Old Peking Restaurant has long been a beacon of authentic Chinese cuisine, delighting patrons with its rich flavors and traditional recipes. Nestled in the heart of the city, this establishment effortlessly blends cultural heritage with culinary excellence.
The charm of Old Peking lies not only in its inviting ambiance but also in an extensive menu that showcases the best of Peking-style dishes and beyond. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the menu promises a journey through time, capturing the essence of classic Chinese cooking with a modern twist.
The carefully curated selections at Old Peking Restaurant embrace the diversity of Chinese gastronomy, featuring a balance of hearty entrees, delicate appetizers, and flavorful sides. Each dish is prepared with attention to detail, using fresh ingredients and traditional methods that honor the legacy of Peking cuisine.
From the iconic Peking Duck to lesser-known regional specialties, the menu offers something for every palate.
Understanding the menu of Old Peking Restaurant means diving into a world where every flavor tells a story. The thoughtfully organized sections invite diners to explore varied textures and aromatic profiles, making dining an experience rather than just a meal.
This comprehensive review of the menu aims to illuminate the culinary treasures and help guests make the most of their visit.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizers at Old Peking Restaurant set the tone for a memorable meal by introducing guests to the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine. These small plates are designed to stimulate the appetite and showcase a variety of textures, from crispy to tender.
Each starter is a perfect blend of spices and freshness, crafted to complement the dishes that follow.
Among the selection, the signature Spring Rolls stand out for their crispiness and savory filling. Made with fresh vegetables and seasoned pork, they offer a delightful crunch followed by a burst of umami.
Another popular choice is the Hot and Sour Soup, which balances spicy and tangy notes, warming the palate and preparing it for the main courses.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully included, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a flavorful beginning to their meal. The Cold Sesame Noodles, tossed in a rich peanut sauce with a hint of chili, provide a creamy yet refreshing option.
These starters exemplify Old Peking’s commitment to authentic tastes and quality ingredients.
Popular Starters
- Spring Rolls: Crispy wrap filled with vegetables and pork
- Hot and Sour Soup: Spicy, tangy broth with tofu and mushrooms
- Cold Sesame Noodles: Wheat noodles in a creamy peanut sauce
- Steamed Dumplings: Tender wrappers filled with pork and chives
“A great appetizer is the first step to an unforgettable meal, and Old Peking’s starters never fail to impress with their authentic flavors and textures.”
Peking Duck and Signature Dishes
The centerpiece of Old Peking Restaurant’s menu is undoubtedly the Peking Duck. Renowned worldwide, this dish is prepared with meticulous care, ensuring the skin is perfectly crisp while the meat remains tender and juicy.
Carved tableside, it offers an interactive dining experience that highlights Chinese culinary artistry.
Accompanying the duck are traditional condiments including thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber sticks, and a sweet bean sauce, allowing guests to assemble their own rolls. This hands-on approach enhances the flavors and engages diners in the cultural ritual of consuming Peking Duck.
Besides the classic duck, the restaurant offers other signature dishes that represent regional Chinese cuisines, such as Kung Pao Chicken and Mapo Tofu. These dishes feature bold spices and complex layering of flavors, catering to those who appreciate a more intense culinary adventure.
Comparative Overview of Signature Dishes
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Peking Duck | Duck, scallions, cucumber, bean sauce | Crispy, savory, sweet | Light white wine or jasmine tea |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Chicken, peanuts, chili peppers | Spicy, nutty, slightly sweet | Chilled beer or oolong tea |
| Mapo Tofu | Tofu, ground pork, Sichuan peppercorn | Spicy, numbing, savory | Rice wine or steamed rice |
Soups and Broths
The soups at Old Peking Restaurant offer comforting warmth and a depth of flavor that complements the rest of the menu. Designed to balance richness and freshness, these soups are perfect for cleansing the palate or enhancing the overall dining experience.
One of the highlights is the Shark Fin Soup, a luxury item served with a delicate broth and garnished with mushrooms and bamboo shoots. While this dish is symbolic of traditional Chinese banquets, the restaurant also offers sustainable alternatives to respect modern ecological concerns.
Another favorite is the Wonton Soup, which features delicate dumplings filled with seasoned pork and shrimp, floating in a clear, savory broth. This light yet flavorful soup is a crowd-pleaser, especially during colder months.
- Shark Fin Soup: Luxurious broth with fins and mushrooms
- Wonton Soup: Pork and shrimp dumplings in clear broth
- Chicken Corn Soup: Creamy, mildly sweet with shredded chicken
“A bowl of well-crafted soup is the heart of a meal, warming the soul and preparing the senses for the courses ahead.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Old Peking Restaurant acknowledges the growing demand for plant-based dishes, offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan options that do not compromise on flavor or authenticity. These dishes showcase the versatility of Chinese cuisine and its capacity to delight all diners.
Among the standout offerings is the Buddha’s Delight, a medley of seasonal vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms stir-fried in a light soy sauce. This dish is not only nutritious but also bursting with umami, reflecting the vegetarian culinary traditions of Buddhist monks.
Another popular option is the Stir-Fried Eggplant with Garlic Sauce, which features tender eggplant cooked in a savory and slightly spicy sauce. Both dishes highlight fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning, making them favorites even among meat-eaters.
Key Vegan Dishes
- Buddha’s Delight: Mixed vegetables and tofu in light soy sauce
- Stir-Fried Eggplant: Eggplant with garlic chili sauce
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Rice with mixed vegetables and scallions
- Tofu with Black Bean Sauce: Firm tofu cooked in fermented black bean sauce
Rice and Noodle Varieties
Rice and noodle dishes form the backbone of many Chinese meals, and Old Peking Restaurant offers a diverse selection to satisfy all cravings. These staples are served as standalone entrees or as accompaniments to richer dishes, providing balance and texture.
Fried rice options range from classic Yangzhou Fried Rice, which includes shrimp, ham, peas, and eggs, to vegetarian versions filled with fresh garden vegetables. The quality of the rice is evident through its fluffy texture and perfectly separated grains, a hallmark of expert preparation.
Noodles come in many forms here, including hand-pulled varieties and stir-fried options. The Beef Chow Fun, featuring wide rice noodles with tender beef and bean sprouts, is a particularly popular choice that combines chewy noodles with savory meat flavors.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Texture | Spice Level |
| Yangzhou Fried Rice | Rice, shrimp, ham, peas, egg | Fluffy, slightly chewy | Mild |
| Beef Chow Fun | Wide rice noodles, beef, bean sprouts | Soft, tender | Mild |
| Dan Dan Noodles | Wheat noodles, spicy peanut sauce, minced pork | Chewy, saucy | Medium |
Seafood Delicacies
Seafood holds a special place on the Old Peking Restaurant menu, offering fresh and expertly prepared dishes that highlight the natural sweetness and texture of the ocean’s bounty. These items are ideal for guests seeking lighter yet flavorful options.
Steamed whole fish, often prepared with ginger and scallions, is a classic choice that celebrates simplicity and freshness. The technique preserves moisture and enhances the delicate flavor, making it a favorite among purists.
The Salt and Pepper Shrimp is another standout, featuring crispy shrimp tossed with aromatic spices and chili peppers. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures, combining crunchy exteriors with tender interiors.
- Steamed Whole Fish: Fresh fish steamed with ginger and scallions
- Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Fried shrimp with garlic, chili, and pepper
- Crab in Black Bean Sauce: Fresh crab stir-fried with fermented black beans
“Seafood at Old Peking is treated with reverence, allowing the purity of each ingredient to shine through masterful preparation.”
Desserts and Sweet Endings
To conclude the meal, Old Peking Restaurant offers a selection of traditional Chinese desserts that provide a gentle, sweet finish. These desserts are often lighter than Western counterparts, highlighting fresh ingredients and subtle sweetness.
The Mango Pudding is a perennial favorite, featuring a silky smooth texture and a vibrant tropical flavor. It is both refreshing and indulgent, a perfect balance after a savory feast.
Other options include Red Bean Soup, which is warm and slightly sweet, served either hot or cold depending on the season. These desserts emphasize comfort and tradition, making the conclusion of the meal as memorable as its beginning.
Popular Dessert Choices
- Mango Pudding: Creamy pudding made with fresh mangoes
- Red Bean Soup: Sweetened red beans served warm or chilled
- Sesame Balls: Deep-fried glutinous rice balls filled with sweet paste
- Almond Jelly: Light, fragrant jelly with almond essence
Old Peking Restaurant’s menu is a celebration of tradition, quality, and flavor, offering a dining experience that transports guests to the heart of Chinese culinary heritage. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared to honor authentic techniques while embracing the preferences of a diverse clientele.
The careful balance of taste, texture, and presentation ensures that each visit is a memorable journey through the rich tapestry of Chinese cuisine.
Whether savoring the iconic Peking Duck, exploring the vibrant appetizers, or indulging in delicate desserts, guests are welcomed into a world where food tells a story of culture and passion. The menu’s diversity accommodates a range of dietary preferences and flavor preferences, making it accessible and appealing to all.
At Old Peking Restaurant, every meal is more than nourishment—it is an experience that delights the senses and warms the heart.
