Peking Roast Duck is the most iconic local dish in Beijing, with a history of over 600 years. When you order Peking Duck, the chef presents the whole roast duck and carves it in front of you.
A single duck can be sliced into about 70-80 pieces, each piece containing both skin and meat. The duck is served with thin pancakes, green onions, cucumbers, and sweet soybean paste.
Almost every part of the duck can be used to create dishes, including the wings, feet, heart, tongue, and liver. Even the bones can be turned into a delicious duck bone soup, known as the "All Duck Banquet."
For the best flavor, the duck should be of high quality, specifically the white Beijing variety, which is raised on farms around the city. These ducks are fed four times a day to ensure they grow quickly, reaching a weight of 3-3.5 kilograms (6.6-7.6 pounds).
Having taken many guests to various roast duck restaurants, I also enjoy dining here with my relatives and friends when they visit Beijing. Below are my top 7 recommended roast duck brands, listed from highest to lowest average spending.
Hi, I'm Helen. I have been living in Beijing for over 20 years. I initially came here because it is renowned as an international metropolis. As I gradually became familiar with the city, I found myself fascinated by its long history, rich cultural heritage, and progressive urban spirit. This inspired me to become a local tour guide—a messenger of cultural transmission—so that I could help more people experience the vibrant vitality of Beijing.
Content Preview
- 1. Dadong Roast Duck (大董)
- 2. 1949 - Duck de Chine (1949全鸭季)
- 3. Siji Minfu Restaurant Peking Roast Duck (四季民福)
- 4. Quanjude Roast Duck (全聚德)
- 5. Juqi Roast Duck (局气)
- 6. Beiping Shengshi Roast Duck Restaurant (北平盛世)
- 7. Dawanju Restaurant (大碗居)
- Discover the Wonders of Beijing with China Highlights
1. Dadong Roast Duck (大董)
- Average Cost: Approximately CNY 450
- English Service: Staff can speak some English.
- Address: Multiple locations, but I recommend the Wangfujing branch, as most of our guests stay nearby and it's convenient for shopping.
Dadong is considered one of the most upscale and refined roast duck restaurants in Beijing. It's a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its beautiful presentation, reminiscent of fine dining. The menu includes Western-style dishes, making it a popular choice for high-end business groups.
Dadong Roast Duck2. 1949 - Duck de Chine (1949全鸭季)
- Average Cost: Approximately CNY 450
- English Service: Staff can speak English.
- Address: Currently, there is only one location at 98 Jinbao Street, not far from many hotels in Wangfujing.
1949 - Duck de Chine is a refined restaurant located in a charming courtyard in a hutong. The environment is fancy, and the dishes are exquisite and flavorful, making it suitable for foreign guests.
Although it is slightly pricey, it's worth recommending. The restaurant often hosts international celebrities. Reservations are recommended, but if you walk in, you should be seated quickly.
1949 - Duck de ChineIf you have to choose between Dadong and 1949, I recommend 1949 for its courtyard setting and larger portion sizes at a similar price point.
3. Siji Minfu Restaurant Peking Roast Duck (四季民福)
- Average Cost: Approximately CNY 200
- English Service: Staff generally do not speak English; consider using translation apps or asking your guide for assistance.
- Address: Multiple locations; I recommend the Wangfujing Dong'anmen branch or the Forbidden City branch, as they are convenient for transportation.
Si Ji Min Fu is the restaurant I most often recommend when guests ask me where to eat Peking Duck. It offers a refined environment with great roast duck and other dishes.
Due to its affordable prices and good taste, it's popular and often crowded, especially on weekends, where you might wait 2-3 hours.
You can reserve a spot in advance via apps like Dianping or Meituan, which are in Chinese. If you don't have these apps or cannot read Chinese, you can ask your guide for help.
Chef slices the duckRecommended Forbidden City Tours
4. Quanjude Roast Duck (全聚德)
- Average Cost: Approximately CNY 200
- English Service: Staff can speak some English.
- Address: Multiple locations; I recommend the Hepingmen flagship store for better food and service.
Quanjude has a history of over 150 years, attracting many tourists due to its long-standing reputation. Except for the main store at Peace Gate, other branches may not be as clean or as well-presented.
No reservations are accepted for the main dining area; just take a number upon arrival, as there are many tables and usually not much waiting time.
Our guests enjoyed roast duck at Quanjude5. Juqi Roast Duck (局气)
- Average Cost: Approximately CNY 150
- English Service: Some staff can speak basic English; consider using translation apps or asking your guide for help.
- Address: Multiple locations; if you're near Wangfujing, consider the Wangfujing APM branch.
In Beijing culture, "局气" (júqì) means having good manners and being polite in social situations. It describes someone who knows how to behave nicely with others, making everyone feel comfortable and happy.
Juqi Roast Duck focuses on traditional Beijing culture, offering not only roast duck but also local snacks and desserts. It's a popular spot among locals, and you may find shorter wait times compared to Siji Minfu.
Before serving, the chef writes a character 福 for "good fortune" on the duck, adding a special touch. If you want to surprise someone, you can ask the restaurant to write a different character, like "CH" for China Highlights.
Put duck meat, green onions, cucumber and sweet sauce in pancakes6. Beiping Shengshi Roast Duck Restaurant (北平盛世)
- Average Cost: Approximately CNY 100
- English Service: Staff do not speak English; you can use translation apps or ask a guide for assistance.
- Address: Multiple locations; choose one close to your hotel.
This restaurant offers affordable prices and standard dishes. If you want to try roast duck on a budget, this is a good option.
No reservations are accepted for the main dining area; just take a number upon arrival, with minimal waiting time.
Roll up the pancake with duck meat, green onions, cucumber and sweet sauce7. Dawanju Restaurant (大碗居)
- Average Cost: Approximately CNY 100
- English Service: Staff do not speak English; you can use translation apps or ask your guide for assistance.
- Address: Multiple locations; I personally prefer the Chongwenmen branch, as it's close to the Temple of Heaven.
Dawanju is budget-friendly with generous portions. While the dishes may not be extraordinary, they are tasty. The signature dishes include roast duck and fish head pancake, and their fried sauce noodles are also good.
No reservations are accepted for the main dining area; just take a number upon arrival, with minimal waiting time.
Dawanju RestaurantRecommended Temple of Heaven Tours
Discover the Wonders of Beijing with China Highlights
Our expert guides are dedicated to providing personalized itineraries that cater to your interests, ensuring every moment is tailored just for you.
From iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City to hidden gems off the beaten path, we make your journey seamless and memorable. Choose China Highlights for a travel experience that exceeds expectations and creates lasting memories! Just contact us.