June 10, 2026
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Wander Any Place
Old Beijing Douzhi
Why Jensen Huang's Painful Face Made This Heritage Drink Go Viral
豆汁 Douzhi (Fermented Soybean Milk)
Description
Douzhi is a traditional Beijing snack made from fermented mung beans with a unique sour taste. Although it may take some getting used to at first, it has high nutritional value and is a beloved breakfast item among old Beijing residents. The fermentation process gives it a distinctive flavor that regular soybean milk simply cannot match.
How to Eat
1. Douzhi is typically served warm or at room temperature in a deep bowl
2. Eat with jiaoquan (fried dough twists) and pickled vegetables for authentic taste
3. Sip slowly to appreciate its complex sour flavor profile
4. Add sugar for sweetness or chili oil for extra kick based on personal preference
Recommended Restaurants
尹三豆汁 Yin San Douzhi
Address: Inside the North Gate of Temple of Heaven, Dongcheng District
老磁器口豆汁 Old Ciqikou Douzhi Shop
Address: No. 12 Ciqikou Street, Dongcheng District
爆肚儿 Bao Dur (Fried Pork Stomach)
Description
Bao Dur is a classic Beijing snack made from fresh pork stomach that is quickly fried at high temperature. The result is a crispy exterior with a tender and chewy interior. It is typically served with sesame sauce, garlic sauce, and chopped green onions for an authentic Beijing flavor experience.
How to Eat
1. Eat it immediately while it's still hot and crispy
2. Dip in the special sesame sauce for enhanced flavor
3. Add garlic sauce and chopped green onions to taste
4. The key is to enjoy the contrast between the crispy skin and chewy texture
Recommended Restaurants
牛街清真满恒记 Niujie Halal Manhengji
Address: Southwest corner of Ping'anli West Street and Zhao Dengyu Intersection, Xicheng District
王府井小吃街 Wangfujing Snack Street
Address: Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District
卤煮 Lu Zhu (Braised Pork Offal)
Description
Lu Zhu is a hearty Beijing snack featuring braised pork offal including intestines, stomach, and lungs, cooked in a rich soy sauce broth with tofu and vermicelli. The slow-braising process creates tender and flavorful meat that is both satisfying and nutritious. It is a popular late-night comfort food among Beijing locals.
How to Eat
1. Serve hot with the savory broth
2. The intestines and tofu absorb the rich soy sauce flavor perfectly
3. Eat with steamed buns or mantou to soak up the delicious broth
4. Sprinkle with cilantro and chili oil for extra flavor
Recommended Restaurants
门框胡同百年卤煮 Menkuang Hutong Century Braised Pork
Address: No. 2A, Zhao Dengyu Road, Xicheng District
陈记卤煮小肠 Chen Ji Braised Pork Intestines
Address: No. 82, Langfang 2nd Alley, Xicheng District
炒肝 Chao Gan (Fried Liver)
Description
Chao Gan is a traditional Beijing snack made from pig liver and intestines cooked in a thick soy sauce-based gravy. Despite its name, it is actually a stewed dish rather than fried. The thick, glossy gravy clings to the tender liver and intestines, creating a rich and savory flavor that is uniquely Beijing.
How to Eat
1. Serve hot in a small bowl
2. The thick gravy is the highlight - sip it directly from the bowl
3. Use the special Peking duck pancakes to wrap the liver and intestines
4. Add garlic and chili oil to enhance the flavor
Recommended Restaurants
姚记炒肝 Yao Ji Fried Liver
Address: No. 311, Gulou East Street, Dongcheng District
陈记卤煮小肠 Chen Ji Braised Pork Intestines
Address: No. 82, Langfang 2nd Alley, Xicheng District
