What's a holiday without delicious food? Embark on a culinary journey through Beijing, where time-honored restaurants keep tradition alive, creative dishes hide in the city's hutongs, Michelin-starred restaurants reimagine modern cuisine, and the aroma of Italian coffee fills the afternoons in Sanlitun... Whatever your craving, you'll find a flavor to delight your palate.
Time-Honored Restaurants
[Photo via The Beijing News]
Tianxingju Restaurant: Founded in 1862 as "Huixianju" during the Qing Dynasty, its most popular dishes are stewed liver and steamed stuffed buns, a pairing that perfectly captures the authentic flavor of old Beijing.
[Photo via tuchong.com]
Donglaishun Restaurant: A time-honored halal restaurant, offering more than 100 delicacies across four categories: stir-fried, roasted, sauteed, and boiled. Its signature dish is the century-old inherited Donglaishun mutton hotpot, whose preparation technique has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.
[Photo via the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau]
Bianyifang Roast Duck (Xianyukou Branch): Established in 1416 during the Ming Dynasty, its principal dish is oven-roasted duck. While preserving traditional techniques, it has introduced patented roast duck varieties such as vegetable-scented crispy duck, floral crispy duck, and sauce-free duck, catering to today's diverse tastes.
[Photo via the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau]
Huguosi Snacks: One of Beijing's most iconic local snack vendors, famous for its wide variety, distinctive features, and rich historical and cultural heritage. With more than 80 offerings from Ai Wo Wo (sweet glutinous rice cakes) and Lű Da Gun (glutinous rice rolls with red bean paste) to Wan Dou Huang (pea-flavored pudding) and Dou Zhi (fermented soybean milk), it showcases the very essence of traditional Beijing flavors.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
[Photo via The Beijing News]
King's Joy (Yonghegong Branch): A Michelin-starred pioneer of Chinese vegetarian cuisine, focusing on bringing out the natural texture and flavor of vegetarian ingredients. Dishes are lightly seasoned to let the essence of plant-based flavor shine.
[Photo via Ctrip.com]
The Georg (Donghuamen Branch): Rooted in Nordic traditions of natural and healthy dining, the restaurant boldly infuses Mediterranean flavors to create dishes rich in both culture and taste. From its second-floor terrace, you can enjoy the sunset over the Forbidden City or gaze across to Jingshan Park.
[Photo via Ctrip.com]
Fu Chun Ju: Designed with a semi-open layout and clean architectural lines, Fu Chun Ju exudes understated elegance. Specializing in Cantonese cuisine, it also offers select Northern Chinese delicacies, with a menu that balances timeless classics and creative new flavors.
Black Pearl-Rated Restaurants
[Photo via Ctrip.com]
Qu Lang Yuan restaurant (Dongsi Shiyi Tiao Branch): Hidden in a hutong, this innovative restaurant rotates its menu each season, pairing fresh ingredients with novel flavors. Its ever-changing dishes have made it a popular dining destination for food lovers.
[Photo via Ctrip.com]
Sushi Zen (Ran Sushi Qianliang Hutong Branch): This intimate eight-seat restaurant specializes Omakase, the most popular style in Japanese cuisine. With no fixed menu, each course is crafted from seasonal ingredients flown in fresh. The chef personally introduces each dish, explaining its ingredients and the best way to enjoy them.
Global Flavors
French Cuisine
ITIA Cuisine Francaise:
North zone of Guanshe, 60 meters southwest of the intersection of Dongfang East Road and Liangmaqiao North Street, Chaoyang District
Oyster Talks:
1/F, Bafang, south of Yingke Center, A2 Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District
(Source:
https://english.beijing.gov.cn/specials/musteatmeals/exoticrestaurants/202410/t20241011_3917116.html)
Italian Cuisine
PIZZA MAMA (Sanlitun/Gongti Branch):
0108, Building 6, Zhongguohong Street, east of Gongren Tiyuchang East Road, Chaoyang District
Annie's (Dongyuan Building Branch in Wudaokou):
Dongyuan Building, 35 Chengfu Road, Haidian District
(Source:
https://english.beijing.gov.cn/specials/musteatmeals/exoticrestaurants/202410/t20241011_3917148.html)
Spanish Cuisine
Fruto de Vida:
115, 1/F, Kerry Center, 1 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District
EATAria (Jianguomen Branch):
DRC Media, Jianwai Diplomatic Residence Compound, 1 Xiushui Street, Chaoyang District
(Source:
https://english.beijing.gov.cn/specials/musteatmeals/exoticrestaurants/202410/t20241014_3918954.html)
Tip: Don't forget to check the opening hours and book ahead if needed.
(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)
