Welcome to Beijing, China’s dynamic capital city where ancient traditions harmonize with modern innovation, especially in its diverse culinary landscape. Amidst the bustling streets and vibrant markets, Beijing offers a tantalizing array of desserts that reflect its rich cultural heritage. From traditional sweets like tanghulu to modern creations like chilled mango sago cream, the dessert scene in Beijing promises a delightful journey of flavors and textures. Join us as we explore the sweet side of Beijing’s gastronomic delights, where every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and culinary excellence.
15 Best Desserts You Must Try Out in Beijing
1. Tanghulu (糖葫芦)
Candied fruits (commonly hawthorn berries) coated in a crunchy sugar glaze on a stick, offering a sweet and tangy treat.
2. Douzhi (豆汁)
A traditional fermented mung bean drink served cold, often enjoyed with sweet or savory snacks.
3. Siji Doufu (四季豆腐)
Silken tofu served with a sweet ginger syrup or brown sugar, offering a light and refreshing dessert option.
4. Jiuniang (酒酿)
Sweet fermented rice pudding often served as a dessert or snack, sometimes garnished with osmanthus flowers.
5. Baodu (爆肚)
Boiled tripe and beef offal served with a spicy chili sauce, offering a savory and hearty dessert experience.
6. Miancha (面茶)
A sweet soup made from wheat flour, sugar, and water, served warm and sometimes garnished with osmanthus flowers or goji berries.
7. Lamian (拉面)
Hand-pulled noodles are served in a sweetened broth with toppings like red bean paste, fruits, or nuts, offering a comforting dessert option.
8. Xiaolongbao (小笼包)
Steamed dumplings filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste or sesame paste, offering a delicious and satisfying dessert choice.
9. Baobaocha (薄薄茶)
A thin and crispy pancake filled with sweet bean paste or fruit preserves, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
10. Bingtang Hulu (冰糖葫芦)
Similar to tanghulu, bingtang hulu features candied fruits coated in a crunchy sugar glaze, a popular street snack enjoyed year-round.
11. Laba Porridge (腊八粥)
A traditional Chinese porridge made with mixed grains, beans, dried fruits, and nuts, often enjoyed during the Laba Festival in winter.
12. Fried Scorpion (炸蝎子)
Deep-fried scorpions on skewers, a unique and adventurous dessert option found in Beijing’s Wangfujing Snack Street.
13. Jujube Cake (枣糕)
A sweet and chewy cake made from jujube fruit paste, offering a rich and satisfying dessert choice.
14. Hongtangtu (红糖饧子)
Red sugar candies made from brown sugar and malt syrup are often enjoyed as a sweet treat during festivals and celebrations.
15. Chilled Mango Sago Cream with Pomelo (杨枝甘露)
A refreshing dessert made with mango puree, sago pearls, coconut milk, and pomelo citrus segments, offering a tropical and creamy delight.
These delightful desserts capture the essence of Beijing’s culinary heritage and provide a sweet finale to any meal or a delightful indulgence on their own. Enjoy exploring the diverse and flavorful dessert options available in Beijing!
