A tour in Beijing during the Spring Festival holiday won't be complete without local culinary surprises. These curated restaurants will let you savor delicious dishes amid the festive atmosphere and enjoy a rich and satisfying holiday feast.
Siji Minfu (四季民福) (Forbidden City Branch)
This well-known Beijing roast duck brand is famous for its traditional hang-roasting technique and innovative Beijing-style dishes. Its Forbidden City branch, located near the historic landmarks, features a stylish dining environment, making it a popular choice for experiencing Beijing's culinary culture.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday: 10:30–21:30
Friday to Sunday (Spring Festival): 09:00–22:30
Manhengji (满恒记) (Ping'anli West Street Branch)
Manhengji is renowned for its award-winning Sesame Paste Sugar Pancake and tender, freshly sliced lamb. With traditional charcoal-fired copper pots, rich house-made sesame sauce, and consistently high-quality dishes, this spot draws long queues year-round and is a top choice for having an authentic Beijing-style hotpot.
Opening Hours
11:00–24:00
Hua's Restaurant (Siheyuan Flagship Store)
Hua's Restaurant is known for its innovative fusion dishes, improving traditional dishes while preserving the essence of Beijing cuisine. Set in a traditional siheyuan (courtyard) blending classical charm with modern design, it is a top restaurant for tasting contemporary Beijing cuisine.
Opening Hours
11:00–14:00, 17:00–02:00 the following day (11:00–24:00 on February 16-21)
Huda Restaurant (Gui Street Flagship Store)
It is a landmark on Beijing's Gui Street, famous for its spicy crayfish. With a lively late-night atmosphere and fiery Sichuan and Hunan-style dishes, it is a go-to spot for experiencing Beijing's vibrant culture.
Opening Hours
All day
Fangzhuanchang No. 69 (Beixinqiao Branch)
This brand offers affordable, home-style dishes. Its signature zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles) features generous toppings and rich savory sauce. Regularly attracting queues of visitors, it is a prime destination for tasting authentic Beijing-style noodles.
Opening Hours
09:30–21:30
Baqi Barbecue (Shichahai Branch)
Baqi specializes in modern zhizi barbecue (griddle-grilled meat), blending traditional charcoal-grilled techniques with innovative seasonings in a trendy setting. Located near the Drum Tower Neighborhood, it offers a unique dining experience amid classic Beijing charm.
Opening Hours
11:00–22:30
Heiyaochang Fried Sweet Pancakes (Heiyaochang Street Branch)
Famous for its crispy, sweet, and non-greasy fried pancakes, this restaurant draws early morning queues year-round. It also serves halal breakfast dishes like tofu pudding and lamb offal soup, offering a glimpse into hutong breakfast culture and everyday street flavors.
Opening Hours
06:00–21:30
Xiaodiao Litang (小吊梨汤) (Hepingli Branch)
This brand offers modern Beijing-style dishes, reputed for its Xiaodiao Litang (a signature drink made with pears) and well-made roast ducks. With innovative dishes and an elegant setting, the restaurant has become a popular choice for savoring contemporary Beijing flavors.
Opening Hours
10:00–21:30 (11:00–20:00 on February 16-23)
Beijing Pie (Xila Hutong Branch)
This brand is popular for thin-skinned, juicy, and generously filled meat pies. With a simple setting and popular dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, it is among the top choices for tasting authentic home-style Beijing cuisine.
Opening Hours
10:00–21:00
Palace
This is a themed restaurant featuring imperial décor, etiquette, and live music and dance. Its dishes, inspired by imperial recipes, are presented in a modern way, offering a unique cultural feast.
Opening Hours
10:30–14:00, 17:30–21:00
Nanmen Shuanrou (Temple of Heaven Branch)
It is a time-honored Beijing hotspot restaurant known for its tender lamb slices cooked in clear broth in traditional charcoal-fired copper pots, which are paired with a distinctive house-made sesame sauce.
Opening Hours
10:30–22:30
Juqi (局气) (Qianmen Branch)
This restaurant specializes in modern Beijing cuisine, including roast ducks. The name "Juqi" (局气), meaning "authenticity and principle", comes from Beijing dialect. It offers visually and flavorfully innovative takes on traditional dishes in a setting that blends classic Beijing elements with modern design.
Opening Hours
11:00–21:00
To discover more Beijing delicacies, click here.
(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)
