Beijing Cuisine, being one of China’s most interesting regional cuisines, reflects a variety of influences which can be traced back to its long heritage. Lining the streets is a large number of restaurants, presenting the traveller with an infinite number of dining choices.

Imperial Court Cuisine is perhaps the most popular among the rest as it is said the majority of Beijing cuisine has been shaped by the talented chefs at the Imperial Court, who came from around China. Bringing their regional culinary influences, these Court Chefs created an innumerable number of dishes with many containing exotic ingredients, including bear’s paw and shark’s fin. However, over the years Imperial Cuisine transitioned from being the cuisine of the noble classes to a more cosmopolitan cuisine. Today, it has incorporated Shanghai and Szechuan influences and is enjoyed immensely by the country’s people. Regarded as the foundation of Beijing Cuisine, Imperial Cuisine can be tasted at a number of restaurants, including Li Jia Cai Restaurant, Fangshan Restaurant, Ting Li Guan Restaurant, Yan Yi Shan Zhai Restaurant, Yushan Restaurant, Tan Jia Cai Restaurant and Royal Palace.

Shandong province, the area of northern China with the most temperate climate, has also had a major influence on Beijing cuisine. As it borders the eastern Yellow Sea, Shandong has become famous for its sea food dishes. Most of the Shandong dishes are known its ample use of leeks, garlic, and spring onions, both cooked and raw. Travellers are able to savour the succulent flavours of Shandong Cuisine at a number of places including Fengzeyuan Restaurant, Nishi Seafood Restaurant, Tongheju Restaurant, Little Qingdao, Old Neighborhood Wen Restaurant and Baifuyuan Restaurant Heping Li Branch.

For travellers who want to experience other types of Beijing Cuisine, the most popular places are Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant, Afunti Restaurant, Ban Mu Yuan and Bao Yuan Jiaozi Wu. For international cuisine such as Italian, Greek, Korean and Middle Eastern, visitors can choose from Aperitivo, +39 Italian Restaurant and Lounge and 1001 Nights to A-Tian, Alameda and Arirang.

Ascott Beijing is the ideal accommodation option for the traveller in search of a luxury apartment in Beijing. Guests staying in one of these modern apartments will be ensured of a delightful stay as the residence offers a host of modern amenities along with luxurious Beijing accommodation, complete with comprehensive personalized services.