Beijing is the capital of China, and it is renowned for its many cultural and historic attractions. But there are also plenty of culinary delights to be had in this bustling metropolis.
The city’s cuisine is a mix of classic Chinese flavors and modern influences, making it one of the most unique destinations in the world for food lovers. Here are some of the most famous dishes in Beijing that you should definitely try while visiting.
Peking Duck
Peking duck is arguably the most famous dish from Beijing. It is a whole duck that has been roasted over an open fire until its skin is crispy and its meat juicy and succulent.
The bird is usually served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber slices, sweet bean sauce, and hoisin sauce. Peking duck can be found at many restaurants throughout Beijing, with some establishments being famous for their particular recipe.
Dumplings
Dumplings are also a very popular dish in Beijing and can be found in almost any restaurant or street vendor’s stall. These small parcels of dough filled with pork or vegetables have been enjoyed by locals for centuries and make a great snack or light meal. They can be steamed, boiled or fried, depending on your preference.
Jiaozi
Jiaozi are another type of dumpling that are extremely popular in Beijing. These are usually bigger than regular dumplings and have a variety of fillings such as pork, beef, vegetables or seafood. Jiaozi are usually boiled rather than steamed or fried, but they can also be pan-fried to give them a more crispy texture.
Tofu Dishes
Beijing has many dishes made with tofu which makes them perfect for vegetarians or those looking for something lighter to eat. One popular dish is mapo tofu which consists of silken tofu cooked in a spicy sauce made from chili peppers, fermented black beans and Sichuan pepper – an ingredient that gives it its distinctive flavor. There are also other varieties such as kung pao tofu which uses peanuts instead of Sichuan pepper to give it an extra crunchy texture.
Conclusion:
Beijing offers an array of delicious dishes that will tantalize any palate – from the classic Peking duck to more contemporary dishes such as mapo tofu and kung pao tofu. With so much variety available it’s no wonder why Beijing has become one of the most popular cities in China for foodies!
What is the famous food in Beijing? Peking Duck, Dumplings, Jiaozi & Tofu Dishes are all incredibly popular dishes from Beijing.