You can’t come to Beijing without trying Peking Duck- here’s our recommendation for where to try this delectable dish. Famous not only for its roasted Peking ducks, Siji Minfu is also a common place to catch celebrities, movie stars, and a great view of the Forbidden City.
Forget about the big chain Peking duck brands you might research like Dadong or Quanjude. Siji Minfu offers a personal touch and sense of place- which is saying a lot in a city as busy and boisterous as Beijing. The decor is gorgeous, without being pretentious or uninviting of the casual attire most of its patrons don. With its peaceful setting right on the corner over looking the Forbidden City and its tasteful design, Siji Minfu has an exquisite vibe – without the huge price tag you’d expect from a place like this. On top of that, there are two massive wood-fire ovens on display in the dining room, where you can watch ducks get roasted and carved in an Imperial fashion. We highly recommend to visit during off peak times (late lunch or early dinner) to avoid wait times. Average price here is 170 RMB per person.
Opening Hours: Open daily between 10:30 AM and 10:30 PM. Avoid peak times because the waiting times can get up to 3 hours.
What To Order:
Deluxe Fresh Roasted Duck (特选香嫩烤鸭) – 108 RMB for half, 198 RMB for whole, plus 6 RMB for pancakes and 5 RMB/pax for condiments.
White Duck Bone Soup – 20 RMB
Kung Pao Shelled Shrimp – 138 RMB
Beijing soybean paste noodles (老北京炸酱面)
Imperial dessert platter (宫廷小吃拼盘)
Location 1: (The Imperial Palace Branch)
Where it’s located: 11 Nanchizi Street, near the east gate of the Forbidden City. Accessible by the Dengshikou subway station on Line 5.
What to show your taxi driver: 师傅请带我去, 南池子大街11号故宫东门旁,谢谢。
Map: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map
Location 2: Worker’s Stadium Branch
Where it’s located: 58 Worker’s Stadium East Rd. Accessible by Tuanjiehu subway station on Line 10, exit A.
What to show your taxi driver: 师傅请带我去, 工体东路58号,谢谢。
Map: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map
Location 3: Da Zha Lan Branch
Where it’s located: 2nd Floor, 18 Qianmen Dazhalan Commercial Str. Accessible by Qianmen subway station on Line 2, exit C.
What to show your taxi driver: 师傅请带我去, 前门大栅栏商业街18号,谢谢。
Map: Google Map (requires VPN in China) or Chinese Map