The Ultimate Peking Duck Guide: Where to Eat the Best Roast Duck in Beijing
Your essential traveler’s guide to Beijing’s most iconic dish. To dive deeper into Beijing’s real food culture, check out the full selection on our Beijing Local Food Trails page.
1. What Makes Peking Duck So Special?
For many travelers, Peking Duck is the culinary highlight of visiting Beijing. Crispy skin, tender meat, delicate pancakes, sweet bean sauce, sliced scallions—it’s a bite that combines texture, aroma, and centuries of tradition.
What makes it unforgettable?
- Skin so crisp it crackles
- Meat so tender it melts
- A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky
- A ceremonial slicing experience right at your table
Peking Duck is not just food—it’s an experience.
2. A Quick History of Beijing’s Signature Dish
Peking Duck actually originated in Nanjing during the Ming Dynasty. When the emperor moved the capital to Beijing, the duck recipe followed and evolved. Two roasting styles emerged:
Open-Oven Style (Gualu) – Represented by Quanjude
- Wood-fired
- Smoky aroma
- Deep golden, crispy skin
Closed-Oven Style (Menlu) – Represented by Bianyifang
- Slow-roasted with retained heat
- Juicier meat
- More delicate flavor
Both styles are delicious, but they offer different dining experiences.
3. Best Peking Duck Restaurants in Beijing
Below are the five most reliable and traveler-friendly options—perfect for first-time visitors.
⭐ 1. Quanjude (Qianmen) — The Iconic Classic
Keywords: Open-oven, historic brand, ceremonial slicing
Price: $30–$45 USD per person
Best for: First-time travelers looking for a classic experience
Why go:
Quanjude is the most internationally recognized name. The traditional wood-fired duck has a shiny amber skin and a rich aroma. The Qianmen branch is especially atmospheric.
Traveler Tip:
Make a reservation—queues can get long during peak hours.
⭐ 2. Bianyifang (Xianyukou) — Best-Value Traditional Duck
Keywords: Closed-oven, time-honored, juicy meat
Price: $20–$30 USD per person
Best for: Travelers on a budget without sacrificing authenticity
Why go:
Bianyifang serves a softer, juicier style of duck thanks to its closed-oven technique. A great option if you want something less smoky but just as traditional.
Traveler Tip:
Arrive slightly before lunch or around 3–4 pm to avoid waiting.
⭐ 3. Siji Minfu (Forbidden City) — Best View + Duck Combo
Keywords: Scenic dining, trendy, great plating
Price: $30–$45 USD per person
Best for: Foodies, photographers, couples
Why go:
This branch is famous for seating that overlooks the Forbidden City’s Corner Tower. The duck is beautifully roasted, and dipping the skin in sugar is a popular signature.
Traveler Tip:
Book window seats 1–2 days in advance.
⭐ 4. Dadong (Gongti) — Modern, Creative, Instagram-Worthy
Keywords: Fine dining, innovative, “lean” crispy skin
Price: $40–$55 USD per person
Best for: Travelers wanting upscale dining
Why go:
Dadong is known for its artistic plating and its famous “Crisp but Not Greasy” duck. The ambiance is chic and perfect for a celebratory meal.
Traveler Tip:
Try pairing the duck with their creative small plates.
⭐ 5. Liqun Roast Duck — Best Hutong Atmosphere
Keywords: Hutong vibes, old-school taste
Price: $15–$25 USD per person
Best for: Travelers seeking authentic, no-frills Beijing flavor
Why go:
Hidden inside a traditional hutong, Liqun offers the most “local” dining style. The interior is rustic, the duck is smoky and flavorful, and the experience is unforgettable.
Traveler Tip:
Go early—this place fills up quickly despite its humble look.
5. How to Eat Peking Duck Like a Local
To enjoy the duck properly, follow these steps:
Step 1 — Eat the Skin First
Dip the crispy skin in white sugar—a Beijing classic.
Step 2 — Make a Pancake Roll
Pancake + duck slices + scallion + cucumber + sweet bean sauce.
Step 3 — Don’t Forget the Duck Frame
Choose between:
- Duck bone soup (creamy and light)
- Spicy duck frame (crispy and addictive)
6. Extra Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Best time to visit: weekdays, 11:00–15:00
- Portion control: a full duck feeds 2–3 people
- Reservations recommended: especially for Siji Minfu and Dadong
- Go with an empty stomach: a proper duck feast is filling
A proper Peking Duck feast is just the beginning of your culinary journey in Beijing. Check out our guide on Best Foods to Try in Beijing for local must-eats beyond duck. Discover even more local flavors in our article on Best Places to Eat Local Beijing Snacks.
