Peking Duck: A Crispy, Flavorful Taste of Beijing

For any visitor to Beijing, savoring Beijing kaoya (北京烤鸭), or Peking Duck, is a culinary rite of passage. This iconic dish is renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, and the way it’s traditionally prepared and eaten is a unique cultural experience.

What is Peking Duck?

Peking Duck is a specific preparation of duck, prized for its thin, crispy skin. The ducks are specially raised and prepared through a meticulous process: they are typically air-dried, glazed with maltose syrup, and then roasted in an oven, traditionally a closed oven or a hung oven. This process renders the fat and creates the signature crispy skin.

Where Does Peking Duck Come From?

As the name suggests, Peking Duck is a specialty of Beijing. Its origins can be traced back to the imperial kitchens of the Ming Dynasty, where it was a dish reserved for the emperor. Over time, it became more accessible to the public and evolved into a beloved culinary symbol of the city.

Peking Duck Styles

While the core principles of preparation remain, there are slight variations:

• Closed Oven (焖炉): This traditional method involves roasting the duck in a closed oven, which helps retain moisture and results in tender meat.
• Hung Oven (挂炉): This method involves hanging the ducks in an open oven and roasting them over a fruitwood fire (often from jujube or pear trees), which is said to impart a unique smoky flavor.

Why Do People Love Peking Duck?

• Crispy Skin: The star of the dish is undoubtedly the crispy skin, which offers a delightful textural contrast to the tender meat.
• Unique Flavor: The combination of savory duck meat, sweet glaze, and the accompanying condiments creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
• Traditional Presentation: The way Peking Duck is carved and served is part of the experience, showcasing the culinary artistry.
• Cultural Significance: Peking Duck is deeply rooted in Beijing’s history and culture, representing a taste of the city’s imperial past.

How to Eat Peking Duck

Peking Duck is traditionally served in a specific way:

1. The chef carves the duck at your table, separating the skin from the meat
2. First, dip the crispy skin in sugar to enjoy it on its own
3. Then, take a thin pancake and:
   • Spread sweet bean sauce on it
   • Add sliced duck meat and skin
   • Add julienned scallions and cucumber
   • Roll it up and enjoy

Where to Try Peking Duck in Beijing

Famous Restaurants

• Quanjude (全聚德):

  • One of the oldest and most famous Peking Duck restaurants
  • Multiple locations throughout Beijing
  • Known for their traditional hung oven method

• Da Dong (大董):

  • Modern interpretation of Peking Duck
  • Known for a leaner, less fatty preparation
  • Sophisticated dining atmosphere

• Li Qun (利群):

  • Small, traditional restaurant in a hutong
  • More local atmosphere
  • Old-school preparation methods

Tips for Enjoying Peking Duck

• Make a reservation at popular restaurants
• Order in advance as preparation takes time
• One duck typically serves 2-4 people
• The best restaurants carve the duck at your table
• Consider ordering some traditional side dishes like duck soup