Exploring BBQ From Across the Globe 

At our first-ever River BBQ Fest, taking place at Langyuan Station from Sep 19 to 21, we're celebrating how cultures around the world grill, smoke, roast and gather. Different techniques, different spices ... but always the same love for flavor and flame. Here's a primer on some of the most beloved barbecue styles you'll find in Beijing, many of which you'll be able to sample at our upcoming fest!

Chinese BBQ: Beijing Chuan'r and Beyond

Let's start right here in Beijing. Originating from Xinjiang, Beijing chuan'r has become an integral part of the city life over the past few decades. Sumptuous skewers of meat, most typically lamb (羊肉串儿 yángròu chuàn'r), are brushed with oil and coated in cumin and chili and then cooked over a charcoal grill. Despite various charcoal grill regulations coming into force over the years, chuan'r still remains a beloved pastime in the capital. You'll still see numerous spots scattered across the city full of hungry patrons munching on skewers and ganbei-ing plenty of beer.

Beyond Beijing, barbecue styles vary as much as the local dialects. From Cantonese-style char siu pork lacquered in a sweet-savory glaze to whole roast lamb cooked Xinjiang-style, every corner of the country has its own spin on meat and flame.

Where to find in Beijing: 
There are countless chuan'r spots in Beijing, but a few personal ones we'd recommend are Tough Tongue 硬舌, Jiang Jin Jiu 犟进酒, and Xiang Ji 飨记.

American BBQ

Barbecue in the U.S. isn't just food, it's a passion with regional variations distinct enough to cause cross-stated rivalries. From slow-smoked brisket in Texas to tangy pulled pork in the Carolinas or dry-rubbed ribs in Memphis, every region claims its own style. Unlike the high-heat grilling found elsewhere, American BBQ is about low and slow, with meats cooked for hours in a smoker over wood like hickory, oak, or mesquite. It's the kind of cooking where people argue over sauce but bond over the meat.

Where to find in Beijing:
American BBQ has really picked up in recent years in Beijing. You've got OG places like Home Plate as well as newer spots like The T Restaurant, 9t Night, Burning Wood BBQ, and Sinju Smokehouse. You can also check out this link for more recommendations. 

Brazilian Churrasco

In Brazil, they go big. Sword-like skewers stacked with beef, pork, lamb or chicken, often only seasoned with salt, grilled slowly over wood or charcoal. At a typical churrasco-style restaurant, servers make the rounds with the giant skewers, carving slices of picanha (rump cap), linguiça (sausage), costela (beef ribs) and more directly onto your plate. 

Where to find in Beijing:
There are a handful of Brazilian churrasco restaurants in Beijing, but in our opinion, you can never go wrong with Latina.

Indian Tandoor

Indian barbecue revolves around the tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven heated with charcoal or wood. Items such as chicken and lamb are marinated in yogurt and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric and charred till the edges are crisp. It's not just about meat, though. Skewers of paneer and vegetables are also cooked in the tandoor, and naan breads are slapped into the oven's inner walls to bubble up into a fluffy delight. 

Where to find in Beijing:
There are numerous Indian restaurants in Beijing serving tandoori dishes, but we'd personally recommend Dastaan, Bollywood Tales and Rabiul's Kitchen. 

Japanese BBQ: Yakiniku and Robatayaki

Japanese barbecue is subtle and full of focus. Yakinuki sees a small charcoal or gas grill placed at the center of your table. Diners cook delicate slices of meat, such as marbled short rib or pork belly, over the grill themselves and then dip them in an array of sauces. 

Robatayaki is more similar to Beijing chuan'r, with skewers of meat, vegetables and seafood being cooked over a charcoal grill. Literally meaning “fireside cooking,” robatayaki's roots trace back to northern Japanese fishermen who grilled their daily catch over charcoal. Robatayaki-style restaurants often have seating directly facing the grill, and skewers will be served to diners via a long wooden paddle. 

Where to find in Beijing:
There is no shortage of Japanese yakiniku and robatayaki restaurants in Beijing. A good spot to find a varity of them is Ichiban Street in Maizidian.

Korean BBQ: Gogigui

Like Japanese yakiniku, Korean barbecue is cooked at the table on a gas or charcoal grill. Slices of meat, such as samgyeopsal (pork belly), bulgogi (marinated beef) and galbi (beef short rib) are cooked on the grill and then dunked in your own choice of dipping sauce or seasonings and then rolled up with garnishes like garlic or scallions in a lettuce leaf. Korean BBQ is also often served with a medley of side dishes (banchan) like kimchi, other pickled vegetables and Korean salads. 

Where to find in Beijing:
There are countless Korean BBQ joints in Beijing. A good area to find many restaurants is Wangjing.

These, of course, are but a few of the world's wonderful barbecue offerings. Think Mexico's smoky al pastor, South Africa's legendary braai, Mongolian fire-grilled mutton, German sausages, Lebanese kafta, Thai skewers and so much more. 

At our River BBQ Fest, we're aiming to bring as many varieties to you as possible, so be sure to get your ticket now by scanning the QR code below to join this celebration of all things barbecue!

River BBQ Fest will be taking place at Langyuan Station on Sep 19 from 4pm until 9pm and Sep 20-21 from 11am until 9pm. Early bird tickets are RMB 19.9 and can be purchased by scanning the QR code in the poster above. Tickets at the door are RMB 29.9.

Langyuan Station Riverside Cultural Plaza

The River BBQ Fest will be taking place at Langyuan Station Riverside Cultural Plaza. Last year, the space underwent an upgrade and now features a scenic platform overlooking the Ba River. With blue skies, grassy lawns, river views, pedestrian streets and a sunken plaza, it’s the perfect setting for an autumn event. 

Langyuan Station itself is a cultural and creative landmark featuring both industrial and international styles. Its location by the Ba River and adjacent to the greenery of Jiangfu Park makes it a place where you can enjoy nature and pop-up cultural activities at the same time. It's home to an array of businesses and industries such as art museums, cafés, home design, trendy fashion, upscale dining, sports and film, and it has become a popular hotspot for shopping and socializing in Beijing.

Langyuan Station Riverside Cultural Plaza 郎园Station滨河广场
53 Banjieta Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区半截塔路53号

READ: Early Bird Tickets for River BBQ Fest On Sale Now!

Images: the Beijingers, Canva, Uni You, Unsplash, Pexels