Food and Dining in Beijing

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The American-style Chinese food delivered to weary diners across the country bears only a slight resemblance to the authentic fare you will find in your visit to Beijing. Of course, the city is very accustomed to American tourists and many establishments cater to them by offering the same “Chinese food” they have at home. If you want the real thing, steer clear of tourist-heavy spots.

Meals in Beijing typically consist of two components: a starch (rice and noodles, for instance) and an accompanying dish of fish, meat, or sometimes simply vegetables. Desserts are rare, and if one is served, it is usually just a plate of orange slices. Hot tea is the choice beverage, as Chinese people believe cold drinks inhibit proper digestion. People eat with chopsticks, often out of communal bowls in the center of the table.

Beijing is typically associated with the Mandarin style of Chinese cuisine (the Cantonese style is closely associated with the southern portion of the country). The Mandarin style has roots in the meals served to the Imperial royals at the Forbidden City, but has grown and evolved to the point of being difficult to condense into a complete definition. Some of the signature dishes include Peking Duck, Hot and Sour Soup, and Sweetened Vinegar Spareribs.

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