centered around mutton, with roots in Mongolian nomadic cuisine. It’s communal, warm, and best enjoyed slowly—over conversation, laughter, and a rising mist of steam.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Always dip meat briefly—overcooking ruins the tenderness.
• Mix your own dipping sauce—start with sesame paste, garlic, and vinegar.
• Go early to avoid long waits at popular spots like Jubaoyuan.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for slow eaters, social diners, and cold-weather travelers. Great for families or friends sharing a meal.

🧁 A Bite of Old Beijing Wrapped in Layers of Nostalgia

Wandering through the historic streets of Qianmen, I stepped into Beijing Daoxiangcun, lured by the scent of roasted nuts and baked sugar wafting from the open doors. The display cases were a kaleidoscope of traditional pastries, but one caught my eye: a delicate chestnut cake (li zi gao), nestled in golden paper. I took it outside and sat on a nearby bench. The first bite was soft, nutty, and slightly sweet, with a fluffy sponge base and smooth, earthy chestnut paste that tasted like autumn. It was subtle, elegant, and comfortingly old-fashioned. As I watched rickshaws pass by and tourists snap photos, it felt like I’d stepped into a slower, sweeter version of Beijing.

📖 About Daoxiangcun Pastries

Founded in 1895, Daoxiangcun is a time-honored bakery known for its traditional Beijing-style pastries, especially during holidays. From mooncakes to sweet bean cakes and chestnut delights, it’s a place where old flavors live on.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Chestnut cake is seasonal—look for it in autumn and winter.
• Great for edible souvenirs—pastries are beautifully boxed.
• Try the hawthorn jelly cake for a tangy, fruity twist.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Ideal for nostalgic snackers, pastry lovers, and anyone seeking a traditional local treat. Family-friendly and budget-conscious.

🌸 Hidden Brews & Blossoms in a Courtyard Café

After wandering through the maze-like alleys of Nanluoguxiang, I stumbled into a quiet courtyard café called Voyage Coffee, tucked behind a wooden gate with barely a sign in sight. Inside, the smell of espresso mingled with sweet florals. I ordered their osmanthus latte, curious about the blend. The drink arrived in a delicate ceramic cup, warm and fragrant. As I sipped, the creamy milk mingled with floral notes and just a hint of honeyed sweetness from the osmanthus syrup. It was smooth, elegant, and unlike any coffee I’ve had before—like sipping a Beijing garden in full bloom. The sun filtered through bamboo leaves above the courtyard, and I lingered longer than I meant to.

📖 About Osmanthus Latte

Osmanthus is a fragrant flower used in many Chinese desserts and teas. In Beijing’s new wave cafés, it’s being reimagined—especially as a floral syrup that pairs beautifully with milk-based espresso drinks.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Ask for iced in summer—florals pop more when chilled.
• Pair with a matcha cake or red bean tart for a local-meets-modern pairing.
• Some cafés let you add extra osmanthus syrup—say “ke yi duo dian gui hua tang.”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for café hoppers, digital nomads, and sweet-toothed adventurers. Romantic date spot or solo recharge haven.

🍡 Tanghulu on a Stick and Sweet Memories in the Air

It was late afternoon in Houhai, and the sun dipped low over the lake, casting golden light across the water. That’s when I saw it—red, glossy orbs glinting in the hands of children and grandparents alike. I found the cart just off the bridge, where an old man was expertly skewering hawthorn berries and dipping them into bubbling sugar syrup. I bought a stick of tanghulu, still warm and sticky. The first bite cracked like sugar glass, followed by the tart, juicy burst of the fruit inside. It was sharp, sweet, and completely addictive. I walked the lake’s edge slowly, savoring each pop of fruit and crunch of caramel. It felt like a taste passed down through generations.

📖 About Tanghulu

Tanghulu is a traditional Northern Chinese street snack—skewered fruits (usually hawthorn) coated in hard sugar syrup. Once a winter-only treat, it's now available year-round and symbolizes nostalgic childhood joy for many Beijingers.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Try mixed fruit versions with strawberry, grape, or pineapple.
• Best eaten fresh—wait a minute so the sugar cools and hardens.
• For souvenirs, look for tanghulu-flavored candies or boxed haw flakes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Great for kids, nostalgic travelers, and street food explorers. A sweet-and-sour snack with serious crunch appeal.

🏮 Flavors, Lanterns & Late-Night Feasts on Ghost Street

It started with a red lantern—then another, then dozens, glowing overhead as I stepped onto Guijie, or “Ghost Street,” just as the city turned gold at dusk. The air was thick with spice and sizzling oil, laughter pouring from open storefronts, and waiters calling out dish names to packed tables. I slid into a tiny spot with outdoor seating, the table already sticky from the last round of hotpot. I ordered spicy crayfish, dry-fried green beans, and a plate of chuan’r. The crayfish were fiery red and dripping with chili oil. I sucked the head of the first one and my lips tingled. The beans were crisp, blistered, and addictive. There was no silence here—just clinks, steam, and spice. Guijie wasn’t a street; it was an experience.

📖 About Guijie (Ghost Street)

Located near Dongzhimen, Guijie is Beijing’s legendary 24-hour food street. The name “Ghost Street” nods to its late-night hours, but it’s most famous for fiery Sichuan flavors, lamb skewers, and bustling hotpot joints that run deep into the night.

🍴 Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Go after 8 p.m. for peak buzz—but expect a wait.
• Many places offer small portions—great for trying multiple dishes.
• Look for restaurants with long queues—that’s where the good stuff is.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for night owls, spice hunters, and sociable eaters. Great for groups or anyone hungry for bold flavors and local energy.

Explore Beijing Now!

Looking back, the food in Beijing wasn’t just delicious—it was a full-on experience. Every dish, from the crispy skin of Peking duck 🦆 to the crackle of tanghulu 🍡, felt like tasting the city’s story. The smoky chuan’r 🍢, bubbling hotpot 🫕, and chewy jianbing 🥯 weren’t just meals—they were memories you could hold in your hands (and drip down your chin 😄). Sure, I stumbled through a few menus in Mandarin 🈶 and squeezed into a packed noodle shop 🍜 during the lunch rush—but honestly, that’s part of the charm. The city’s food streets 🏮, buzzing night markets 🎇, and cozy teahouses 🍵 pulse with so much life and flavor, they pull you in completely.

If you’re dreaming of your next foodie adventure, flights to Beijing ✈️ are totally worth it. There are tons of cozy and stylish hotels in Beijing 🏨 too—whether you’re after a courtyard stay or city views 🏙️. And hey, now’s a great time to plan—there are amazing discounts on flights and hotels in Beijing right now. 💸💼 Can’t wait for you to taste it all. Let me know what your favorite dish ends up being! 🥢❤️

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