Peking Roast Duck: How & Where to Eat in Beijing

Peking Roast Duck is one of the most famous dishes in Chinese cuisine, particularly associated with Beijing (formerly Peking). In ancient China, it was a staple in the imperial court and gained widespread fame. The duck is roasted to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite while the meat remains succulent and flavorful. Follow us and see how to eat Peking roast duck and the most recommended restaurants for it.

History of Peking Roast Duck

Sliced Beijing Roast Duck

Roast Duck has a long history in China. More than 650 years ago, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, set the capital in Nanjing. The people of Nanjing enjoyed eating duck, and the emperor liked it too. The imperial chefs came up with various duck recipes to please the emperor, and that's how roast duck was born.

Later, when the third Ming emperor, Zhu Di, moved the capital to Beijing, they brought along many skilled chefs who were good at making roast duck. Over time, roast duck spread among the common people and was no longer exclusive to the royal court. It then became known as Peking duck (Beijing Duck).

How to Eat Peking Roast Duck

1. Taste the crispy skin

The cook cuts off the skin of the roast duck first

Usually, at the beginning of your meal, you will be served with a dish of crispy duck skin, which is cut off from duck chest. Simply dip the sauce, usually a special sweet bean or hoisin sauce, or granulated sugar to taste its crispy texture.

2. Wrap the skin and meat with pancakes

The cook is making a roast duck pancake

The next dish is roast duck meat with crispy skin, along with thin pancakes and some sliced cucumbers and scallions. The texture of roast duck meat is different from its skin, as it's tender and juicy. Take a pancake, spread the sauce on it, layer the sliced cucumbers, scallions and roast duck on top, and then roll it up to eat like a burrito.

3. Drink soup made of duck bones

Duck bones soup cooked with vegetables

Since the roast duck is served in slices rather than as a whole, only the bones remain after serving. Some restaurants use the bones to make soup by simmering them with tofu and vegetables for about 20 minutes. The soup has a creamy white color and tastes delicious.

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Top 5 Restaurants for Peking Roast Duck

We frequently receive this question from our customers, and it’s easy to understand why. Most visitors on a Beijing tour or a China tour that includes Beijing only stay for a few days, making it challenging to find the best place for authentic Beijing Roast Duck, even though it’s available on many restaurant menus.

Here are several places for choice, both widely acclaimed among Chinese people and foreigners.

1. Quanjude

The gate of Quanjude

Chinese: 全聚德

Average budget per person: 170 RMB (24 USD)

Note: Quanjude is always crowded, and waiters always seem in a rush. If you decide to taste the duck in this famous restaurant, be prepared for its “lively” atmosphere.

2. Siji Minfu

The cook is slicing the roast duck 

Chinese: 四季民福烤鸭店

Average budget per person: 160 RMB (22.5 USD)

Note: In addition to roast duck, this restaurant also specializes in roast lamb. The Beijing traditional desserts served here are also incredibly delicious. Compared to Quanjude, it is also very popular and often requires waiting in line.

3. Da Dong Roast Duck

Chinese: 大董烤鸭店

Average budget per person: 120 RMB (17 USD)

Note: Da Dong offers a handbook to each table showing diners a variety of ways to eat a roast duck. Reservation is strongly suggested considering its popularity.

4. Bianyifang

Prepare the ducks for roasting

Chinese: 便宜坊

Average budget per person: 100 RMB (14 USD)

Note: This restaurant mentioned that their method of roasting duck is different from other restaurants. Compared to others, the duck at this restaurant has a more tender texture, and the skin is not very crispy. The meat is relatively loose, with a higher moisture content.

5. Yulin Beijing Duck Restaurant

Chinese: 玉林北京烤鸭店

Average budget per person: 90 RMB (12.5 USD)

Note: The roast duck at this restaurant offers great value for the price. However, it can't be ordered in half portions, and the serving size is quite large - might be challenging for two people to finish it. Ordering just one roast duck and a plate of vegetables is enough.

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Travel With Us for Authentic Beijing Food

Apart from Peking Roast Duck, there are many yummy Beijing cuisines waiting for you, such as Beijing Mutton Hotpot, Noodles with Soybean Paste, Candied Hawthorn Berries (Tanghulu), etc. Write to trip@odynovotours.com or simply click here for a customized Beijing food tour. We can tailor a trip to Beijing just for you, leaving you with a hassle-free journey!