Beijing China Video

Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Beijing China to Try

Beijing, the capital city of China, is not only famous for its historical landmarks but also for its diverse and vibrant street food culture. Exploring the street foods of Beijing is a culinary adventure that allows you to indulge in delicious flavors and experience the local food scene. From savory snacks to mouthwatering desserts, the street foods of Beijing offer a wide variety of options for food enthusiasts. In this article, we will take you on a virtual journey to discover some of the must-try street foods in Beijing.

Beijing Roast Duck

One of the most iconic dishes in Beijing is the Beijing Roast Duck. This delicious dish is made by roasting a whole duck until the skin becomes crispy and the meat is tender and flavorful. The duck is typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and a sweet bean sauce. The combination of the succulent duck meat and the condiments creates a burst of flavors in every bite. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this famous dish when visiting Beijing.

• Flavorful and tender duck meat: The roast duck is known for its succulent meat that is packed with flavor. The roasting process allows the fat to render, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
• Crispy skin: The highlight of the Beijing Roast Duck is its crispy skin. The skin is meticulously prepared to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness.
• Accompaniments: The roast duck is traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and a sweet bean sauce. The combination of these condiments enhances the flavors of the duck.
• Local restaurants: To experience the best Beijing Roast Duck, head to renowned restaurants like Quanjude and Da Dong Roast Duck.

Jianbing

Jianbing is a popular street food breakfast option in Beijing. It is a savory pancake made from a batter of mung bean and wheat flour. The pancake is usually filled with various ingredients such as egg, crispy fried dough sticks (you tiao), scallions, cilantro, and a tangy sauce. Jianbing is cooked on a hot griddle and folded into a portable wrap, making it a convenient and tasty choice for a quick meal.

• Crunchy and flavorful pancake: The combination of mung bean and wheat flour creates a pancake with a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
• Customizable fillings: Jianbing offers a range of fillings to choose from, including eggs, crispy fried dough sticks, scallions, cilantro, and sauces. You can customize your jianbing according to your preferences.
• Quick and convenient: Jianbing is a popular breakfast option among locals due to its portability and quick preparation. It is a perfect grab-and-go meal for those on the move.
• Street vendors: Look out for street vendors who specialize in jianbing to experience an authentic taste of this popular street food.

Lamb Skewers

Lamb skewers, known as “yangrouchuan” in Chinese, are a popular street food in Beijing. These skewers feature chunks of marinated lamb meat grilled over charcoal. The lamb skewers are seasoned with a variety of spices, including cumin, chili powder, and Sichuan peppercorns, giving them a unique and aromatic taste. The combination of tender lamb and flavorful spices makes these skewers a must-try street food in Beijing.

• Tender and juicy lamb: The marinated lamb meat used in the skewers is tender and juicy, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Aromatic spices: The spices used in the seasoning, such as cumin, chili powder, and Sichuan peppercorns, give the lamb skewers a distinctive flavor profile.
• Grilled to perfection: The skewers are grilled over charcoal, which imparts a smoky flavor to the lamb meat, enhancing its overall taste.
• Street food stalls: You can find lamb skewer vendors in various street food markets across Beijing, especially in the evenings.

Zhajiangmian

Zhajiangmian, also known as “noodles with fried sauce,” is a popular street food dish in Beijing. It consists of thick wheat noodles topped with a savory sauce made from stir-fried minced pork or soybean paste, along with various accompaniments like cucumber, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots. The combination of the flavorful sauce and the chewy noodles creates a satisfying and comforting dish.

• Savory sauce: The sauce used in zhajiangmian is made from stir-fried minced pork or soybean paste, which adds a rich and savory taste to the dish.
• Chewy wheat noodles: The thick wheat noodles used in zhajiangmian have a satisfying chewiness that complements the sauce and other toppings.
• Refreshing accompaniments: Zhajiangmian is typically served with cucumber, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots, adding a refreshing crunch to the dish.
• Street-side vendors: Look for street-side vendors or small eateries specializing in zhajiangmian to enjoy this popular Beijing street food.

Stinky Tofu

Stinky tofu, as the name suggests, is a pungent and fermented tofu dish that is a favorite among adventurous eaters in Beijing. The tofu is marinated in a combination of brine, vegetables, and spices, which gives it a distinct smell and flavor. It is then deep-fried until crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. Stinky tofu is often served with spicy chili sauce or a tangy pickled vegetable side dish.

• Unique aroma and flavor: Stinky tofu has a strong and distinct aroma due to the fermentation process. The flavor is rich and complex, with a combination of tanginess and earthiness.
• Crispy exterior, soft interior: The deep-frying process results in a crispy outer layer while the tofu inside remains soft and creamy.
• Accompaniments: Stinky tofu is typically served with spicy chili sauce or a pickled vegetable side dish to balance out the strong flavors.
• Street food markets: You can find stinky tofu stalls in popular street food markets like Wangfujing Snack Street and Guijie Street.

Scallion Pancakes

Scallion pancakes, also known as “cong you bing,” are a popular street food snack in Beijing. These pancakes are made from a dough that is rolled out and then layered with scallions and oil. The pancake is then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. Scallion pancakes are often enjoyed on their own or served as a side dish with various dipping sauces.

• Crispy and flaky texture: The layers of dough and scallions create a pancake with a crispy and flaky texture, making it a satisfying snack.
• Scallion aroma: The scallions used in the pancakes give them a fragrant and savory aroma that adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Versatile snack: Scallion pancakes can be enjoyed on their own or paired with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, vinegar, or chili oil.
• Street food vendors: Look for street food vendors or small eateries specializing in scallion pancakes to savor this delicious snack.

Sugar-Coated Hawberries

Sugar-coated hawberries, also known as “bing tang hu lu,” are a popular sweet treat in Beijing. These tangy hawthorn berries are skewered on bamboo sticks, dipped in a sugar syrup, and left to harden. The result is a crunchy and sweet coating that contrasts with the tartness of the hawberries. Sugar-coated hawberries are a delightful snack that can be enjoyed while exploring the streets of Beijing.

• Contrasting flavors: The combination of the sweet sugar coating and the tartness of the hawberries creates a delightful contrast of flavors in each bite.
• Crunchy texture: The sugar coating hardens around the hawberries, resulting in a satisfying crunch when you take a bite.
• Traditional snack: Sugar-coated hawberries have been a popular traditional snack in Beijing for many years and can often be found in street food markets.
• Seasonal availability: Hawberries are typically available during the autumn and winter seasons, so make sure to try this treat when it’s in season.

Liangpi

Liangpi, or cold skin noodles, is a refreshing street food dish in Beijing. It consists of wide, translucent noodles made from wheat or rice flour, topped with various ingredients like cucumber, bean sprouts, and a savory sauce. Liangpi is served cold, making it a perfect dish to beat the heat during the summer months.

• Refreshing cold dish: Liangpi is served cold, making it a refreshing option during hot summer days in Beijing.
• Chewy and translucent noodles: The noodles used in liangpi have a chewy texture and a translucent appearance, adding visual appeal to the dish.
• Crunchy accompaniments: Liangpi is typically topped with cucumber, bean sprouts, and other crunchy vegetables, providing a refreshing crunch.
• Street-side vendors: Look for street-side vendors or small eateries specializing in liangpi to experience this popular Beijing street food.

Conclusion

Exploring the street foods of Beijing is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local food culture and indulge in a wide array of flavors. From the famous Beijing Roast Duck to the savory Jianbing, each street food offers a unique and delicious experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to try these culinary delights when visiting Beijing. Remember to explore the local street food markets and stalls to discover even more hidden gems.

References

1. china.org.cn

2. travelchinaguide.com

3. timeoutbeijing.com

4. thebeijinger.com