Peking Duck is an iconic dish that defines Beijing’s culinary scene, and while some restaurants charge a premium for the experience, many offer incredible quality at reasonable prices. If you’re looking for affordable yet delicious Peking Duck in Beijing, there are several spots that won’t break the bank while delivering a top-notch dining experience. Here are seven of the best-value Peking Duck restaurants in Beijing, where you can enjoy crispy duck skin, tender meat, and flavorful sides without spending a fortune.
1. Siji Minfu (Hepingli Branch) – Highly Recommended for Peking Duck Lovers
Recommended Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Average Cost per Person: ¥150
At Siji Minfu (四季民福) in Hepingli, the Peking Duck is served right in front of you with precise slicing, ensuring the perfect presentation and a luxurious experience. The duck is cooked just right—not too greasy—and the meat is incredibly tender. The duck skin, when dipped in sugar, melts in your mouth with a satisfying crunch. The accompanying condiments are plentiful, including sweet and tangy hawthorn strips that add an appetizing kick.
2. Siji Minfu (Forbidden City Branch) – Convenient Location with Scenic Views
Recommended Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Average Cost per Person: ¥150
Although the food and service here don’t quite match up to the Hepingli branch, the location near the Forbidden City (故宫) offers a unique charm. If you’re lucky enough to snag a window seat, you can enjoy your meal while gazing out at the iconic red walls and ancient architecture of the Forbidden City. While the duck itself is good, the skin isn’t as crispy as at their other branch.
3. Ziguangyuan – Affordable but Not Exceptional
Recommended Rating: 🌟🌟
Average Cost per Person: ¥70
Ziguangyuan (紫光园) offers Peking Duck at a very affordable price, but unfortunately, the quality falls short. The skin is thick and doesn’t have the melt-in-your-mouth quality you’d expect from great Peking Duck. The duck meat itself is decent, but the overall dish lacks the finesse and delicate flavors found in higher-end restaurants. While it’s a cheap option, it’s not one that stands out in terms of quality.
4. Xiao Da Dong (Taikoo Li Branch) – Disappointing Peking Duck
Recommended Rating: 🌟🌟
Average Cost per Person: ¥130
Xiao Da Dong (小大董) offers a pleasant environment but fails to deliver on the Peking Duck. The duck is quite greasy, and you’ll find an excess of oil in the plate after finishing the dish. The pancake skins are dry and feel like they’ve been pre-made and reheated. While the restaurant itself is nice, the Peking Duck here is not recommended—there are definitely better places in Beijing to satisfy your duck cravings.
5. Xiuer Sijiu Cheng (Wudaokou Branch) – Avoid This One
Recommended Rating: 🌟
Average Cost per Person: ¥140
Located near Tsinghua University’s west gate and Wudaokou, Xiuer Sijiu Cheng (秀儿四九城) offers a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting. Unfortunately, the food does not match the ambiance. The duck is oily, lacks flavor, and the pancake skins are thick and unappetizing. Other dishes also taste like pre-packaged meals, and the red wine foie gras appetizer is a major letdown. For the price, the food doesn’t live up to expectations—this is one place to avoid.
6. Bianyi Fang (Xianyu Kou Branch) – Traditional Beijing Taste
Recommended Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Average Cost per Person: ¥130
Bianyi Fang (便宜坊) is an old Beijing institution, offering a traditional dining experience with a homey, nostalgic vibe. The duck skin isn’t as crispy as in some of the higher-end spots, but the meat is flavorful and tender. The pancakes are standard, and overall, the meal is satisfying without being extraordinary. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a traditional, no-frills Peking Duck meal in a classic setting.
7. Quanjude (Tsinghua Yuan Branch) – Classic Old Beijing Flavor
Recommended Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Average Cost per Person: ¥140
Quanjude (全聚德) is one of the most famous Peking Duck brands in Beijing, and the Tsinghua Yuan branch offers a great balance of price and quality. The duck meat is rich in flavor, and while the skin isn’t as perfectly crisp as some of the more expensive places, it’s still delicious. The pancakes are just right, and the ambiance is comfortable and relaxed, with an old-school Beijing vibe. This is a solid choice for those wanting to enjoy a classic Peking Duck experience without paying top-tier prices.