Da Dong Roast Duck
Da Dong’s claim to fame is its signature lean duck. The meat remains tender under a thin layer of crisp skin, and it is complemented perfectly with the provided sugar. For quality duck, the prices are competitive (a whole bird costs RMB 198) but by no means cheap. Seats fill up fast and booking is not available after 6.30pm, so reserve your table ahead of time or prepare for a long wait.
Daily 11am-10pm. 3 Tuanjiehu Beikou, Dongsanhuan Lu (southeast corner of Changhong Qiao), Chaoyang District (6582 2892/4003) 北京大董烤鸭店, 朝阳区团结湖北口3号楼东三环路(长虹桥东南角) See Directory for more locations.
Quanjude
Quanjude is a popular tourist destination in Beijing, and for good reason. The birds here (RMB 218 per duck) have fed historical icons such as Fidel Castro and Richard Nixon, and to this day, they still hit the spot. Each duck comes with a certificate of authenticity that can be kept as a souvenir.
Daily 11am-9pm. 8 Guangqumenwai Dajie (west of Shuangjing Qiao), Chaoyang District(5861 2288) 全聚德, 朝阳区朝阳区广渠门外大街8号(双井桥西南角) See Directory for more locations.
Made in China
Made in China is a chic restaurant that gives a modern edge to an ancient favorite. Here you can find delectable duck (RMB 238 for a whole duck, RMB 148 for a half duck) and authentic northern Chinese dishes. Not only is the food to die for, but the atmosphere is beautifully thought out. The restaurant features an open kitchen where you can view the cooking process.
Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. 1/F, Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1 Dongchang’an Jie, Dongcheng District (8518 1234 ext 6024) 长安一号, 东城区东长安街1号东方广场北京东方君悦大酒店1层
Bianyifang
This time-honored eatery dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is the oldest duck restaurant in Beijing. Unlike most restaurants, Bianyifang roasts its ducks (RMB 142) in closed ovens, which makes the skin extra crispy and juicy. The restaurant also serves unique flavored ducks infused with tastes ranging from floral tea to garlic.
Daily 11am-9.30pm. 3/F, Building 2, New World Shopping Mall, 3 Chongwenmenwai Dajie, Chongwen District (6708 8680) 便宜坊, 崇文区崇文门外大街3号新世界商场二期3层 See Directory for more locations.
Duck de Chine
This impressive duck restaurant has a divine signature duck sauce made from plum, sesame, and peanut. It has an elegant atmosphere and a hip factory setting which makes it great for entertaining guests. The menu offers a unique fusion of French and Chinese cuisine that brings out the best of both countries’ flavors. Sets range from RMB 188-388 per person.
Daily 11am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. 1949, the Hidden City, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu (opposite the south gate of Pacific Century Place Mall), Chaoyang District (6501 8881) 全鸭季, 朝阳区工体北路4号院 (太平洋百货南门对面)See Directory for more listings.
Also try: Liqun Roast Duck Restaurant and Guolin Jiachangcai. See Directory for listings.
This article is excerpted from beijingkids December 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.