3 mutton hotpot in Beijing: A Must-visit Guide for 2025

When people think of traditional Beijing cuisine, Shuan Yang Rou 涮羊肉, or mutton hotpot, always comes to mind. Its roots can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty, when Mongol horsemen cooked thin slices of lamb in boiling water for speed and flavor. By the Qing Dynasty, copper-pot lamb hotpot had become part of everyday life in Beijing, treasured both by the imperial court and ordinary households.

What makes this dish unique is its purity. Unlike the fiery broth of Sichuan hotpot, Beijing’s version uses a clear broth—or simply boiling water—in a copper pot heated with charcoal. Hand-cut slices of lamb are dipped for just a few seconds, staying tender and full of natural flavor. The meat is paired with sesame paste, garlic, leek, and fermented tofu, creating a nutty, aromatic dipping sauce. Alongside the lamb, diners enjoy crispy sesame flatbreads, fresh vegetables, and tripe, all adding to the traditional spread.

Beijing Hotpot is more than food—it’s part of Beijing’s rhythm of life. Families and friends gather around the steaming pot, especially in winter, sharing warmth and laughter. For visitors exploring the city, whether on their own or as part of a casual Beijing food tour, sitting in a courtyard restaurant and watching the steam rise feels like stepping into living history.

That is why Beijing hotpot isn’t just another dish on the menu—it is a cultural experience that reveals the city’s past, its traditions, and its taste of home.

1, Nanmen Shuanrou 南门涮肉

Beijing hotpot resturant

Why we love

• Founded in 1994, named after the South Gate of the Temple of Heaven

• Specializes in traditional old Beijing halal hotpot, using clear broth or a copper pot as the base, highlighting the meat’s natural flavor rather than masking it with spicy seasoning

Must-try

• Hand-cut fresh lamb 手切鲜羊肉

• Freshly sliced “Yuanbao” lamb 鲜切元宝77ii

• Baked sesame flatbread 烤烧饼

Shop Info

• Address: Nanmen Shuanrou currently has 19 branches. Look for the official logo—lots of fake copycats exist

• Opening hours: 10:30-22:30 different by branch

• Avg. price: 150 RMB/Per person

2, Man Hen Ji 满恒记

Why we love

• Traditional charcoal fire + copper pot hotpot. Man Hen Ji insists on using charcoal fire and copper pots, a hallmark of authentic old Beijing style.

• Halal, pure-flavor approach. The broth is simply clear water—no heavy seasonings or spicy base—so the natural taste of the lamb stands out.

• Rich selection of meats & offal. Beyond lamb, they serve beef, offal such as tripe, and halal classics like baodu (quick-boiled tripe). Fresh tripe is especially recommended for its crisp, tender bite.

Must-try

• Baodu (quick-boiled tripe) 爆肚

• Hand-cut fresh lamb 手切鲜羊肉

• Crisp and tender beef tripe 鲜脆牛百叶

Shop Info

• Address: Southwest corner of the intersection of Ping’anli West Street and Zhaodengyu Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 北京西城区平安里西大街与赵登禹路交叉口西南角

• Opening hours: 6:30-9:30, 11:00-21:30, 22:00-24:00

• Avg. price: 120 RMB/Per person

3, Ya’er Liji 鸦儿李记

Why we love

• Ya’er Liji originated in Houhai’s Ya’er Hutong, starting as Li’s sesame flatbread shop and later expanding into hotpot, snacks, and halal dishes, carrying a strong sense of history and cultural heritage.

Must-try

• Hand-cut fresh lamb 手切鲜羊肉

• Yogurt—often called the “light of Beijing yogurt” 李记酸奶

• Sesame-sugar pancakes 麻酱烧饼

Shop Info

• Address:  20+ branches across Beijing

• Opening hours: 5:30-9:30, 11:00-23:00 different by branch

• Avg. price: 100 RMB/Per person