Home Slice: Beijing's Best Duck
My first week in Beijing, I made the mistake of asking a group of friends where to go for some of that famous Beijing duck. After the brawl ended, I was still no closer to an answer. Now, thanks to our 2013 Reader Restaurant Awards, I have the democratically decided results for the best kaoya in town.
Winner: Da Dong Roast Duck
If you ask for a recommendation, Da Dong is likely to be the first name from most Beijingers’ lips. They are equally famous for their classy space, lean meat, and impeccable service. And although readers picked it as the best, reviewers suggest there might be better roast duck out there somewhere (but they can't tell you where).
One reviewer thinks there might be something better:
“With all the restaurants in Beijing to choose from, I wouldn't be surprised if someone found something better, but for somebody in town for a week or so, this is an excellent place to have quite spectacular Chinese food in a fancy setting."
Another is looking, but can't find anything better:
“Until a new suitor wins me over, I still find this to be the best of the bunch.”
Da Dong also won Chinese Restaurant of the Year, Best Chinese Cuisine for Impressing Visitors, and was voted Outstanding in the category of Best Service (Chinese Restaurants).
Outstanding: Duck de Chine
Duck de Chine has made a name for itself by incorporating French and Chinese roasting traditions. Along with their succulent roast duck, they also offer modern takes on other classic dishes.
What sets it apart from the others?
The cool ambiance:
“Duck De Chine is very mysterious, artistic and elegant. From the paintings on the wall to the beautiful duck decoration on the table, it simply makes you feel like having a good appetite.”
“The menu was extensive, the food was delicious and beautifully presented, and the duck was superb with the highlight of the experience being the special duck plum sauce with swirls of sesame and peanut sauce topped with roasted garlic.”
And the creative dishes:
“Aside from the traditional whole roasted duck (announced by a gong), the duck tacos are worth a try, served with a good fruity salsa, and the duck liver on toast - warm, rich and creamy.”
And while Duck de Chine didn’t come out on top among the general population, our expert panel gave it high honors.
Our expert Joel Shuchat chose Duck de Chine as Best Roast Duck.
Tom O’Malley agreed it was the best in the city.
Xixi Cheng chose it as Chinese Restaurant of the Year.
Emily Young picked it as Best Dim Sum.
Duck de Chine was also listed as Outstanding Chinese Cuisine for Impressing Visitors.
Outstanding: Quanjude
One of the most historic roast duck purveyors in town, Quanjude is still thin-slicing their specialty for visitors from near and far. We know it’s one of the best in the city, but why?
It might be the fat:
“Some people prefer the less fatty ducks at Da Dong, but I personally find the Quanjude heads and shoulders above.”
It could be the ducks’ fine breeding:
“Their ducks are specially bred and tastes juicier than all other places.”
Or, actually, there might not be any difference:
“I just can't tell the difference sometimes between that restaurant's duck and this restaurant's duck, whatever detailed description there is. Sometimes I just want a duck and my baijiu fix to go along with it…”
The other nominees for Best Beijing Duck this year were:
- Fat Duck, Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel
- JingZun Peking Duck Restaurant
- Made in China, Grand Hyatt Beijing
- Liqun Roast Duck Restaurant
- Peking Duck, Private Kitchen
Do you agree? Leave your own comments below to rate the winners or add a reader review yourself. The full list of the 2013 Beijinger Reader Restaurant Awards results is available here.
Photos: TheBeijinger.com and Topchinatravel.com.
