Beijing is a city bursting with different food options, ranging from cheap, local food, to five-star restaurants featuring food from around the world. If you’re planning a trip to China, here are the best places to eat in Beijing:
International Food:
Many visitors to Beijing will be surprised by the large amount of international food, particularly in the expat hub of Sanlitun, and Wudaokou, which is where most of the international students live and study. Many of these restaurants are serviced by Sherpas, a delivery service which provides free service from1-6pm for those who don’t feel like leaving their hotel, but there are plenty of restaurants which make it well worth a trip on the Beijing subway.
Tappanyaki is hugely popular in Beijing, and these Japanese restaurants are scattered throughout the city, with many offering all you can eat and drink on Friday and Saturday nights. Expect to see a huge expat crowd, who like to fill up on sushi, beer, and sake shots.
If you’re after something nice and healthy, try Element Fresh or Waga’s in Sanlitun Village. They’re both next door to each other so you can have a sneaky peek at the menu and decide which one looks best. Both have an excellent variety of food which won’t effect your waistline, as long as you skip the dessert menu.
Fans of Italian will want to try Annie’s. This Beijing staple has free delivery throughout the day and night, along with pasta, pizza, and main courses that won’t break the bank.
For Indian try Ganges, which is one of the most popular food options in town. With locations in Sanlitun and Wudaokou, the excellent service is well worth the fact that it’s one of the more pricy options. You’ll definitely be taking home a doggy bag for breakfast or lunch the next day. Be sure to try the vegetable samosas or butter chicken here.
Beijing China. Source: Stacey Kuyf
Local Food:
Peking Duck is one of the most famous foods in Beijing, and if there’s one thing you should try in this city, the duck is it. It will be served with a large amount of skin and a small amount of meat, so be sure to do as the locals do, and dip the crispy parts in sugar before you eat it. Try Siji Minfu Roast Duck which is located in Dengshikou, or Hua’s Restaurant which is a chain you’ll find in many different neighbourhoods.
Hotpot is also very popular in Beijing. You’ll be given a large pot of boiling soup, along with your meat and vegetables which you cook in the soup, giving it a delicious flavour. Try Little Sheep in Dongzhimenei, which was voted “Outstanding Hot Pot” by Beijinger’s in 2011, or Manfulou in Xicheng.
Visitors to Beijing should also try Jiaozi (prounced Jow-za). These are dumplings made with pork, although you can occasionally find vegetarian options as well. Jiaozi are a staple at almost every Chinese restaurant, and street stalls near malls and subway stations.
