Where to eat in Beijing

Restaurants, cafés and street food in Beijing, China that locals actually go to — plus the local names for the chains you already know.

• Quanjude — Peking duck, Qianmen (3). Order the Roast duck banquet. The 1864 duck dynasty — ceremonial, historic, still worth one visit.
• Zhang Mama — Sichuan, Dongcheng (1). Order the Mala xiang guo. Fiery Sichuan at student prices — the queue self-selects the brave.
• Jubaoyuan — Hotpot, Niujie (2). Order the Hand-cut lamb hotpot. Copper-pot lamb shuan rou in the Muslim quarter.
• Huguosi Snacks — Beijing snacks, Xicheng (1). Order the Douzhi + wandouhuang. State-run time capsule of old Beijing bites since 1956.
• Bao Yuan Dumplings — Dumplings, Chaoyang / Maizidian (1). Order the Colorful assorted jiaozi. Rainbow-skinned jiaozi beloved by families and expats alike.
• Siji Minfu — Peking duck, Dongcheng (Forbidden City east) (2). Order the Peking duck, whole. The duck line locals actually join — lacquered skin, sugar dip first.
• Yaoji Chaogan — Beijing snacks, Gulou (1). Order the Chaogan + pork baozi. Liver stew and baozi by the Drum Tower — a vice-presidential lunch stop.

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