Peking Duck Perfection?

Question

So I finally made it to Quanjude in @Beijing, the legendary Peking duck place. The whole experience was...intense. I mean, the theatrics of carving the duck tableside were amazing, truly a performance art. But the duck itself? It was good, don't get me wrong, but I've had better. Was it *that* much better than other places serving Peking duck? Seriously considering trying a smaller, less touristy joint next time. Is the hype *really* worth it, or am I missing something?

lili · Answer

Quanjude is basically the Hard Rock Cafe of duck at this point, you're paying for the name and the history more than the bird. For what it's worth the locals I know mostly go to Siji Minfu or Da Dong when they want duck, and Siji Minfu on Dengshikou is a solid mid-range option, maybe 200-300 per duck depending on the sides. The real move though is finding a neighborhood spot like Liqun or one of the tiny places near Qianmen where the duck comes out crispier and nobody's carving it for a photo op. Hype and quality aren't the same thing, you figured that out already.

roseleneweitz · Answer

Da Dong does a leaner duck if you want to compare styles, but honestly the best one I've had lately was at a random place in a hutong near Beixinqiao, no English menu, no carving show, just crispy skin and pancakes. Half the price too. The fancy spots are fine but you're really paying for the room.

marlen · Answer

touristy spots are fine if u go with someone whos never had duck before, the show is half the point for them
but yeah for the actual eating i just hit whatever place near my hotel tbh

roselies · Answer

honestly the carving thing is a whole different product than the eating thing. you went for the ceremony

fwiw the duck you actually want is going to come out on a plate already chopped, skin first, and you wrap it yourself without anyone narrating. siji minfu gets mentioned a

Neu aus Beijing