Top 5 Beijing Zhajiangmian: A Must-visit Guide for 2025

Zhajiangmian (炸酱面), often translated as noodles with soybean paste or fried bean sauce noodles, is one of the most famous traditional dishes from Beijing. Its history can be traced back to the late Qing Dynasty, when it became a popular everyday meal in hutongs and courtyard homes. The dish is made of hand-pulled wheat noodles, topped with rich soybean paste sauce (often stir-fried with minced pork) and a variety of fresh vegetable toppings.

Over time, Zhajiangmian spread across northern China, with different regions developing their own variations. In Beijing, the classic version is known for its chewy noodles, flavorful “dry-fried” sauce, and colorful side toppings like cucumber, radish, and bean sprouts. Today, Zhajiangmian is considered more than just food—it’s a symbol of old Beijing culture and hospitality, often described as the city’s most authentic comfort food.

1, Guo’er Tiao Noodle Restaurant 锅儿挑面馆

Highlights

• A family-style eatery deep in the hutong with only a few tables. Its authentic Old Beijing noodles in gravy have won over many customers.

• Signature noodles: The highlights are Jing-style Dalu Mian (braised-sauce noodles, ¥22) and Old Beijing Zhajiangmian (¥20). Noodles are served straight from the pot without rinsing, piping hot with a strong wheat fragrance—just the authentic old-Beijing style.

• Retro and cozy décor: The restaurant is small but filled with vintage touches like waist drums, old wall clocks, copper pots, and ceramic jars, creating the feel of an old Beijing courtyard.

Shop Info

• Address: No. 19, Cangjingguan Hutong, Yonghegong, Beixinqiao Street, Dongcheng District

• Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00 daily

  
  

2, Hei Ba Private Old Beijing Zhajiangmian 黑八面馆

Highlights

• Boiled noodles (“guoshui mian”): The noodles are rinsed after cooking, giving them a smoother and lighter texture. This is different with Guoertiao. It serves pot-lifted noodles (no rinsing), hotter, chewier, with strong wheat aroma.

• Hutong vibe: Tucked away deep inside Heizhima Hutong, the place carries that unmistakable old-Beijing alley charm.

• Neighborhood feel: Small and cozy, with just a few tables—it feels like having a casual bowl of noodles at a neighbor’s home.

Shop Info

• Address: No. 8, Heizhima Hutong, Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District

• Opening Hours: 11:00–15:30, 17:00–21:30 daily

3, Fangzhuanchang No.69 Zhajiangmian(Headquarter) 方砖厂69号炸酱面(总部）

Highlights

• Only Zhajiangmian: The shop focuses on just one dish—zhajiang noodles—done right.

• Michelin pick: Though small and humble, it’s recognized by Michelin for being tasty and affordable. there are over 30 outlets of Fangzhuanchang No.69 Zhajiangmian across Beijing. But we only recommend visiting the flagship (headquarters) location here.

• Authentic Recipe: The founder, Mr. Song, insists on preparing the sauce himself every morning, keeping the traditional Beijing flavor alive.

Shop Info

• Address: No.1 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng District (originally at No.69 Fangzhuanchang Hutong).

• Opening Hours: 10:30 – 19:00 daily

4,  Haiwanju (Zengguang Road Main Store) 海碗居（增光路总店）

Highlights

• 20+ Years of Tradition: Founded in 1999 on Zengguang Road, Haidian District, Haiwan Ju may not be a century-old brand, but it has built such a reputation that it’s often called a “modern time-honored brand. But we only recommend visiting the flagship (headquarters) location here.

• Rich, Dry-Fried Sauce: The minced pork is dry-fried in small batches, with the perfect lean-fat balance, producing a sauce that’s intensely aromatic yet never greasy.

• Old-Beijing Ambiance: Grey brick walls, wooden benches, opera masks, and staff calling out in Beijing dialect—eating here feels like stepping back into old Beijing.

Shop Info

• Address: No. 11, Zengguang Road Community, Ganjiakou Middle Street, Haidian District, Beijing

• Opening Hours: 11:00 – 23:00 daily

5, Old Beijing Zhajiangmian King (Dongxinglong Street Store)老北京炸酱面大王（东兴隆街店）

Highlights

• House-Made Sauce & Generous Toppings: You’ll find two big kettles brewing soybean sauce daily—rich in aroma. The dish is served with hearty noodles and a colorful mix of side toppings like cabbage, cucumber, bean sprouts, soybeans, and celery

• Lots of Authentic Beijing Snacks: Aside from the signature zhajiangmian, there are classics such as fried sausage, Beijing-style tripe, dry-fried meatballs, and shredded pork with Beijing sauce.

Shop Info

• Address: 1st Floor, Building A, Shangjie Mansion, No. 56 Dongxinglong Street, Dongcheng District

• Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 daily

TIps

Zhajiangmian (炸酱面) varies from family to family, with each recipe offering a unique flavor. There’s no single “best” version, but classic spots such as Fangzhuanchang 69 are especially popular—expect queues of 1–2 hours during peak dining times, so plan for off-peak visits if possible.

• How to eat Zhajiangmian: The authentic method is to drizzle a little oil first (to keep noodles from sticking), then add the rich soybean paste sauce, followed by fresh toppings. Mix thoroughly from the bottom up so every strand is coated.

• Perfect pairings: Locals say “noodles without garlic lose half their flavor,” so don’t skip a fresh clove. Many also enjoy a small bowl of noodle soup on the side—known as “original soup aids digestion.” For drinks, pair your zhajiang noodles with Beijing’s iconic Arctic Ocean orange soda or a pot of fragrant jasmine tea for a true old-Beijing experience.