Best Baodu in Beijing

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Verdict

Fried Liver, Small Snacks — Wangfujing

Queue

Go

12:30; famous for shouting waiters and massive "sea bowls" that capture the theatrical energy of old Beijing.

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$

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Verdict

Dumplings, Beef Pancakes — Andingmen

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Go

13:00; prized for exceptionally chewy hand-pulled noodles that provide a superior foundation for the savory sauce.

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$

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Mutton Hot Pot, Sesame Sauce — Houhai

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Go

19:00; legendary hot pot house where the noodles are often ordered as the final course to soak up the meal's energy.

Price

$$

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Heritage Flavor, Quick Service — Dongsi

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Go

13:30; long-standing shop with a focus on the most traditional "boiled-to-order" service style.

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$

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Pork Liver Stew, Baozi — Drum Tower

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Go

09:30; historic eatery in the shadow of the Drum Tower where the noodles are fast, cheap, and deeply authentic.

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$

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Lake View, Traditional Snacks — Shichahai

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Go

12:30; situated near the scenic lakes, providing a classic taste of old Beijing with a view.

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$$

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Variety Cuts, Local Vibe — Madian

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Go

18:30; neighborhood favorite known for serving a wide variety of different tripe cuts, each with its own texture.

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$

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Zhajiangmian, Duck Frame Soup — Forbidden City

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Go

16:30; arrive early to secure a table overlooking the Forbidden City's historic palace moat.

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$$

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Baodu, Mutton Hot Pot — Madian

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Go

20:00; uses a small amount of rendered mutton fat in the sauce, giving it an unmistakable North Chinese aroma.

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$$

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Mutton Hot Pot, Shaobing — Niujie

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Go

13:30; an Islamic-Beijing institution where the beef-based sauce provides a unique savory-sweet balance to the noodles.

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$

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Mutton Hot Pot, Sesame Pancakes — Qianmen

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Go

13:00; a Time-Honored Brand since the late Qing Dynasty known for its precision slicing and historic atmosphere.

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$$

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Rice Cakes, Pea Flour — various

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Go

15:00; a legendary Time-Honored Brand providing an ultra-affordable bowl that captures the unpretentious flavors of local commoners.

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$

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Islamic Snacks, Fresh Tripe — Niujie

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Go

11:30; a Niujie institution where the tripe is exceptionally fresh and served with a particularly robust sesame sauce.

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$

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Old Beijing Vibe, Traditional Sweets — Dongsi

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Go

15:30; historic institution rivaling Huguo Temple in its dedication to traditional imperial-era Manchu-style recipes.

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$

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Heritage Variety, Houhai Lake — Houhai

Queue

Go

14:00; a "snack museum" bringing dozens of traditional vendors under one roof specifically to preserve heritage recipes.

Price

$

Dietary