When the weather gets cold, nothing beats a hot, hearty bite! Check out this "Beijing Autumn Food Map" and cozy up with the city's best warm eats.
Instant-Boiled Mutton
As autumn winds rise and the temperature drops, there's no better time for a classic instant-boiled mutton feast. Charcoal-heated copper pots with clear broth, hand-sliced lamb cooked in seconds, then dipped in rich sesame sauce — spreading warmth from your tongue straight to your soul.
Recommended instant-boiled mutton hotpot restaurants with authentic Beijing flavor:
Donglaishun (Beijing APM): 5F, Beijing APM, Wangfujing Avenue, Dongcheng District
Nanmen Shuanrou (Main Branch): East of the South Gate of the Temple of Heaven, Dongcheng District
Jubaoyuan (Main Branch at Niujie Street): 5-2 Niujie Street, Xicheng District (Near Niujie Subway Station)
Manhengji Muslim Hotpot (Ping'anli Store): SW Corner, Ping'anli West Street and Zhaodengyu Road, Xicheng District
Yi Tiao Long Restaurant (Taijichang Store): 2 Qianmen East Street, Dongcheng District
Beiping San Xiongdi Hotpot (Guijie Store): 5-6 Dongzhimen Inner Street, Dongcheng District
Yangfang Shengli Shuan Yangrou (Main Branch): 10 Central Street, Yangfang Town, Changping District
Beijing Roast Duck
Crispy duck skin, tender meat — wrapped in a pancake with sweet bean sauce, spring onions and cucumber — sheer satisfaction in every bite.
Top destinations:
Quanjude (Qianmen Branch): 30 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District
Bianyifang (Xianyukou Branch): 65-77 Xianyukou Street, Dongcheng District
Da Dong (Jinbaojie Street Branch): 5F, Jinbao Place, 88 Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District
Siji Minfu (Forbidden City Branch): 11 Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District
Liqun Roast Duck: 11 Beixiangfeng Hutong, Dongcheng District
Yulin Roast Duck (Main Branch): 9 Yulinxili, Yulin East Road, Fengtai District
Beijing Barbecue (Zhizi Kaorou)
Top destinations:
Kaorouji Restaurant (Xinjiekou Branch): 14 Qianhai Dongyan, Xicheng District
Baqi Barbecue (Xinjiekou Branch): 23 Banqiao Ertiao, Xicheng District
Liuji Zhizi Kaorou (Hufangqiao Branch): 85 Lazhu Hutong, Xicheng District
Dahuaishu Grill: 23 Meishuguan East Street, Dongcheng District
Crabs, Mantis Shrimp and Crawfish
Autumn is crab season! From rich, roe-filled hairy crabs to tender mantis shrimp and spicy crawfish — there's a flavor for every craving.
Where to go:
Fengze Yuan (Main Branch): 83 Zhushikou West Street, Xicheng District
Tong Chun Yuan: A14 Xinjiekou Outer Street, Xicheng District
Dong Xing Lou (Dongzhimen Branch): 5 Dongzhimen Inner Street, Dongcheng District
Huda Restaurant (Flagship Store): 233 Dongzhimen Inner Street, Dongcheng District
Chestnuts and Candied Hawthorn
Grab a bag of hot sugar-roasted chestnuts — golden, soft, and sweet — or a stick of glossy candied hawthorn for a perfect mix of crunch and sweetness.
Top vendors:
Qiulixiang (Di'anmen Branch): 2-1 Di'anmen West Street, Xicheng District
Xiaojie Chestnuts (Chaonei Branch): 137 Chaonei Street, Dongcheng District
Maji Candied Hawthorn: 1F, Niujie Halal Supermarket, 5 Niujie Street, Xicheng District
Beijing Pastry (Jingbajian)
Jujube-flavored cakes, ox tongue-shaped pastries, hawthorn pancakes, Beijing-style mooncakes… A box of "Jingbajian" — eight signature Beijing pastries — offers nostalgic comfort, one bite at a time.
Top shops for a Chinese-style afternoon tea:
Daoxiangcun (Location Zero): 148-150 Dongsi North Street, Dongcheng District
Fangshan Tea House: 1 Wenjin Street (Inside Beihai Park), Xicheng District
Guixiangcun (First Store): 111 Xisi South Street, Xicheng District
Fuhuazhai: 85 Huguosi Street, Huguoxintiandi Mall 1F, Xicheng District
Heartwarming Western Comfort Food
When it's cold outside, warm up with a Moscow-style beef stew at the classic Moscow restaurant, or head to an embassy-district bistro for steak and mushroom soup — hearty, homely, and comforting.
Top destinations:
Moscow Restaurant: 135 Xizhimen Outer Street, Xicheng District
Xinqiao Sapporo Restaurant: East Side of 2 Dongjiaomin Lane, Dongcheng District
Call up your friends now and feast your hearts out!
(Source: Beijing Fabu)
