Discover Beijing's Culinary Firsts: From KFC to Daoxiangcun

Ah, the bustling capital, where new eateries sprout up faster than mushrooms after a rainstorm, each eager to dish out their culinary creations. But let's hit the rewind button and take a nostalgic detour, shining the spotlight on some of Beijing's firsts — the trailblazing restaurants that paved the way for the city's vibrant food scene.

Beijing's First KFC

The first KFC in Beijing flung open its doors in Qianmen back in 1987, marking the dawn of the Western fast-food saga in China. The joint was then known as 肯德基家乡鸡快餐店 Kěndéjī Jiāxiāng Jī Kuàicān Diàn (Kentucky Homestyle Chicken Fast Food Restaurant). To this day, folks like my dad rave about the deliciousness of the chicken back then.

The debut order? A mouth-watering set meal featuring two pieces of their signature original chicken, a side of mashed potatoes, a salad, and a quaint little meal bag, all for RMB 7.3. Sure, that might sound like peanuts now, but back in the day when the average monthly wage was just a few dozen RMB, indulging in KFC felt like dining with royalty.

Note: This is the original location of KFC.

KFC (前门店)

Building 1, Zhengyang Market, Qianmenxi Dajie, Dashilan Street, Dongcheng District
东城区大栅栏街道前门西大街正阳市场1号楼
Hours: 7am-8pm
Phone: [phone]

Beijing's First McDonald's

Then came McDonald's, swaggering into Beijing on Apr 23, 1992, and setting up what was then the world's largest McDonald's. The older folks still reminisce about the frenzy it caused, with more than 40,000 customers storming its gates on the opening day. For many Beijingers, it's a cherished childhood memory, the first taste of those golden arches.

Note: The original location no longer exists at its initial address, which was at the intersection of Wangfujing Street and Chang'an Street. Below is a nearby address for reference.

McDonald's (新王府井店)

Gongmei Building, 200 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District

东城区王府井大街200号工美大厦
Hours: 6am-10pm
Phone: [phone]

Beijing's First Starbucks

Starbucks made its grand entrance on Jan 11, 1999, settling snugly on the first floor of China World Trade Center Phase 1. This marked Starbucks' bold leap into the Chinese market, a coffee revolution in the making.

Back then, Starbucks set its sights high, with the ambitious goal of opening ten stores within 18 months. Miraculously, by the year 2000, they had hit their mark. Despite facing a slew of cultural challenges and introducing a product unfamiliar to many—the Italian espresso—Starbucks didn't just survive; it thrived. Recognizing that the concept of sipping espresso was a novelty for most locals, Starbucks took it upon themselves to educate their customers. The friendly staff were trained to offer a gentle reminder: this potent brew was not to be gulped down, but rather savored, one tiny sip at a time, truly embracing the essence of enjoying a good cup of coffee. Although nowadays they're facing some stiff competition from the likes of other coffee chains like Luckin, they're determined to continue growing in the China market. 

Note: The original location no longer exists at its initial address, which is the basement floor of the West District of the Beijing Guomao Office Building. Below is a nearby address for reference.

Starbucks (国贸商城二店)

CL2001, 2/F, Central District, Guomao Mall, 1 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城中区二层CL2001
Hours: 7am-9.30pm
Phone: [phone]

Beijing's First Pizza Hut

Venture back to a time when the culinary landscape of Beijing was on the cusp of transformation, and witness the arrival of Pizza Hut in 1990, a moment that would forever change the city's dining scene. Opening its doors in the bustling Dongzhimen area, this wasn't only the first Pizza Hut in Beijing but also in China. Pizza Hut didn't just introduce Beijing to its first taste of American-style pizza; it ushered in a new era of dining experiences. With its signature colorful chandeliers casting a warm glow over dark wooden tables and chairs, this establishment was more than just a restaurant; it was a gateway to a world previously savored only through screens and stories. Back then, a visit to Pizza Hut was a coveted outing, a luxury that required dressing to the nines and often equated to a month's salary for the average Chinese family.

Note: The original location no longer exists at its initial address, which was at No. 48 Dongzhimen Waidajie. Below is a nearby address for reference.

Pizza Hut (东直门店)

27 Dongzhimen Waidajie, Dongcheng District
东城区东直门外大街27号
Hours: 7.30am-10pm
Phone: [phone]

Beijing's First 24 Hour Restaurant

Nestled not too far from the serene Ditan Park, Jindingxuan stands proud as Beijing's first 24-hour restaurant. This place has always been a magnet for food lovers; honestly, if you swing by and don't have to wait for a table, you might as well buy a lottery ticket on the way out.

I remember the first time I took my boyfriend there during the Chinese New Year. We were bracing ourselves for a 30-minute wait, and he was all, "This had better be worth it." (Spoiler alert: It totally was, and I couldn't help but bask in the glory of a culinary win.)

Jindingxuan is a haven for Cantonese dim sum aficionados, adorned with that classic Chinese décor that has a peculiar charm for expats. And for the pidan enthusiasts out there, dive into their 皮蛋瘦肉粥 pídàn shòu ròu zhōu for a taste sensation with the best and grainiest texture. Or, why not nibble on their steamed chicken feet—a juicy favorite that always wins the crowd over?

Note: The original location no longer exists at its initial address, which was at No. 77, Hepingli West Street. Below is a nearby address for reference.

金鼎轩 (地坛店)

152 Dongsi Nanlu, Dongcheng District
东城区东四北大街152号
Hours: 24hrs
Phone: [phone]

Beijing's First Daoxiangcun

And how could we possibly talk about Beijing's culinary firsts without tipping our hats to Chinese bakery 稻香村 Dàoxiāngcūn? This iconic spot, Beijing's first Daoxiangcun, planted its roots back in 1895, just outside the Yinsi Temple near Qianmen. It's a treasure trove of pastries, meats, quick-frozen delights, mooncakes, rice dumplings, and other specialties.

Fast forward to August 2023, and we witnessed a heartwarming homecoming—after 37 splendid years, Beijing's first Daoxiangcun made a grand return to its original stomping grounds at No. 152 Dongsi North Street. This shop has resurrected old-school dim sum that had vanished from menus for years, like 眉毛肉饺 méimáo ròu jiǎo  (eyebrow meat dumplings) and 眉宫饼 méi gōng bǐng (eyebrow palace cakes), offering a taste of nostalgia. For many Beijingers, Daoxiangcun isn't just a bakery; it's a treasure trove of cherished memories, the go-to for yuanxiaos, zongzis, or that perfect afternoon snack to accompany a cup of coffee.

Note: This is the original location of Daoxiangcun.

稻香村 (零号店)

152 Dongsibei Dajie, Dongcheng District

东城区东四北大街152号

Hours: 12am-midnight
Phone: [phone]

There you have it, a taste of Beijing's firsts that have not only satisfied countless cravings but have also carved out their own special places in the city's heart.

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Images: Irene Li, Unsplash, RED

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