Ziguangyuan: Ziguangyuan Restaurant at Hongmiao (the origin)

Building 85, Hongmiao Beili, Chaoyang District

Established in 1912 during the early years of the Republic of China, Ziguangyuan is a time-honored Beijing brand. The restaurant's origins trace back to the Ai family, who sold Chinese-style baked rolls and meat and later invented a snack called "Ai's fried dough drops". The name“Ziguangyuan” reflects the concept that in the capital, the purple (Zi) air comes from the east, and hosting a family feast brings honor (guang) to the family name. Its standout dishes include braised shredded pork, traditional braised chicken in sauce, Ai's fried dough drops, and Ziguangyuan yogurt with milk skin.