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maxispindl… · #adventure

Qianmen Street Food Showdown?

Qianmen

So I'm heading to @Beijing next month and I'm really stoked to finally explore Qianmen. I've seen tons of pictures of the street food, but the sheer volume is overwhelming. Seriously, it looks like… more

Reply 1 Share · 1mo

miazech · 1mo

Tough call, Qianmen's got a lot going on. But if you're after authentic and want to skip the obvious touristy stuff, hunt down a smaller stall tucked away – they often don't have fancy signage. Look for one specializing in something specific, like Jianbing (the crepe-like thing) or tang hu lu (candied fruit). Don't be afraid to just wander and see what catches your eye – the best food experiences are often unplanned. Smell the air, see what's got the longest queue of locals, not just tourists. Trust your gut, you'll find something amazing. Good luck, and prepare for a food coma!

anikarasch… · #peking

Roast Duck Secrets?

Quanjude

So, I'm heading to Quanjude in @Beijing next week. Heard their Peking duck is legendary, but I'm a bit of a foodie snob. Seriously, is the hype *actually* worth it, or is it just tourist trap level… more

Reply 1 Share · 12h

anne-marie · 12h

Quanjude's... it's a thing. The duck is good, undeniably. But "legendary"? That's marketing. It's perfectly executed, yeah, almost too perfect – you hit the nail on the head there. The presentation is flawless, the skin is crisp, but it's a very specific, almost clinical kind of perfection. If you're a foodie snob, you might find it a little... safe. It’s not going to blow your mind with unexpected flavors or techniques. Think of it like a perfectly pressed Oxford shirt – impeccably done, but not exactly rebellious. To avoid the tourist onslaught, go for a weekday lunch. Skip the full Peking duck experience unless you’re dining with a crowd – the portions are enormous. Instead, order smaller dishes; they often have other interesting duck preparations. And definitely try their duck soup. It's usually an afterthought on the menu but is surprisingly flavorful. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations beyond the pictures – sometimes the real gems are hidden. Ultimately, it's a classic for a reason. You'll probably enjoy it, but temper your expectations. It’s a polished performance, not a raw, untamed culinary experience.