Top 10 Foods You Must Try in Beijing

Beijing Street Food: 10 Local Dishes You Must Try

Beijing's street food scene is one of the best ways to experience authentic local life. Beyond the famous Peking duck, the city's alleys and morning markets are filled with affordable, delicious snacks that have been perfected over generations. Here are 10 street foods you should not miss.

1. Jianbing (煎饼)

The ultimate Beijing breakfast crepe. A thin mung bean batter is spread on a hot griddle, topped with egg, scallions, cilantro, crispy wonton cracker, and a savory sauce, then folded and served hot. Look for the morning stalls near subway stations — around 5-8 CNY each.

2. Zhajiangmian (炸酱面)

Beijing's signature noodles: hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich sauce of fermented soybean paste and minced pork, garnished with cucumber, bean sprouts, and radish. A hearty, filling lunch usually priced 15-25 CNY.

3. Douzhi (豆汁儿)

A polarizing traditional breakfast drink made from fermented mung beans. Sour and acquired-taste, it is often paired with jiaoquan (fried dough rings). Best experienced in old-school breakfast shops.

4. Peking Duck Wraps (北京烤鸭卷)

While full roast duck dinners are a restaurant affair, many snack stalls sell quick duck wraps with cucumber and hoisin sauce for a fraction of the price — a great way to taste the flavor on the go.

5. Tanghulu (糖葫芦)

Glazed hawthorn berries on a stick, a classic winter street snack. The brittle sugar coating contrasts perfectly with the tart fruit. Available from 5-10 CNY.

6. Roujiamo (肉夹馍)

Often called the "Chinese hamburger" — braised pork stuffed into a crispy baked bun. Satisfying, portable, and usually 8-12 CNY.

7. Baozi (包子)

Steamed buns filled with pork, vegetables, or red bean paste. The breakfast staple, especially good from the famous chain Qingfeng Baozi, from 2 CNY each.

8. Chuan'r (烤串)

Skewered lamb, chicken, or vegetables grilled over charcoal, seasoned with cumin and chili. An evening ritual in Beijing, typically 3-8 CNY per skewer.

9. Lvdagun (驴打滚)

A soft glutinous rice roll coated with soybean flour and filled with red bean paste. A classic Beijing snack shop favorite, priced 5-10 CNY.

10. Beijing Yogurt (老北京酸奶)

Served in distinctive ceramic jars, this thick, tangy yogurt is a refreshing drink found at shops across the city, usually 5 CNY with the jar deposit.

Practical Tips for Street Food in Beijing

Visit Wangfujing Snack Street for tourist-friendly variety, or head to the hutongs around Gulou for more authentic local stalls. Carry small cash or a phone with Alipay/WeChat Pay — most stalls are cash-friendly but not card-friendly. Hygiene standards are generally good at busy stalls, as high turnover means fresh ingredients.