8 Places to Find Delicious Dumplings in Beijing
There’s a lot to love about living in Beijing. But one thing we can never get enough of are the dumplings. There are probably a million dumpling places scattered around the city (perhaps we’re exaggerating, but then again, maybe not), but here are a few of our favorite spots to get a dumpling fix in Beijing.
1. Din Tai Fung
This Taipei-based franchise impressed Ken Hom enough to call it one of the best 10 restaurants in the world back in 1993. Well, expect high standards and a relaxed, family-style setting at this respectable chain. It's best known for its dependably delicious xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and little steam buns. Book ahead, there’s always a long wait – but, in our opinion, it’s totally worth it.
Din Tai Fung (Dongzhimen): 24 Xinyuanxili Zhong Lu, by Chunxiu Lu 朝阳区 新源西里中街24号 (近渔阳饭店) (6462 4502)
Din Tai Fung (Xidan): B1, Grand Pacific, 133 Xidan Bei Dajie 北京市西城区西单北大街133号 君太百货B1楼 (近西单大悦城) (6615 9028)
Din Tai Fung (Shin Kong Place): 6F, Shin Kong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu 北京市朝阳区建国路87号 新光天地6楼D6001号 (西大望路口) (6533 1536)
Din Tai Fung (Parkview Green): LG2-20, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu 北京市朝阳区东大桥路9号 侨福芳草地大厦LG2楼 (8562 6583)
2. Baoyuan Jiaoziwu
Not only are Baoyuan’s dumplings super addictive, but they’re really pretty too. Famous for their multi-colored dumplings, this popular spot uses veggies and fruits (like spinach and blueberry) to create these colorful bites. In signature Baoyuan style, the dumplings are wrapped in a larger yuanbao silver-ingot shape (six, for roughly RMB10). Vegetarians, fear not: There is a selection of creative options for you too.
Daily 11am-10pm; 6 Maizidian Jie, by Nongzhanguan Bei Lu 朝阳区麦子店街6号楼北侧 (6586 4967)
3. Xian Lao Man
You can find these dumpling restaurants all over town. But the Andingmen location remains incredibly popular – and for good reason. Their dumplings are damn good and the prices are refreshingly reasonable. If you’re craving more than dumplings, they have plenty of other options on their menu, too.
Xian Lao Man (Andingmen): Daily, 11am-10pm; 252 Andingmen Nei Da Jie,by Jiaodaokou Bei San Tiao 东城区安定门内大街252号 , 近交道口北三条) (6404 6944)
4. Mr. Shi’s Dumplings
From tiny hole-in-the-wall to Beijing chain, Mr. Shi’s has become an institution in Beijing. They’re famous for their fried and boiled dumplings. But what we love the most is that there is an almost absurd amount of flavor combinations suitable for vegetarians, carnivores and everything in between. The English menus – not to mention a coveted mention in Lonely Planet – have made this place very popular among foreigners.
Mr. Shi's Dumplings (Sanlitun): Sanlitun Xijie (west of the Sanlitun Police Station), Chaoyang District 东城区 鼓楼东大街, 宝钞胡同74号 (8405 0399)
Mr. Shi's Dumplings (Gulou): 74 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng District 鼓楼东大街, 宝钞胡同74号 (8405 0399)
5. Jin Ding Xuan
We’re all about late-night eats here at That’s Beijing, and this 24-hour dim sum place is one of our go-tos for those late-night dumpling cravings. One time we even spent seven consecutive hours here. We think that attests to the fact that Jin Ding Xuan will do the trick when it’s late and you’re drunk and hungry.
Daily, 24 hrs; 77 Hepinglixi Jie 东城区和平里西街77号 (6429 6888)
6. Lei Garden
This place serves up some excellent dim sum-style dumplings. It remains a local favorite for weekend dim sum.
Lei Garden (Jinbao): 3/F, Jinbao Tower, 89 Jinbao Jie 东城区金宝街89号 金宝大厦3楼（近金宝汇购物中心) (8522 1212)
Lei Garden (Jianguomen): 2/F, Bldg C, Centural International Trade Center, A6 Jianguomen Wai Da Jie, by Henghui Lu 朝阳区建国门外大街甲6号 中环世贸中心C座2楼,近恒惠路 (8567 0138)
7. Country Kitchen
Located in the Rosewood Beijing, this place is a bit more upscale. But it is killer. Country Kitchen serves up an array of Northern Chinese specialties. With an open kitchen, chefs demonstrate their culinary art with dishes such as hand-pulled Chinese noodles, Beijing duck and a higher-end take on traditional Dongbei dumplings. So, so good.
3F, Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District, Beijing 中国北京市朝阳区呼家楼京广中心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0066)
8. Jing Yaa Tang
This restaurant at the Opposite House is another great bet for finely made dim sum-style dumplings, and if you visit during lunchtime they have a fantastic all-you-can-eat dim sum deal, during weekdays and weekends.
LG, The Opposite House, Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Lu 朝阳区三里屯路11号楼1号院瑜舍酒店LG层 (6410 5230)
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