If you’re looking to dive into Beijing’s food scene, there’s no better way than a breakfast food tour that highlights both classic dishes and local flavors.
I recently joined a Beijing Breakfast tour with Lost Plate that took us through a morning of authentic eats across six different stops, and it was a feast for the senses. As someone who’s lived in Beijing for six years, trust me—this is the best way to discover the city’s culinary gems!
Want to book a Lost Plate food tour? Use my code RACHELMEETSCHINA for a discount and dive into the delicious world of Chinese food culture!
Stop 1: Huguo Temple Snacks (护国寺小吃)
Our first stop was at the iconic Huguo Temple Snacks, a must-visit spot for traditional Beijing street food. Our group split an assortment of treats, including:
• 豆汁儿 (Fermented Mungbean Juice): A classic, though acquired, taste that’s loved by locals.
• 焦圈儿 (Fried Dough Ring): Perfectly crispy, it’s the ideal pairing with the mungbean juice.
• 艾窝窝 (White Sticky Rice Ball with Fillings) and 豌豆黄 (Yellow Pea Cake): Soft and slightly sweet, these are delicate bites packed with flavor.
• 驴打滚 (Rolling Donkey): A sweet glutinous rice roll coated in bean flour—a nostalgic favorite for many Beijingers.
• 山楂糕 (Hawthorn Jelly) and 鲜豆糕 (Mungbean Mooncake): Refreshingly tangy and sweet.
• 螺丝钻儿 (Screw or Snail): A crunchy and fun snack I had never tried before!
Stop 2: Traditional Beijing Breakfast (老北京早餐)
The next spot offered some of Beijing’s most beloved breakfast dishes:
• 豆腐脑 (Savory Tender Tofu): Soft tofu in a savory broth that’s warming and comforting.
• 糖油饼 (Fried Brown Sugar Pancake): This was the highlight for me—crispy on the outside, with gooey caramelized sugar inside. I could honestly eat this every day!
• 韭菜馅饼 (Chive and Egg Pancake) and 包子 (Steamed Buns) with various fillings: Both were fresh and flavorful, perfect for a hearty start to the day.
• 肉桂糖卷子 (Cinnamon Roll with Brown Sugar): A warm, fragrant treat that was a delightful surprise.
Stop 3-5: Street Food Classics
This stop featured some of my favorite street snacks:
• 煎饼果子 (Jianbing with Crackers): A Beijing classic that never disappoints—crispy and savory.
• 烤冷面 (Grilled Cold Noodles): Chewy and smoky, a must-try if you’re exploring local flavors.
• 糖葫芦 (Hawthorn on a Stick): Tangy and sweet, these candied fruits are a nostalgic taste of Beijing winters.
Stop 4: Egg Pancake and Dumplings
We then moved on to:
• 鸡蛋灌饼 (Egg-Filled Pancake): Fluffy and filling, this one’s a street food favorite.
• 蒸饺 (Steamed Dumplings): Classic and comforting, with juicy fillings that hit the spot.
Stop 5: Lamb Soup and More
For something more savory, we visited a place specializing in lamb soup:
• 羊汤 (Lamb Soup): The broth was rich and flavorful, perfect for a chilly morning.
• 芝麻火烧 (Sesame Bread): Crispy and warm, it paired perfectly with the soup.
• 豆腐皮 (Doufu Skin Salad): Light and refreshing, this salad added a nice balance.
Stop 6: Coffee with a View
To end the tour, we relaxed at a coffee shop overlooking the beautiful White Dagoba (Baita Si). It was the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the morning’s delicious journey.
Walking Tour Through the Hutongs
One of the best parts of the tour was that it took us through the winding hutongs of Beijing, giving us a true glimpse into local life. Our guide, Kelly, was amazing—she shared fascinating stories about the history of the hutongs, from their origins to how they’ve shaped Beijing’s culture today.
As we walked, we noticed that many of the shops didn’t have menus displayed; it’s a sign of how authentic these places are, with locals simply knowing what to order. It added an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the experience, making each stop feel like a hidden gem.
Why A Food Tour Is a Must-Do in China
Whether you’re new to China or have lived here for years, food tours offers a unique and immersive way to experience Beijing’s local restaurants and street food culture. I discovered dishes I hadn’t tried before and revisited some of my favorites. If you’re looking to explore Beijing’s food scene, I highly recommend this experience.
Lost Plate also offers tours in other cities like Chengdu, Shanghai, Suzhou, Yunnan, and Xi’an, with a variety of options including breakfast tours and specialized food travel adventures. I previous have done a Lost Plate dinner food tour and a Shanghai Breakfast tour, and really enjoyed those as well!
Want to book a tour? Use my code RACHELMEETSCHINA for a discount and dive into the delicious world of Chinese food culture!
