Beijing Roast Duck Tasting Guide
Beijing Roast Duck, a world-renowned Chinese delicacy, is a must-try dish for any visitor to Beijing. Its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavor make it an unforgettable culinary experience. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you savor the best Beijing Roast Duck in the city.
1. Recommended Restaurants
Quanjude
Quanjude is one of the most famous and oldest Beijing Roast Duck restaurants. With a history of over 150 years, it has perfected the art of roasting duck. The ducks are roasted in traditional brick ovens, resulting in a unique flavor and texture. The restaurant offers a classic dining experience, with professional waitstaff who can demonstrate the proper way to eat Beijing Roast Duck.
- Transportation:
- Subway: To reach Quanjude’s Wangfujing branch, take Line 1 and get off at Wangfujing Station. Exit from the station and follow the street signs, it’s a short walk from the subway exit. For the Qianmen branch, take Line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the restaurant.
- Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Have the Chinese name “全聚德” ready to show the driver. The driver can easily take you to the nearest branch.
- Bus: Multiple bus routes stop near Quanjude’s branches. You can use a map app like Baidu Maps or Google Maps to find the specific bus routes, such as bus numbers 1, 2, 52, etc., which pass by the Wangfujing area.
- Signature Dishes: Besides the iconic Beijing Roast Duck, Quanjude’s “Peking Duck Soup with Cabbage” is a popular choice. Made from the duck bones, it has a rich and creamy texture with a deep duck flavor. Their “Duck Liver with Sesame” is also a must-try. The duck liver is fried to a golden brown and coated with sesame seeds, offering a crispy exterior and a smooth, rich interior.
Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant
Da Dong is known for its modern take on Beijing Roast Duck. The ducks are roasted with a special technique that makes the skin extremely crispy and less greasy. The restaurant’s elegant decor and high-quality service provide a great dining atmosphere. Da Dong also offers a variety of creative dishes that combine traditional and modern flavors.
- Transportation:
- Subway: If you’re heading to the Da Dong branch near the Workers’ Stadium, take Line 2 or Line 10 and get off at Dongsishitiao Station. After exiting the station, you can walk for about 10 – 15 minutes to reach the restaurant. For the branch in Sanlitun, take Line 10 and get off at Tuanjiehu Station.
- Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Show the driver the Chinese name “大董烤鸭店”. The driver will be able to take you directly to the destination.
- Bus: Check the local bus route map or use a map app. Some bus routes like 113, 115, etc., pass by the Workers’ Stadium area where Da Dong has a branch.
- Signature Dishes: In addition to the excellent Beijing Roast Duck, Da Dong’s “Honey-Roasted Pork Ribs” are highly recommended. The ribs are marinated in a special honey sauce and then roasted to perfection, with a sweet and savory flavor. Their “Snow Pea Shoot with Preserved Egg” is a refreshing and unique side dish. The tender snow pea shoots are paired with the rich and creamy preserved egg, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Bianyifang
Bianyifang is another time-honored Beijing Roast Duck restaurant. It uses a closed-oven roasting method, which gives the duck a moist and tender texture. The restaurant’s classic Beijing-style decor and warm service make it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
- Transportation:
- Subway: To get to Bianyifang’s Chongwenmen branch, take Line 2 or Line 5 and get off at Chongwenmen Station. After getting off, it’s just a short distance from the subway station. For the branch in Xuanwumen, take Line 2 or Line 4 and get off at Xuanwumen Station.
- Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Present the Chinese name “便宜坊” to the driver. They will know exactly where to take you.
- Bus: Search on a map app for bus routes near the restaurant. Some bus numbers like 106, 110, etc., stop near the Chongwenmen area.
- Signature Dishes: Along with the delicious Beijing Roast Duck, Bianyifang’s “Steamed Duck with Preserved Vegetables” is a local favorite. The duck is steamed with preserved vegetables, which infuse the meat with a unique, savory flavor. Their “Duck Blood Soup” is also a special dish. The smooth duck blood is cooked with various seasonings and vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful soup.
2. General Transportation Tips
Subway
The subway is a convenient and efficient way to reach these restaurants. You can use the subway map or a navigation app to find the nearest subway station to the restaurant you want to visit. Just follow the signs after getting off the subway to reach your destination.
Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service like Didi is also a good option. Just make sure to have the Chinese name of the restaurant ready to show the driver, as some drivers may not be familiar with the English name.
Bus
There are also many bus routes that pass by these restaurants. You can check the local bus route map or use a map app to find the most suitable bus for you. However, be aware that bus travel may be subject to traffic congestion, so it’s a good idea to leave plenty of time for your journey.
3. Precautions
- Reservation: These popular Beijing Roast Duck restaurants are often crowded, especially during peak dining hours and holidays. It’s advisable to make a reservation in advance, either by phone or through the restaurant’s official website or app. This will ensure that you have a table when you arrive.
- Eating Etiquette: When eating Beijing Roast Duck, the traditional way is to wrap a slice of duck meat, some scallions, and cucumber in a thin pancake, and then add a little sweet bean sauce. You can also try different combinations according to your taste. Remember to chew slowly and savor the flavors.
- Price: Beijing Roast Duck can be relatively expensive, especially in well-known restaurants. Check the menu and prices in advance to avoid any surprises. Some restaurants may also charge additional fees for side dishes and services.
We hope this guide will help you have a wonderful Beijing Roast Duck tasting experience. Enjoy your delicious journey in Beijing!
