If you’re visiting Beijing’s Summer Palace and looking for great food without breaking the bank, you’re in luck! The area around the Summer Palace is filled with a variety of eateries that offer everything from classic Beijing snacks to hearty meals. Whether you’re craving a traditional afternoon tea, quick bites, or a satisfying meal, these local gems provide excellent value for money. Here’s a roundup of the best dining spots nearby, ensuring you get the most out of your culinary experience
Best Snacks and Afternoon Teas Near the Summer Palace
- Sanyuan Mei Yuan (Xingyuehui Store) (三元梅园)
- Price: 30 CNY
- Why Visit: This old dairy shop is perfect for those who love sweet treats and dairy-based snacks.
- Must-Try: Double-skin milk (双皮奶), almond tofu (杏仁豆腐), cheese, and milk rolls (奶卷).
- Address: 208 Yiheyuan Road (颐和园路208号).
- Dehuaju Snacks (德华居小吃)
- Price: 46 CNY
- Why Visit: A traditional Beijing snack shop run by a local elder from the hutongs, serving classic Beijing street food.
- Must-Try: Da lu mian (打卤面, noodles with gravy), fried sauce noodles (炸酱面), fried stuffed intestine (炸灌肠), and Baodu(爆肚).
- Address: Xiyuan Food City, 7 Zhongzhi Road (中直路7号西苑美食城内).
- Gong Shi Yi Ting – Old Empress Afternoon Tea (Inside Summer Palace) (宫事颐庭·老佛爷贵寿下午茶)
- Price: 104 CNY
- Why Visit: For a unique experience, enjoy a royal-style afternoon tea inside the Summer Palace. With elegant presentation and beautiful decor, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a scenic and opulent atmosphere.
- Must-Try: Jasmine pastry (茉莉花酥), lychee and bayberry drink (荔枝杨梅饮), rose and hibiscus flower tea (玫瑰洛神花), black sesame tofu (致臻黑芝麻酪), and Old Empress coconut latte (老佛爷厚乳生椰拿铁).
- Address: Inside the Summer Palace (颐和园景区内).
Quick Bites and Fast Meals
- Xi Jiu Jian · Yi He Food Court (西九间．颐和食坊)
- Price: 40 CNY
- Why Visit: This spot within the Summer Palace is great for a quick yet satisfying bite. The standout item here is the iconic “Yuanmeng” sesame biscuit.
- Must-Try: Yuanmeng sesame biscuit (圆梦烧饼), foreign-style steamed bread (洋人饽饽), and Qitou cake (旗头糕).
- Address: 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Summer Palace (新建宫门路19号，颐和园内).
- Xi Yuan Baozi Shop (西苑包子铺)
- Price: 22 CNY
- Why Visit: Known for its authentic Beijing-style fried liver and baozi (steamed buns), this local gem offers comforting and delicious Chinese food.
- Must-Try: Pork and scallion bun (猪肉大葱包), fresh meat wontons (鲜肉馄饨), and fried liver (炒肝儿).
- Address: 3 Zhongzhi Road, Xiyuan Food City (中直路3号西苑美食城).
For a Proper Meal
- Familiar Family Feast Roast Duck & Fish Head Soup Cake (Minzhuang Store) (熟悉家宴烤鸭·鱼头泡饼)
- Price: 91 CNY
- Why Visit: A local favorite with top reviews for home-style Beijing cuisine. The fish head soup is especially popular here.
- Must-Try: Fish head soup with pancake (鱼头泡饼), roast duck (烤鸭), and Kung Pao chicken (宫保鸡丁).
- Address: 35 North Wu Jiayuan, Chaping Road (茶棚路北坞嘉园南里35号).
- Dehua Jubao Shuanrou (Hot Pot) (德华聚宝涮肉)
- Price: 94 CNY
- Why Visit: A top-rated hot pot restaurant near the Summer Palace, famous for its shuanrou (sliced meats).
- Must-Try: Hand-cut lamb (手切羊肉), lamb shank (羊腱子), and freshly sliced beef tripe (现切牛百叶).
- Address: 1 Zhongzhi Road (中直路1号).
- Huifengtang Roast Duck & Beijing-Shandong Cuisine (Wanqian Zhuang Store) (惠丰堂·烤鸭·京鲁菜)
- Price: 106 CNY
- Why Visit: A century-old Beijing institution that was a favorite of Empress Dowager Cixi, Huifengtang is known for its health-conscious dishes.
- Must-Try: Braised chicken (养生鸡), Old Empress health chicken (老佛爷养生鸡), crispy fried meatballs (干炸丸子), and scallion braised sea cucumber (葱烧海参).
- Address: 15 Xuewanquan Zhuang Road (雪万泉庄路15号).
- Laocheng Yi Guo (老城一锅)
- Price: 90 CNY
- Why Visit: This famous Beijing chain is known for its delicious lamb hot pot, especially its lamb spine hot pot.
- Must-Try: Lamb spine hot pot (羊蝎子), lamb chops (羊排), and red willow skewers (红柳大串).
- Address: 2 Jia, Qingshuiju, Xiangshan Road (香山路青龙桥槐树居甲2号).