Best Mutton Hot Pot in Beijing: Top Copper Pot Restaurants & Winter Guide
Discover the warmth and flavor of Beijing’s traditional Copper Pot Mutton Hot Pot. To dive deeper into Beijing’s real food culture, check out the full selection on our Beijing Local Food Trails page.
1. What Makes Beijing Copper Pot Mutton Hot Pot Special?
For winter travelers, nothing beats gathering around a bubbling copper pot of mutton in Beijing.
- Tender mutton slices cooked in swirling water
- Rich sesame paste dipping sauce with fermented chive flowers, bean curd, and chili
- Unique copper aroma from the pot
- Atmospheric dining experience reminiscent of Old Beijing
This is more than a meal—it’s a cultural experience, warming you from the inside out.
2. History of Copper Pot Hot Pot in Beijing
Beijing Copper Pot Mutton Hot Pot (Tongguo Shuan Yangrou) dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, when Mongols cooked mutton outdoors using their helmets as makeshift pots.
Over centuries, the style evolved:
- Copper pot design with central charcoal flue
- Swirling method to cook meat evenly and preserve tenderness
- Traditional dipping sauces using sesame paste and local condiments
This unique cooking style preserves the flavors of Old Beijing life, offering an authentic taste of history.
3. Best Mutton Hot Pot Restaurants in Beijing
Here are the top spots where tourists and locals alike can enjoy authentic Copper Pot Mutton Hot Pot.
1. Donglaishun (Wangfujing Branch) — The Century-Old Hot Pot King
- Keywords: Century-Old Brand, Premium Mutton, Traditional Flavor
- Location: No. 198 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Price: ¥150–200 per person
- Access: Subway Line 1 or 8 to Wangfujing Station (Exit E), 5-min walk
- Insider Tip: Their Inner Mongolian mutton is tender and high-quality. The restaurant is often crowded; arrive early.
- Reservations: Dianping, Meituan, phone
2. Nanmen Shuanrou (Houhai Branch) — Lakeside Dining with Scenic Views
- Keywords: Copper Pot, Scenic View, Popular Hot Pot
- Location: No. 1 Nanguanfang Hutong, Xicheng District
- Price: ¥120–180 per person
- Access: Subway Line 6 to Beihai North Station (Exit B), short walk
- Insider Tip: Enjoy cloisonné-style copper pots while looking over Houhai Lake. Reserve ahead or go off-peak.
- Reservations: Dianping, phone
3. Jubao Yuan (Niujie Main Store) — Halal Hot Pot Specialist
- Keywords: Niujie Delicacy, Hand-Cut Mutton, Queue System
- Location: No. 5-2 Niujie, Xicheng District
- Price: ¥100–150 per person
- Access: Subway Line 4 or 7 to Caishikou Station (Exit D)
- Insider Tip: Famous for hand-cut mutton with clear marbling. Must queue on-site; no online reservation.
- Reservations: On-site only
4. Yangfang Shengli Shuanrou (Shengli Main Store) — Suburban Hot Pot Gem
- Keywords: Large Portions, Rustic Flavor, Suburban Dining
- Location: Middle Commercial Street, Yangfang Town, Changping District
- Price: ¥80–120 per person
- Access: Changping Subway Line to Shahe, transfer bus Chang 57 to Yangfang Station
- Insider Tip: Huge portions, fresh daily mutton, very authentic. Perfect for groups or budget travelers.
- Reservations: Phone only
4. Comparison Table: Which Hot Pot is Right for You?
| Restaurant | Location | Price Range | Best For | Highlights | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donglaishun | Wangfujing | ¥150–200 | Classic taste | Century-old brand, premium mutton | Yes |
| Nanmen Shuanrou | Houhai | ¥120–180 | Scenic dining | Lakeside view, beautiful copper pots | Yes |
| Jubao Yuan | Niujie | ¥100–150 | Halal travelers | Hand-cut mutton, queue system | No |
| Yangfang Shengli | Changping | ¥80–120 | Large groups, budget | Huge portions, rustic style | Phone only |
5. How to Enjoy Copper Pot Mutton Like a Local
- Select the right cuts: Tenderloin, leg, shoulder. Hand-cut is ideal.
- Swirl order: Lean cuts first, then fattier cuts.
- Dipping sauces: Sesame paste, fermented chive flowers, bean curd, chili.
- Cooking time: 10–15 seconds per slice to maintain tenderness.
- Pairing: Vegetables, tofu, vermicelli, and sweet/sour pickled garlic for balance.
6. Extra Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Go on weekdays to avoid crowds
- Half or full pot depending on group size
- Reservations recommended for Donglaishun, Nanmen Shuanrou
- Bring friends—hot pot is best shared
- “After enjoying a Copper Pot Mutton Hot Pot, explore more Beijing flavors in our Best Foods to Try in Beijing guide.”
- “For local snacks beyond hot pot, check out Best Places to Eat Local Beijing Snacks.”
