Independent Beijing Night Tour for Imperial and Official Food

The imperial and official food in Beijing were mainly derived from Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). They are among the best of Beijing food. If you want to have a very honorable, unforgettable and characteristic Chinese dining experience in the city, this independent tour will be very helpful. 

1. Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Location: No.29, Suzhou Street, Haidian District

The restaurant is located inside a private garden of a princess of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Once stepping into the courtyard, you will be surprised by its atmosphere. Especially at night, the highly hanging big red lanterns, arch bridge, flowing water, artificial hill and pavilions have all shown the artistic techniques of the imperial gardens. All the servants here are dressed in the clothes of the Qing Dynasty, serving guests with the etiquette of the Qing Dynasty. There are also performances in the lobby for guests to appreciate.

Specialties: Fried Shrimps, Yellow Croaker with Chinese Toon, Imperial Barbecued Pork, Four Delicacies, Kung Pao Shrimps, Royal Chicken Soup, Stewed Papaya and Chinese Forest Frog, Rolling Donkey (Glutinous Rice Roll with Sweet Bean Flour)
Average cost: CNY560

2. Li Family Restaurant

Location: Beside the south gate of Houhai Park

As a representative of the imperial food restaurant, all food here are cooked with carefully chosen ingredients. During the cooking, only natural seasonings are used, like salt, sugar, and soy sauce. Fillers like soda, artificial colors, and preservatives; and flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate and chicken essence are never used. What also absent in the kitchen are microwave ovens, pressure cookers and other modern kitchen wares, which means all dishes are cooked on the fire, which help preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients. 

Specialties: Emerald-Jade Bean Curd, Sweet and Sour Spareribs, Boiled Chinese Cabbage in Mustard, Braised Tiger-skin Pig Elbow
Average cost: CNY620; the set menu is CNY268/ person 

3. Fangshan Restaurant

Location: Inside Beihai Park opposite the Nine-Dragon Screen

Fangshan literally means “imitating imperial food”. Actually, diners coming here can not only taste the auspicious imperial food, but also experience royal dining culture. At the entrance, the servants dressed in Qing dynasty clothes will welcome you, holding a red light. Entering it, you will find the restaurant decorated like royal palaces, with dragon and phoenix patterns frequently seen. Even the dishes are served in the “royal” tableware. In the restaurant, you will also have a chance to see how the royal dishes are made and watch performances of “emperor accepting congratulations and milk tea on his birthday banquet”.  

Specialties: Yellow Pea Cake, French Bean Rolls, Minced Meat with Sesame Cakes, Braised Frog-Shaped Abalone, Shrimps Cooked in Two Styles
Average cost: CNY150-200

4. Ting Li Guan Restaurant

Location: at the southern foot of the Longevity Hill inside Summer Palace

Initially built in the Resign of Qianlong Emperor (1736-1796) in the Qing Dynasty, Ting Li Guan was originally for royal members to watch operas. After the foundation of PRC in 1949, it was transformed into a restaurant. According to the royal menu, the restaurant has developed several feasts and hundreds of dishes. The most famous is Man-Chu Feast including 108 dishes. In addition, the chefs also created some dishes with medical effects. 

Specialties: Lotus Flower and Mandarinfish Shreds, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Sautéed Four Delicacies in Sauce, Fried Shrimp, Braised Duck with Chopped Mandarinfish 
Average cost: CNY500; the set menu is CNY168/person

5. Na’s Restaurant

Location: Fragrant Hills Branch: No. Yi 58, Maimai Street, Haidian District; 
         Zhongguancun Branch: B1, Internet Financial Center, No. Jia 1, Danleng Street, Haidian District

The owner of the restaurant is the offspring of the Qing Dynasty royal family who likes delicious food. Based on the traditional royal food and adding some present cooking methods, the owner created many unique royal dishes. The restaurant is also decorated in traditional Qing style, mainly by wood, not luxury, but introverted and elegant. It is especially popular among lovers for dating. 

Specialties: Crisp Shrimp, Yellow Soup, Sweet-scented Osmanthus with Chinese Yam, Mashed Potato, Cream Fried Cake
Average cost: CNY160

 See more: Top 10 Beijing Imperial Cuisine Restaurants

1. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: Originated from southeast China by the sea, the dish was originally made of various seafood. After being introduced to imperial kitchen, it was added with venison and deer's sinew these materials loved by royal members. 

2. Braised Shark’s Fin: Mainly cooked with shark’s fin and chicken soup, it is very tender and delicious, and can strengthen the body. 

3. Braised Deer's Sinew: It was one of the favorite dishes of Emperor Yongzheng when he was still a princess. After he was crowned, the dish was added into the imperial menu. Deer’s sinew was braised together with cabbage, chicken and chicken soup, presenting a very chewy and umami flavor. 

4. Stir-fried Fish Slices: It is one of the representative dishes made with the stir-fry method. The fish slices taste crisp outside and tender inside. Even those do not like fish will fall in love with it. 

5. Lean Pork in Pouch-shaped Fried Egg: Cooked lean pork are wrapped into the friend egg shaped like the pouches made with yellow silk and worn by royal members and officials, attracting and delicious.