Spicy Food in Beijing: From Hotpot to Noodles, 5 Must-Try Food Spots in 2026
- Bite Escape-Lin
- Dec 18, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Beijing is one of the most food-diverse cities in China. From imperial dishes to street snacks, you can eat your way through the country without leaving the city. And yes—even as a Sichuan native with a serious craving for spice, you can still find authentic spicy food in Beijing that truly hits the spot. When people talk about spicy food in Beijing, even in China, they’re usually referring to Sichuan and Chongqing cuisine.
Sichuan and Chongqing cuisine has a long history rooted in the southwest of China. “Chuan” (川) refers to Sichuan Province, while “Yu” (渝) stands for Chongqing, a major city that was historically part of Sichuan. Together, 川渝菜 represents a shared culinary tradition shaped by humid weather, bold flavors, and complex seasoning.
Chili heat is often balanced with the numbing aroma of Sichuan peppercorns, creating the famous 麻辣 (málà) profile—spicy, tingly, and deeply layered rather than aggressively hot. This focus on balance, fragrance, and depth is what defines true Sichuan and Chongqing food today. And if you know where to go, it’s exactly why finding great spicy food in Beijing is easier than most people expect.
How to Choose Spicy Food in Beijing?
Below are five Sichuan-native-approved spots for real spicy food in Beijing, from hotpot to noodles and Hotpot.
1, 巴奴火锅 (Banu Hotpot)
Why It’s Popular
Banu was founded in 2001 and is best known as the pioneer of tripe-focused hotpot. Service isn’t really what they’re famous for — it’s the tripe and the mushroom broth that truly stand out. They stick to a simple rule: fresh over frozen, natural over additives, same-day ingredients only. Everything is delivered daily, keeping the focus on the food itself and letting the ingredients speak for themselves.For Sichuan people who care about both flavor and ingredients, this is high-quality spicy food in Beijing. Many of their locations are now open 24 hours, which makes it a great spot for a late-night meal. Forget Haidilao("海底捞') in China!
Must-Try Dishes
Signature fresh beef tripe
Wagyu beef slices
Handmade tofu
Shop info
Address: Multiple locations across Beijing
Average price: ¥180–250 per person
Opening hours: 24/7, varies by branch
2, 李串串老店 (Li Chuan Chuan Lao Dian)
Why It’s Popular
What really makes Li Chuan Chuan stand out is the way they handle their seasoning. The chili base isn’t mass-produced or watered down — it’s cooked properly, with no shortcuts. The spice mix is stir-fried on site, so the aroma is fresh and intense, and you can actually taste the depth in every bite, not just heat for the sake of heat.
This place feels straight out of Chengdu. You pick your skewers, drop them into a bubbling spicy pot, and eat until you’re happily numb. The broth is rich, oily (in a good way), and unapologetically spicy.
Must-Try Dishes
Beef skewers (many kinds of)
Chicken gizzards
Duck blood
Binfen(good to balance the spicy flavor)
Dry peper sauce(recommend!)
Shop info
Average price: ¥80–120 per person
Opening hours: 11:30 am-00:30 am next day
3, 寂川 (Ji Chuan)
Why It’s Popular
Ji Chuan is more refined but still very legit. Ji Chuan is also a Michelin-listed restaurant. It’s great for people who want real Sichuan flavors in a cleaner, more modern setting—perfect for dinner with friends who are curious about spice but still want comfort.
Must-Try Dishes
Mapo tofu with wayu beef
Chongqing-style spicy chicken
Twice-cooked pork
Cold noodles with shredded chicken in spicy málà sauce
Shop info
Address: Room 101, 1st Floor, No. A2, West Dawang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing西大望路甲2号1层101室
Average price: ¥250-300 per person
Opening hours: 11:30 am-14:30 pm; 17:30 pm-21:30 pm
4, 烤匠 (Kao Jiang)
Why It’s Popular
Kao Jiang brings classic Sichuan barbecue flavors—dry chili, cumin, and peppercorn—into a lively dining experience. Great for groups and beer nights. Kao Jiang is famous for its long lines. Waiting around two hours is pretty normal, so it’s best to grab a number in advance and come back later.
Must-Try Dishes
Grilled fish with chili
BBQ（把把烧）
Slush
Shop info
Address: 5 branchs in Beijing
Average price: ¥250-300 per person
Opening hours: 11:30 am-14:30 pm; 17:30 pm-21:30 pm
5, 胖妹面庄 (Pang Mei Noodle Resturant)
Why It’s Popular
This one is pure comfort food. No fancy décor—just bowls of noodles drowning in chili oil, garlic, and vinegar. If you miss Chongqing mornings, this place will hit emotionally.
Must-Try Dishes
Pea and minced pork noodles
Chongqing spicy beef noodles
Grilled milk tea with milk skin
Shop info
Address: Smaller local spots, often in residential neighborhoods
Average price: ¥30–50 per person
Opening hours: varies by branch
Final Thoughts
If you want to explore China beyond the usual tourist spots, I’ve put together local food guidebooks for Beijing or Chengdu, featuring local picks — the kind of places locals actually eat.
Each guide comes with a digital map, so you can explore at your own pace and skip the guesswork.If that sounds like your style, you can check them out via the link here: https://www.biteescape.com/category/china-food-guides
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