Top 6 Places to Eat in Beijing

Written by Alexander Kopp, Wei Li
18/08/2025
A stunning aerial view of the historic Forbidden City in Beijing, China, showcasing its traditional architecture.
小和尚 温柔的, Pexels

Beijing's dining scene offers a vibrant array of flavors, ranging from refined imperial cuisine to hearty local street food, ensuring a memorable experience for every palate.

1. Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant (Forbidden City Branch)

Cuisine: Peking Duck, Northern Chinese

Visiting Siji Minfu for Peking duck is a quintessential Beijing experience. I observed the chef expertly carve the roasted duck tableside, revealing crispy skin and tender meat. I particularly enjoyed dipping the crackling skin in sugar, and wrapping slices of duck, scallions, and cucumber in thin pancakes with a touch of hoisin sauce. The restaurant has an antique, traditional Chinese decor. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours, as it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Price: Whole duck: CNY 198-228 (~$29-33 USD); Expect around CNY 120 (~$17 USD) per person for a full meal.

Getting There: The popular branch is located near the Forbidden City's east gate. Take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station; it’s a short walk north from the exit.

2. King's Joy

Cuisine: Vegetarian Fine Dining (Chinese Contemporary)

Stepping into King's Joy is an experience of tranquility and culinary artistry. As a 3-Michelin-starred establishment, the ambiance is elegantly serene, enhanced by live harp music, set within a beautiful courtyard. I found their multi-course tasting menus, crafted from seasonal organic ingredients, to be visually stunning and exquisitely flavorful, transforming vegetables into true masterpieces. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a high-end, plant-based dining journey.

Price: Tasting menus: CNY 999 - 3999 per person (~$140-550 USD). A common set menu is CNY 999, which typically includes tax and tip.

Getting There: Situated in Wudaoying Hutong, adjacent to the Lama Temple. Take Subway Line 2 or 5 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station. The restaurant is a short walk from there.

3. Dong Lai Shun (Dazhalan or Wangfujing)

Cuisine: Traditional Beijing Mutton Hotpot

At Dong Lai Shun, I experienced traditional Beijing hotpot, a cherished culinary ritual. The meal revolves around a distinctive copper pot heated by charcoal, where paper-thin slices of high-quality Inner Mongolian mutton are quickly cooked in a flavorful, often clear, broth. The accompanying sesame paste dipping sauce is rich and essential to the experience. It offers a warm, communal dining setting perfect for a group.

Price: Moderate; meal sets and a la carte options are available. Expect prices to be reasonable for the quality and traditional experience.

Getting There: The Dazhalan branch is on the 2nd Floor, Jilong Laozhalan Mall, Dazhalan No. 7. Accessible via Bus (Dazhalan Station) or Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Station or Line 7 to Zhushikou Station, followed by a walk. A branch is also located on the 5th floor of New Dong'an Mansion on Wangfujing Street, easily reachable by Subway Line 1 to Wangfujing Station.

4. Xianlaoman (AnDingMen)

Cuisine: Beijing Dumplings, Northern Chinese Cuisine

Xianlaoman is a fantastic spot for authentic Beijing dumplings. I was impressed by the sheer variety of fillings available, and each dumpling I tried was generously stuffed with a thin, tender skin. Beyond dumplings, their menu includes other northern Chinese comfort dishes. The atmosphere is casual and bustling, feeling very local with traditional wooden furniture and old Beijing photos adorning the walls. The service is quick, and the prices are very budget-friendly.

Price: Approx. CNY 10-15 (~$1.50-2 USD) for 10 dumplings; Expect around CNY 60-100 (~$8-14 USD) per person for a full meal.

Getting There: The AnDingMen branch is on Andingmen Inner Street, not far from the Lama Temple and a hutong area. It's a walk from Yonghegong Lama Temple Subway Station (Line 2 or 5).

5. Huajia Yiyuan (Yuanmingyuan branch)

Cuisine: Traditional Beijing Cuisine

For an atmospheric meal in a courtyard, I highly recommend Huajia Yiyuan. The Yuanmingyuan branch offers a more serene and less crowded experience. The setting evokes old Beijing, with traditional grey bricks, flowing water features, and red lanterns. I enjoyed their authentic Beijing and Northern Chinese dishes, which are hearty and flavorful. For an added cultural touch, consider dining after 7:30 PM to catch traditional performances like guzheng music and face-changing.

Price: Around CNY 200 (~$28 USD) per person.

Getting There: Located near Yuanmingyuan Park. While specific public transport directions are not widely available, taxis or ride-hailing apps are the most convenient options. Average taxi fare starts at CNY 13 for the first 3km, then CNY 2.3 per km.

6. Qingfeng Steamed Bun Shop

Cuisine: Steamed Buns (Baozi), Local Beijing Snacks

Qingfeng Steamed Bun Shop offers a truly local and affordable dining experience. I found a wide variety of freshly steamed buns with diverse fillings, such as savory pork and onion, or pork with preserved vegetables. This chain also serves classic Beijing snacks like 'chaogan' (stir-fried liver). The atmosphere is very casual and functional, often operating like a cafeteria. It's a quick, inexpensive way to enjoy authentic local flavors, popular with everyday Beijingers.

Price: Very cheap; Buns typically cost CNY 4-9 each; A full meal can be around CNY 23 (~$3-4 USD) per person.

Getting There: Qingfeng has numerous branches throughout Beijing. Many are in local neighborhoods and accessible via subway (fares start at CNY 3) or bus (fares start at CNY 2). For example, the Economic and Trade University Branch in Chaoyang district is well-known.

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