Beijing Dough Figurines: A Unique Folk Art
Phoenix Lee Beijing dough figurines, also known as mian ren or dough sculpture, are a traditional folk art that combines simplicity with artistry. Made primarily from flour and glutinous rice flour, the…
Luosi Zhuaner: Beijing’s Twisted Noodle Pastry
Luosi Zhuaner is a unique Beijing pastry known for its paper-thin, crispy texture, crafted from delicate strands of noodle-like dough that shatter upon touch. How It’s Made The process begins…
Jing Ba Jian: Beijing’s Iconic Eight Pastries
Jing Ba Jian, or “The Eight Pastries of Beijing,” is an assortment of eight distinctively designed and flavorful traditional sweets. They were originally created in the kitchens of the imperial…
The Legacy of Beijing’s Cheese (Traditional Milk Curd )
The classic Qing dynasty text Poems of the Capital captures the essence of Beijing’s cheese, or traditional milk curd, with a vivid description: “Stopping for a bowl on the street,…
Beijing’s Specialty Breed—The Pekingese
The Pekingese, also known as the Imperial Lion Dog or Peking Lion Dog, is an ancient Chinese breed with over 4,000 years of history. Compact and balanced, with a heavier…
The Art of Glass Grapes and Its 200-Year Legacy in Beijing
In October 1894, during the 60th birthday celebrations for Empress Dowager Cixi in the Chinese lunar calendar, Emperor Guangxu held a grand ceremony at the Summer Palace. As Cixi prepared…
Beijing Bao Du: A Century-Old Tradition of Quick-Cooked Tripe Delicacies
Members of the Hui Muslim community often run Bao Du, a renowned snack from Beijing with a rich history. The earliest record of Bao Du dates back to the Qianlong…
Beijing Grilled Lamb: A Thousand-Year Tradition of Mongolian-Inspired BBQ
The custom of grilling lamb in Beijing is rooted in more than a millennium and it was introduced first by Mongolian people. The Ming Dynasty, palace customs included heating rooms,…
“Wonton Hou” in Beijing’s Culinary Scene
Why did “Wonton Hou” become so famous in Beijing? It’s all about quality and tradition. Established decades ago, “Wonton Hou” has been dedicated to serving wontons, with the exception of…