Exploring the culinary delights of Peking cuisine offers an immersive experience into one of China’s most celebrated food traditions. Known for its bold flavors, meticulous preparation, and rich cultural heritage, the Peking menu is a treasure trove of dishes that combine history and taste.
Whether you are a seasoned food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, understanding the menu and prices at a Peking restaurant can greatly enhance your dining experience. The variety spans from iconic roasted duck to delicate dim sum, each dish crafted with a unique blend of spices and techniques that have been perfected over centuries.
The Peking menu is more than just a list of dishes; it is a reflection of a culinary art form that balances texture, aroma, and presentation. From hearty main courses to subtle appetizers and refreshing beverages, the offerings are designed to satisfy diverse palates.
Pricing varies based on ingredients, preparation complexity, and portion sizes, making it essential to know what to expect when choosing your meal. This overview provides a detailed look at popular sections of the Peking menu, helping you navigate the options and make informed choices while appreciating the cultural significance behind each dish.
Signature Peking Duck Dishes
The centerpiece of any Peking menu is undoubtedly the Peking Duck. This dish is revered worldwide for its crispy skin, tender meat, and the intricate way it is served with pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce.
The roasting process is meticulous, requiring hours to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Typically, the duck is carved tableside, enhancing the dining experience with a touch of ceremony. Most menus offer various serving options, including whole duck, half duck, or duck served as part of a combo platter.
Prices can range significantly depending on the restaurant’s prestige and the duck’s quality.
Additional dishes featuring duck, such as duck soup or stir-fried duck with vegetables, complement the main offering and provide variety for those who want to explore beyond the classic preparation.
Pricing Breakdown
| Dish | Portion | Price (USD) |
| Peking Duck | Whole | $45 – $70 |
| Peking Duck | Half | $25 – $40 |
| Duck Soup | Bowl | $8 – $15 |
| Stir-Fried Duck with Vegetables | Plate | $18 – $30 |
“Peking Duck is not just a meal; it is a cultural ritual that connects diners to centuries of culinary tradition.”
Appetizers and Cold Dishes
Appetizers set the tone for any meal, and the Peking menu includes a vibrant selection of starters that awaken the palate. These cold dishes often feature fresh ingredients, light seasoning, and a balance of textures to prepare diners for the more robust flavors to follow.
Common appetizers include cold jellyfish salad, marinated cucumbers, and assorted pickled vegetables. These dishes are usually priced affordably, reflecting their role as light introductions rather than full meals.
Cold appetizers also provide a refreshing contrast to the richer main courses, making them popular choices during warmer seasons or as part of a larger banquet.
Popular Cold Dishes and Prices
- Jellyfish Salad: Crisp, slightly chewy, and tangy – $7 to $12
- Marinated Cucumbers: Lightly pickled with garlic and chili – $5 to $10
- Assorted Pickled Vegetables: Seasonal mix with balanced sour notes – $6 to $11
- Cold Tofu with Soy Sauce: Silky tofu topped with scallions and sesame oil – $6 to $9
These appetizers not only delight the senses but also provide a healthy start to any meal.
“The subtle flavors of Peking cold dishes are the perfect prelude to the complexity of the main courses.”
Savoury Main Courses
Beyond the iconic duck, the Peking menu boasts an array of savory main courses that showcase the region’s culinary prowess. These dishes emphasize bold sauces, fresh ingredients, and careful cooking techniques that enhance natural flavors.
Popular options include Kung Pao chicken, braised pork belly, and sweet and sour fish. Each dish offers a unique combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and umami tastes that highlight the diversity of Peking cuisine.
For those seeking variety, many restaurants offer set menus or combination platters featuring several main courses at a bundled price, providing excellent value.
Main Course Price Comparison
| Dish | Serving Size | Price (USD) |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Plate | $15 – $25 |
| Braised Pork Belly | Plate | $18 – $28 |
| Sweet and Sour Fish | Whole or Fillet | $20 – $35 |
| Combination Platter (3 dishes) | Family Style | $50 – $75 |
Tip: Ask the server about seasonal specialties, as some dishes feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients that may not appear on the regular menu.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While Peking cuisine is traditionally meat-centric, there is a growing variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes available. These offerings typically emphasize fresh vegetables, tofu, and creative use of sauces and spices to replicate traditional flavors.
Popular vegetarian dishes include stir-fried seasonal greens, braised mushrooms, and cold tofu salads. These dishes provide a healthy and flavorful alternative without compromising on authenticity.
Restaurants often highlight these options separately on the menu or mark them clearly, making it easier for diners with dietary restrictions to find suitable choices.
Highlighted Vegetarian Choices
- Stir-Fried Seasonal Greens: Fresh leafy vegetables cooked with garlic and light soy sauce – $12 to $18
- Braised Shiitake Mushrooms: Rich umami flavor with a savory sauce – $14 to $22
- Cold Tofu Salad: Silky tofu with a spicy sesame dressing – $8 to $12
- Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried, filled with mixed vegetables – $10 to $15
Vegetarian options are crafted with as much care as meat dishes, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all.
“The expanding vegetarian selection in Peking cuisine reflects both tradition and innovation, catering to modern dietary preferences.”
Soups and Broths
Soups hold a special place in Peking meals, often served at the beginning or end of a course to cleanse the palate and provide warmth. These soups range from light, clear broths to hearty, thick concoctions filled with meat and vegetables.
Popular choices include hot and sour soup, wonton soup, and egg drop soup. Each offers distinct textures and flavors, making them complementary to the other dishes on the menu.
Prices for soups are typically modest, making them an accessible addition to any meal.
Common Soups and Prices
- Hot and Sour Soup: Tangy and spicy with tofu and mushrooms – $6 to $10
- Wonton Soup: Delicate dumplings in a flavorful broth – $7 to $12
- Egg Drop Soup: Silky egg ribbons in chicken broth – $5 to $9
- Seaweed and Tofu Soup: Light and nutritious – $6 to $11
Soups are an excellent way to balance the meal, providing both comfort and nourishment.
Rice and Noodle Selections
No Peking meal is complete without rice or noodles, staples that accompany the main dishes and absorb their rich flavors. The menu typically offers a variety of options, from plain steamed rice to elaborate fried rice and hand-pulled noodles.
Rice dishes can be simple or complex, sometimes including vegetables, eggs, or meat. Noodle dishes are often served stir-fried or in broth, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Pricing varies depending on ingredients and preparation complexity, but these items generally remain affordable.
Popular Choices and Price Ranges
| Dish | Type | Price (USD) |
| Steamed White Rice | Side | $2 – $4 |
| Yangzhou Fried Rice | Entrée | $10 – $16 |
| Beef Chow Mein | Entrée | $12 – $20 |
| Hand-Pulled Noodles | Entrée | $14 – $22 |
Pro tip: Pairing your main courses with noodles or rice rounds out the meal and enhances the overall dining experience.
Beverages and Desserts
The Peking menu often concludes with a selection of beverages and desserts that provide a sweet or refreshing finish. Traditional drinks such as jasmine tea and plum wine complement the flavors of the meal and aid digestion.
Desserts may include sweet red bean buns, sesame balls, or fresh fruit platters. These sweets tend to be light and not overly sugary, maintaining the balance characteristic of Peking cuisine.
Prices for beverages and desserts vary, with teas generally being the most economical and desserts priced moderately.
Beverage and Dessert Highlights
- Jasmine Tea: Aromatic and soothing – $3 to $6 per pot
- Plum Wine: Sweet and slightly tart – $6 to $10 per glass
- Red Bean Buns: Soft buns filled with sweet red bean paste – $5 to $8
- Sesame Balls: Crispy fried treats with sweet filling – $6 to $9
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Seasonal selection – $7 to $12
“The perfect meal ends not just with satisfaction but with a thoughtfully chosen dessert and drink that linger in memory.”
Conclusion
Understanding the Peking menu with its diverse offerings and price ranges allows diners to appreciate the depth and richness of this celebrated cuisine fully. From the iconic Peking Duck to the delicate cold appetizers, savory mains, and thoughtful vegetarian options, the menu offers something for every palate and budget.
Being aware of prices and portion sizes helps in planning a meal that is both satisfying and economical.
The balance between traditional recipes and modern adaptations ensures that Peking cuisine remains relevant and exciting. By exploring the different sections of the menu, diners can create a personalized experience that highlights the best of this culinary heritage.
Whether indulging in a lavish feast or enjoying a simple, flavorful dish, the Peking menu invites you into a world where taste and culture converge beautifully.
Next time you sit down in a Peking restaurant, let your choices reflect not only your hunger but also an appreciation for the artistry behind each dish. This knowledge will transform your meal into a memorable journey through one of the world’s most respected culinary traditions.
