Old Beijing Flavors: 5 Authentic Foods You Must Try

Travel to Beijing, you must try local Beijing food. Beijing cuisine is more than just fancy restaurants. From the royal banquets of the past to the bustling hutong streets, old Beijing flavors represent history, culture, and everyday life in the capital.

From royal pastries once served in the Forbidden City to street snacks sold at corner stalls, old Beijing flavors reflect both elegance and simplicity.

Exploring these dishes is like taking a bite of history—you taste not just the food, but the stories of dynasties, families, and neighborhoods that make Beijing unique. Whether you’re joining a Beijing food tour or wandering the alleys on your own, knowing what to eat will give you a deeper connection to the city.

Here’s a list of 5 authentic Beijing foods and snacks—from world-famous dishes to hidden local treasures—that every visitor should try.

1. Peking Duck 北京烤鸭

The crown jewel of Beijing cuisine. Golden, crispy skin, tender meat, wrapped in pancakes with scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce. A dish dating back to the Ming Dynasty, it’s the one meal every visitor must experience.

Here are Top 5 Peking duck restaurants recommend by Bite escape

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2.Zhajiangmian 炸酱面 (Noodles with Soybean Paste)

Beijing’s most comforting noodle dish. Thick wheat noodles topped with savory soybean paste and fresh vegetables. Humble, filling, and beloved by locals—it’s the flavor of everyday Beijing life.

Here are top 5 Zhajiangmian restaurants recommend by Bite escape

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3.Shuànyángròu 涮羊肉

Shuànyángròu, or Beijing-style mutton hotpot, is one of the city’s most beloved winter dishes. Thin slices of fresh lamb, cut almost paper-thin, are cooked in seconds in a bubbling copper pot. Unlike spicy hotpots from other regions, the broth here is simple—just boiling water with scallions and ginger—highlighting the natural flavor of the meat. Fresh vegetables, tofu, and vermicelli are added for balance, while the signature sesame dipping sauce—blended with garlic, coriander, and chili—brings everything together. More than just food, shuànyángròu is a social tradition in Beijing, where friends and family gather around the hotpot to share warmth, flavor, and conversation during the city’s cold winters.

Here are 3 Beijing mutton hotpot recommend by Bite escape

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4. Lǔ Zhù Huǒ Shāo 卤煮火烧 (Stewed Offal with Bread)

Among all the snacks of old Beijing, lǔ zhù huǒ shāo is probably the most “Beijing-only” dish. It’s a hearty stew made with pork intestines, lungs, tofu, and chunks of flatbread (huǒshāo) simmered in a rich, dark broth. The soup base is infused with soy sauce, garlic, and fermented bean pastes, giving it a deep, savory flavor that locals describe as “heavy but comforting.”

The origins of lǔ zhù go back to the Qing Dynasty, when it was created as a way to make use of inexpensive cuts of meat and offal. What started as humble street food for commoners later became a signature of hutong-style cooking—affordable, filling, and full of character.

For many Beijingers, eating lǔ zhù isn’t just about the taste—it’s about nostalgia. The aroma of the broth, the chewy bread soaking up the flavors, and the bold, slightly funky offal all remind locals of home.

5.Zhìzi Kaorou 炙子烤肉 (Traditional Beijing Copper Pan Barbecue)

Zhìzi kaorou, literally “copper pan barbecue,” is a traditional style of Beijing barbecue that blends grilling and simmering. Thinly sliced lamb or beef is cooked on a domed copper pan, while the broth around the edges slowly simmers vegetables, tofu, and vermicelli. The meat stays tender and juicy, while its drippings enrich the soup, creating layers of flavor. This unique method reflects the ingenuity of old Beijing cuisine, offering both smoky grilled meat and comforting hotpot-style broth in one meal. Still popular in hutong restaurants today, zhìzi kaorou remains a must-try for anyone exploring authentic Beijing food.