Holiday Hangouts - Day 3: Discover Beijing Through Time-Honored Catering Brands
In addition to splendid tourist attractions, Beijing is also known for its delicious food. For this National Day holiday, we have created a guide to time-honored brands and restaurants serving finest delicacies, taking you on a journey of gastronomy!
1. Quanjude: Quanjude (Qianmen Branch, the first branch)
No.30 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District
Quanjude is a time-honored brand in Beijing and across China. It was established in 1864 during the reign of Tongzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1616–1911). Throughout the years, Quanjude has become known for its culinary repertoire with Roasted Duck Hanging in Furnace as the top specialty dish and numerous dishes of the Shandong cuisine as the basis of its offers. Currently, Quanjude operates 20 branches in Beijing, offering a variety of special dishes. These include Peking Duck served in the shape of a fully open peony blossom, Duck Feet with Mustard Sauce, Sautéed Duck Hearts, and Braised Chestnut and Mushroom with Black Pepper Sauce.
2. Liuquanju: Liuquanju Restaurant
No.172-178 Xinjiekou South Street, Xicheng District
Liuquanju is a time-honored brand in Beijing and across China. It was established in 1567 during the reign of Longqing Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Known as one of the Eight Great Restaurants in Beijing, Liuquanju specializes in serving traditional Beijing-style dishes.
3. Kaorouwan: Kaorouwan (Nanlishi Road Branch, the first branch)
No.58 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District
Kaorouwan is a time-honored brand in Beijing and across China. It was established in 1686 during the reign of Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The brand is known for its expertise in barbecue, using the traditional Beijing-style grill technique which is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item of China. Some of its signature dishes include Roast Beef, Fried Shrimps, and Sesame Duck.
4. Duyichu: Duyichu Shaomai (Qianmen Branch, the first branch)
No.38 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng DistrictDuyichu is a time-honored brand in Beijing and across China. It was established in 1738 during the reign of Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Duyichu specializes in a variety of delicious Shaomai (a type of traditional Chinese dumplings), as well as Zha Sanjiao (a samosa-like snack), Braised Pork with "Malian" (a plant species whose scientific name is "Iris lactea Pall"), and Shandong-style stir-fried dishes.
5. Chatang Li: Chatang Li Beijing Flavor Restaurant (Gulou Branch)
No.94 Gulou East Street, Dongcheng District
Founded in 1858 during the reign of Xianfeng Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Chatang Li is a time-honored brand in Beijing and across China. Its founder, Li Tonglin, gained recognition for his expertise in making Chatang (seasoned flour mush) and other snacks, which were enjoyed by Empress Dowagers Ci'an and Cixi. Today, the brand offers a range of products, including Almond Tea, Lotus Root Tea, Water Chestnut Tea, and Beef Bone Marrow Oil Tea, favored by older generations of Beijingers.
6. Huguosi Snacks: Huguosi Snacks Headquarter (the first branch)
No.93 Huguosi Street, Xicheng District
Huguosi Snacks is a time-honored brand in Beijing and across China. Founded in 1956, it is renowned for its traditional Beijing halal snacks, which are recognized as part of the city's intangible cultural heritage. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring over 100 signature snacks such as Pea-flavored Cake, Steamed Rice Cake With Sweet Stuffing, Honey Twists, Soybean-flavor Cake, Fermented Soybean Drink, and Seasoned Millet Mush.
Have you tried any other delicious foods in Beijing? Feel free to share with us by leaving a message!
(Source: Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau)