Peking Duck & Beyond:Exploring the Best Eats in Beijing's Hutongs

Dongsi Hutong

Our journey begins in the heart of Beijing's cultural heritage - the Dongsi Hutongs. As we stroll through these narrow alleys, flanked by traditional courtyard houses, you'll be transported back in time. Here, our guide will not only introduce you to the long - standing history of the hutongs but also give you a sneak peek into the unique Chinese food culture. Our first stop on this food - filled journey is the Peking Duck Restaurant. Peking duck has a long and glorious history, famed far and wide for its crispy skin and tender meat. Once we're inside, you'll have the privilege of watching a skilled chef perform a live duck - carving show right in front of you. It's truly an art to see how they present the perfectly roasted duck. Paired with the well - known local liquor, Erguotou, it forms a classic symbol of Beijing. Our guide will sharing insights on the proper way to savor Peking Duck and helping you choose other signature Beijing dishes to complement your meal.

LongFuSi Jie

Our next destination is the Mongolian Hot Pot Restaurant. Legend has it that it originated in the royal courts and later became a favorite among the general public. The hot pot features a copper pot with a charcoal - fired center, keeping the broth simmering steadily. The main ingredient is fresh, thinly sliced mutton, but there are also options like beef, chicken, and a wide array of fresh vegetables and mushrooms. The dipping sauce, a blend of fermented bean curd, sesame paste, and a bit of chili oil for the spicy lovers, is a crucial part of the experience. And of course, cold beer is the perfect accompaniment to this sumptuous meal. As we make our way between these wonderful dining spots, we'll also take the time to sample some local street snacks. Such as Tanghulu, candied fruits on a stick. Jianbing, a savory pancake. And Huguo Temple snack set, which offers a taste of traditional Beijing snacks like Lvdagun, aiwowo, Jiaoquan, and more.

Our final dining stop is the Yunnan - style Restaurant, hidden away in the hutongs. The star of the show here is the cross - bridge rice noodles, with its rich and flavorful broth accompanied by various fresh ingredients. There are also other specialties such as roasted tofu, fried lotus root cakes, pickled cabbage stir - fried with sweet dumplings, and more. To top off this amazing food - tasting journey, the sweet and mellow rice wine provides the perfect ending. For those who have booked a private - car tour, once this wonderful food - tasting journey comes to an end, the driver will safely take you back to your hotel. This ensures a convenient and comfortable conclusion to your adventure, allowing you to relax and recall all the delicious flavors you've experienced today.