Beijing is rather famous for its choices of exotic food. During my trip, I can't help but to encounter shops that sell dog and donkey meat (there is even a stall selling solely donkey meat), in which are too exotic for me. Insects are rather common in other parts of south east Asia though, so I wasn't taken by surprise when they have scorpions and such on the street.
Scorpions at Wangfujing Snack Street (and you can see starfish next to it)
I believe when people talk about Beijing food, the first thing that comes to mind must be the Peking Duck. I didn't get to try due to its serving size and the cheapest I could find was RMB98, which could be a bit much. I didn't leave Beijing with regret for not trying the famous dish but I did have a quite less than exotic yet interesting food hunt.
Zhajiangmian @ Wangfujing Snack Street
Literally means fried sauce noodle, basically a mix of soybean paste and noodle. The serving is pretty dry and the one I had was pretty salty. Not a fan of this one. Perhaps I picked up the wrong place to try.
Suan Nai (Sour milk).
Afraid not, just because it tastes sour doesn't mean they are spoilt. (I don't think Chinese are that extreme). In fact, this one is mixed with honey flavour so it is rather sweet. You can see them selling these everywhere. My favourite drink to quench my thirst. Most shops/stalls didn't allow you to take away the bottles though. So you must finish drinking it on the spot before you can leave. (or need to pay extra for take away, I can't remember but usually you will see a lot of leftover bottles at the place selling them).
Cao Gan (Bao Zi on the left) @ Yao Ji Cao Gan
Located nearby Bell & Drum Tower, I love this one at my first taste of it. I'm not really a fan of liver due to the distinctive taste but in this dish it is compensated by the thick meaty gravy. Kind of reminding me the gravy of Loh Mee in Malaysia.
Bao Zi @ Bao Zi Pu
This one full basket of bun is suffice to recover all that energy lost after strolling along Nanluoguxiang.
Zhaguan Chang and Dalian Huoshao @ Zuo Lin You She
Walkable distance from National Art Museum, this top choice eatery is located at the North-East of Forbidden City. It is very famous for the finger-shaped dumplings. I noticed the locals ordered half to one dozen per person. Judging by the size, I dare not to try that much since I wasn't sure if I'm going to like it. You are encouraged to order by the serving of 3 or 6 and so forth. I ordered one with pork-filling and it was very satisfying. I also had crispy deep friend garlic crackers to top my lunch. Noticed the bowl of yellow liquid in the photo? That is not for dipping. It's plain corn drink, which is rather bland, good enough to neutralize the taste of the meals.
Bing Tang Hu Lu @ Donghuamen
I heard of this sweet often from Chinese Series. It is sweet, very and sticky. Not the kind of sweet you can munch from one to another.
This post concluded my entries for 9-day trip in Beijing. I underestimated its size (may be due to I relied mostly on public transport) and it remains one of the most bitter-sweet adventure I ever had this date, exposure to its culture and people.
Beijing Trip Journey:
4. A Great Scam at the Wall5. Mao's Legacy
6. Temples Hopping
7. Walks in the Parks
8. Gastronomical Hunt
Next adventure: Annyeonghaseyo!
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