For centuries Beijing has been the capital of China. Emperors of different dynasties all had the best cooks at their service. Thus, Beijing cuisine is inevitably influenced by the imperial cooking school. Today many fine restaurants boast of the unchanged royal recipes.

On the other hand, each change of dynasty saw a diverse population inflow from other parts of the country, accompanied by different styles of cooking. For this reason, Beijing cuisine is diverse in nature. All in all, combining variety and quality, Beijing cuisine is among the best in China.

Rice, dumplings, noodles or buns are widely eaten in Beijing.

A Sample of Famous Beijing dishes:

Beijing Roast Duck (Peking Duck)

Many of the dishes classified as Beijing style originated in the Empirical courts which had at the emperors' command the best of all the food of China. The most famous dish is Beijing Roast Duck, usually prepared for a minimum of six people, of which the crisp skin is the most prized part. Roast Duck's pieces are wrapped in thin pancakes with onions or leeks, cucumber, turnip and plum sauce. Upon request, the remainder of the duck meat can be saute'ed with bean sprouts, and the bones made into a wonderful soup with cabbage.

Hot Pot

Hot pot is also a favorite dish for foreigners and local residents alike. People gather around a small pot boiled with charcoal, pour the slices of mutton for a while, then eat the meat with a specially made sauce.

Dumplings

Noodle, dumpling and bread are favored over rice in Beijing. Because of its northern location, the food of Beijing tends to be more substantial in order to keep the human body warm.

Steamed bread
Zhajiang noodle
Special type of Tofu

You can taste the 'Beijing' style dishes at Beijing Express, Bianyifang Kaoya Dian, Fangshan, Donglaishun and other fine restaurants.

from expatsinchina