Beijing Winter Haven offers a culinary journey that masterfully blends traditional Chinese flavors with contemporary dining experiences. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite for both locals and visitors who seek authentic tastes paired with innovative presentations.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to highlight seasonal ingredients and time-honored recipes, making every visit a unique exploration of China’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Whether you’re craving the warmth of a classic hot pot on a chilly evening or eager to sample delicate dim sum crafted with precision, Beijing Winter Haven’s menu caters to a broad spectrum of palates.
The chefs pay keen attention to detail, ensuring that each dish delivers not only on flavor but also on visual appeal. This harmonious balance between tradition and modernity is what sets Beijing Winter Haven apart in a city teeming with dining options.
Beyond the food itself, the menu reflects the ethos of the restaurant: a commitment to quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Diners can expect fresh, locally sourced produce and ethically raised meats, all prepared with care to honor the culinary legacy of Beijing and its surrounding regions.
This dedication to excellence translates into a dining experience that feels both comforting and exciting, inviting guests to savor every bite and discover new favorites.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section of Beijing Winter Haven’s menu serves as a perfect introduction to the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. These small plates are designed to awaken the appetite and offer a glimpse into the diverse flavors of northern Chinese cuisine.
Each starter combines fresh ingredients with traditional spices and sauces to create balanced, enticing bites.
Popular among the offerings is the Jingjiang Pancake, a thin, savory pancake rolled with shredded duck and scallions. It highlights the restaurant’s skill in preparing dishes that are both visually appealing and rich in texture.
Another standout is the Spicy Szechuan Wontons, which deliver a fiery kick balanced by a cool sesame dressing.
For those looking for lighter options, the menu includes refreshing marinated vegetables, such as the Cucumber Salad with Garlic and Chili Oil, which provides a crisp, tangy contrast to richer dishes. These starters set the tone for the meal ahead, offering bold flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Popular Starters
- Jingjiang Pancake – Thin pancake with shredded duck and scallions
- Spicy Szechuan Wontons – Wontons in a spicy chili and sesame sauce
- Cucumber Salad with Garlic and Chili Oil – Crisp and refreshing
- Steamed Pork Buns – Soft buns filled with savory pork
“A great meal begins with a thoughtfully crafted starter that prepares the senses for what’s to come.” – Executive Chef Li Wei
Main Courses
The main courses at Beijing Winter Haven showcase a robust variety of dishes that reflect northern China’s rich culinary traditions. From slow-braised meats to expertly stir-fried vegetables, the selections emphasize depth of flavor and meticulous preparation.
The menu balances hearty dishes with lighter options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
Signature dishes include the Beijing-Style Braised Pork Belly, cooked for hours until tender and glazed with a sweet-savory sauce. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s attention to texture and flavor layering.
Another highlight is the Kung Pao Chicken, a classic Sichuan dish made with diced chicken, peanuts, and dried chili peppers, offering a perfect balance of heat and crunch.
Vegetarian diners are well catered for, with options such as the Mapo Tofu made with a vegetarian twist, using mushrooms to mimic the traditional pork mince texture. Seasonal vegetable stir-fries also feature prominently, often incorporating local produce for freshness and sustainability.
Signature Dishes Comparison
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Spice Level |
| Beijing-Style Braised Pork Belly | Pork belly, soy sauce, sugar, spices | Sweet, savory, rich | Low |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Chicken, peanuts, dried chili peppers | Spicy, nutty, slightly sweet | Medium |
| Vegetarian Mapo Tofu | Tofu, mushrooms, fermented bean paste | Spicy, umami, savory | Medium |
- Beijing-Style Braised Pork Belly – Slow-cooked for tender richness
- Kung Pao Chicken – A spicy classic with crunchy peanuts
- Vegetarian Mapo Tofu – Embracing umami without meat
- Seasonal Stir-Fry – Fresh vegetables with light sauce
Dim Sum Selection
Dim sum at Beijing Winter Haven is a celebration of delicate craftsmanship and variety. This section of the menu offers an array of bite-sized dishes perfect for sharing, ideal for those who enjoy sampling multiple flavors and textures in one meal.
The dim sum is prepared fresh daily, with an emphasis on traditional recipes infused with subtle modern touches.
Favorites include the Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow), known for their translucent wrappers and succulent fillings. The Pork Siu Mai offers a hearty, flavorful alternative, packed with seasoned pork and mushrooms.
Each piece is a testament to the precision and care invested in the dim sum-making process.
For something a bit different, the menu features the Lotus Leaf Rice, sticky rice wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves with a savory mix of meats and mushrooms. This dish combines aroma and flavor in a way that is both comforting and exotic.
Dim Sum Highlights
- Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow) – Light and juicy with a delicate wrapper
- Pork Siu Mai – Open-topped dumplings with rich pork filling
- Lotus Leaf Rice – Sticky rice with meats, steamed in lotus leaves
- Pan-Fried Turnip Cakes – Crispy exterior with a soft inside
“Dim sum is more than food; it’s a social experience that brings people together.” – Dim Sum Chef Chen
Soups and Broths
Soups at Beijing Winter Haven are crafted to warm both the body and soul, integral to the restaurant’s winter-focused theme. The menu offers a variety of broths that range from light and clear to deeply infused and hearty, each designed to complement the other dishes on the menu.
One of the most revered is the Hot and Sour Soup, a complex blend of vinegar, white pepper, mushrooms, and tofu that balances tangy and spicy notes. Another popular choice is the Traditional Herbal Chicken Soup, simmered for hours with a blend of Chinese medicinal herbs, aimed at nourishing health during colder months.
For those seeking a more robust option, the Beef Tendon Soup features tender beef tendons in a rich, savory broth with aromatic spices. These soups are perfect starters or accompaniments, providing warmth and depth to the overall dining experience.
Popular Soups
- Hot and Sour Soup – A balance of spicy and tangy flavors
- Traditional Herbal Chicken Soup – Nourishing and aromatic
- Beef Tendon Soup – Rich and hearty with tender beef tendons
- Winter Melon Soup – Light and refreshing with a subtle sweetness
Noodle and Rice Dishes
Noodles and rice form the cornerstone of many meals at Beijing Winter Haven, reflecting their importance in Chinese culinary traditions. The restaurant offers dishes that range from comforting bowls of hand-pulled noodles to fragrant fried rice options, each prepared with fresh ingredients and bold seasonings.
The Hand-Pulled Noodles with Beef stand out for their chewy texture and richly flavored broth, enhanced by tender slices of braised beef and fresh scallions. The Yangzhou Fried Rice is a colorful medley of shrimp, egg, and vegetables, stir-fried to perfection with a fragrant soy sauce base.
For those seeking vegetarian options, the Vegetable Chow Mein delivers a satisfying crunch and vibrant taste, making it a popular choice among guests. These dishes provide hearty satisfaction and are ideal for sharing or enjoying as a main course.
Noodle and Rice Favorites
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Texture | Typical Accompaniments |
| Hand-Pulled Noodles with Beef | Wheat noodles, braised beef, scallions | Chewy noodles, tender beef | Broth, chili oil |
| Yangzhou Fried Rice | Rice, shrimp, egg, vegetables | Fluffy, slightly crispy | Soy sauce, green onions |
| Vegetable Chow Mein | Egg noodles, mixed vegetables | Crisp and tender | Soy sauce, sesame oil |
- Hand-Pulled Noodles with Beef – Classic and hearty
- Yangzhou Fried Rice – Colorful and flavorful
- Vegetable Chow Mein – Vibrant and crunchy
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – A simple staple
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The dessert offerings at Beijing Winter Haven provide a delightful conclusion to the meal, blending traditional Chinese sweets with modern twists. These dishes are designed to satisfy a sweet tooth without overpowering the palate after a rich dining experience.
The Red Bean Soup is a warm, comforting classic made with adzuki beans and lightly sweetened to highlight natural flavors. Another popular choice is the Sesame Seed Balls, deep-fried to golden perfection with a chewy glutinous rice exterior and a sweet red bean paste filling.
For a cooler option, the Mango Pudding offers a refreshing tropical flavor with a silky texture, often garnished with fresh fruit. These desserts provide a harmonious balance of sweetness and texture, rounding out the diverse menu beautifully.
Sweet Highlights
- Red Bean Soup – Warm and subtly sweet
- Sesame Seed Balls – Crispy exterior, sweet filling
- Mango Pudding – Smooth and fruity
- Almond Jelly – Light and fragrant
“Dessert is the final note in a culinary symphony, leaving a lasting impression.” – Pastry Chef Mei Ling
Beverage Pairings
The beverage menu at Beijing Winter Haven complements the food perfectly, offering a selection of teas, wines, and traditional Chinese drinks. These beverages are carefully chosen to enhance the flavors of the dishes and provide a balanced dining experience.
Tea, an essential part of Chinese dining culture, is represented by varieties such as Jasmine, Oolong, and Pu-erh. Each tea is brewed to emphasize its unique aroma and taste, serving as both a palate cleanser and a soothing accompaniment.
For those who enjoy alcoholic options, the restaurant offers a curated list of Chinese rice wines and select international wines chosen to pair well with the menu.
Non-alcoholic options include freshly made fruit juices and traditional drinks like Chrysanthemum Tea, which offers a floral, lightly sweet flavor known for its cooling properties. The beverage selection is designed to provide choices that suit every preference and complement the dining experience.
Tea and Wine Selection
- Jasmine Tea – Floral and fragrant
- Pu-erh Tea – Earthy and robust
- Chinese Rice Wine – Sweet and warming
- International Red and White Wines – Selected for food pairing
- Chrysanthemum Tea – Light and refreshing
| Beverage | Flavor Profile | Ideal Food Pairing |
| Jasmine Tea | Light, floral | Dim sum, appetizers |
| Chinese Rice Wine | Sweet, smooth | Braised meats, hearty dishes |
| Pu-erh Tea | Earthy, deep | Spicy dishes, rich flavors |
Conclusion
Beijing Winter Haven’s menu is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of northern China, skillfully reimagined for the modern diner. Each section of the menu—from appetizers through to desserts—reflects a deep respect for authentic ingredients and time-honored techniques, while embracing creativity and seasonal freshness.
This balance ensures that every meal is both comforting and exciting, offering guests a chance to explore new tastes alongside familiar favorites.
The thoughtful design of the menu allows diners to experience a comprehensive journey through Beijing’s flavors, with dishes that cater to all preferences, including vegetarian and health-conscious options.
The inclusion of carefully selected beverage pairings further enhances the overall dining experience, underscoring the restaurant’s commitment to quality and harmony.
Ultimately, Beijing Winter Haven invites guests to savor the essence of Chinese cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its menu not only satisfies hunger but also nurtures a deeper appreciation for the culinary arts, making each visit memorable and inspiring.
For anyone seeking authentic tastes paired with exceptional service and ambiance, Beijing Winter Haven stands as a premier destination in the vibrant food scene of Beijing.
