None is more universally renowned than the roasted duck named for the city, Beijing Roast Duck. For those who have never have Beijing Roast Duck before, you should really have a try. Do you know where to eat Beijing Roast Duck in Beijing? Here will introduce some famous Beijing roast duck restaurants for your reference.
• Specialties: Pan-fried duck rolls, Yiyuan famous chicken, braised sea cucumber with venison tendon, ribs with plum, Buddha jumps over the wall, signature lamb chop
• Address: 5 Dongzhimen Inner Street, Dongcheng District
• How to get there: take Subway Line 2 and get off at Dongzhimen Station, or take Buses 106, 117 to Dongzhimen Inner Street.
Established in 1998, Hua's Restaurant specializes in fine Beijing cuisine in a beautiful courtyard setting. The food here follows traditions but also integrates the essence of different culinary schools. The duck is roasted to perfection with little grease, and there are more varieties of side dishes, including pineapple, Hami melon and lettuce, in addition to the traditional cucumber.
• Specialties: Mustard duck web, boiled duck liver, seasoned duck gizzard, hot and spicy shredded duck wing, crystal duck delicacy, quick-fried duck heart, dry-fried four delicacies
• Address: 32 Qianmen Street, Chongwen District
• How to get there: take Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Station, or take Buses 5, 17, 20, 22, 66, 120, 126, 690 or 692 to Qianmen Station
In Beijing, Quanjude is the synonym of roast duck. A legendary restaurant established more than 130 years ago, Quanjude has become one of the biggest restaurant chains in China. At Quanjude, ducks were roasted by being hung in the oven, a very traditional method. And the Chief will cut the duck for you right in front of the guests. The restaurant is quite famous amoung foreign guuest.
• Specialties: Closed-oven roast duck, mustard duck web, salted duck liver, duck heart cooked in wine, and dry-fried four delicacies
• Address: Xianyukou, East Side of Qianmen Street, Chongwen District
• How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station, or take Bus 22, 626 to Qianmen Station
In Beijing, Quanjude is the synonym of roast duck. A legendary restaurant established more than 130 years ago, Quanjude has become one of the biggest restaurant chains in China. At Quanjude, ducks were roasted by being hung in the oven, a very traditional method. Different from Quanjude's open-oven roasting style, ducks here are roasted in a closed oven, making the skin crispier and juicier.
• Specialties: Northern Chinese cuisine, desserts, Peking roast duck
• Address: 1 East Chang'an Avenue, Grand Hyatt Beijing 1/F, Dongcheng District
• How to get there: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Wangfujing Station
Made in China is a new-concept restaurant located at the Grand Hyatt Beijing on Chang'an Avenue. The restaurant features the fantastic Peking roast duck, authentic northern Chinese cuisine and an excellent wine cellar. Diners can enjoy the whole process of duck roasting in the stylish open kitchen.
Siji Minfu is one of the favorite roast duck restaurants of locals in Beijing with delicious roast duck and reasonable price. Siji Minfu specializes in Peking roast duck and other Beijing cuisines. Please note that you may need to wait in line for a long time at restaurants of Siji Minfu though there are several Siji Minfu restaurants in Beijing. If you do not want to spend too much time on waiting, you can choose other Peking roast duck restaurants like Quanjude.
• Specialties: "super lean" roast duck, salted duck liver, braised sea cucumber, duck hearts with lily buds, sautéed four delicacies, goose liver aspic
• Address: Southeast corner of Changhong Bridge on East 3rd Ring Road, Bldg 3 Tuanjiehu Beikou, Chaoyang District
Dadong Roast Duck is well-known to the tourists. It is reputed as one of the best Beijing Roast Duck restaurants in this city. It has made great innovations in its cooking technique. Therefore, ducks here are crispy outside and juicy inside, yet less fatty or greasy than those of their rivals. But it is hard to make a reservation in the restaurant. You must go to there to ask for a seat. And the price for per person in this restaurant is quite expensive, for it aims to offer high-end service for the guests.
Eating Peking Duck is not just about taste—it's an experience. It’s not meant to be eaten like regular roast poultry because the duck is rich and fatty. Eating it directly from the bone can be overly greasy and unrefined. That’s why there are elegant and balanced ways to enjoy it. Here are the three main ways to eat Peking Roast Duck:
1. The Classic Wrap with Sweet Bean Sauce
This is the most traditional and widely practiced way to eat Peking Duck. Take a thin, warm lotus leaf pancake (荷叶饼), spread a bit of sweet bean sauce (typically from Liubiju 六必居, a well-known Beijing brand), and add a few slices of crispy duck skin and meat. Then top it with thin strips of scallions, cucumber, or radish. Roll it up like a mini wrap and enjoy the perfect harmony of crispy, tender, savory, and fresh.
2. Dipping in Garlic Paste and Soy Sauce
For those who prefer a sharper, spicier flavor, dipping the sliced duck in garlic paste mixed with soy sauce is an excellent alternative. Garlic not only enhances the aroma but also cuts through the oiliness of the duck, creating a more intense and savory experience. Some people pair this with radish sticks for added crunch and freshness. This style is particularly favored by people who enjoy bold, aromatic flavors.
3. Duck Skin with White Sugar
This may seem unusual, but some diners—especially women and children—enjoy eating the crispy duck skin dipped in fine white sugar. This method brings out the delicate sweetness of the skin while providing a contrast to its rich texture. It’s simple, elegant, and a surprisingly delightful twist.
Nutritional Insights
Although Peking Duck is rich, it's often paired with raw vegetables such as scallions, garlic, and cucumbers. These are not just for flavor—they also add dietary fiber and Vitamin C, help with digestion, and can lower cholesterol. The balance of fat and freshness makes Peking Duck more than just a tasty dish—it’s also a thoughtfully composed meal.
For many travelers, bringing home a taste of Peking Duck is a great way to share their Beijing experience. However, since roast duck is a perishable food, here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the right souvenir version:
1. Look for Vacuum-Sealed Packaging
Many reputable brands now offer vacuum-packed roast duck, which is pre-sliced and ready to eat after simple reheating. These are designed for longer shelf life and are safer for travel. Look for packaging that includes the date of production, storage instructions, and heating methods.
2. Choose Trusted Brands
Well-known Beijing duck brands like Quanjude (全聚德), Bianyifang (便宜坊), and Dadong (大董) offer premium gift packs. These brands are famous for quality and taste, and buying their products ensures authenticity.
3. Check Customs Regulations
Before purchasing, make sure to check your destination country’s customs rules regarding importing meat products. Some countries may restrict or prohibit bringing in vacuum-packed duck.
4. Alternative Gifts
If transporting roast duck seems inconvenient, consider buying Peking Duck-flavored snacks, sauces, or themed souvenirs like chopsticks or plates with duck motifs. These are lightweight, non-perishable, and still offer a taste of Beijing’s food culture.
► Recommended Beijing tour: 4 Days Best Beijing Tour
(Attractions: Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, Changling Tomb)