Li Qun Roast Duck – Beijing, China

Li Qun Roast Duck – Beijing, China

My good friend Bridget (of BC Designs, Inc.) asked me to join her in Beijing this July on the last part of her trip to China for work.  I had never been there and had no idea what to expect but I was already anticipating the food.  In researching Beijing, I quickly became aware of the fact that they are most famous for their Peking Duck.  Bridget, a vegetarian, I knew would have no part of the duck but I warned her that at some point during the trip I would be ordering one and I would be eating it all by myself:)  And that I did…on our last night there and boy was it delicious!

We found the restaurant simply by paging through our Fodor’s Beijing guide book.  Sounded good so why not?!  You can only imagine how excited I was when we were told during our dinner by some fellow Americans seated next to us that Li Qun Roast Duck was featured on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations…I could have died and gone to heaven at that point.  It just made the food and experience that much better…as if it needed it:)

If you’re in Beijing and are looking for a great meal, this is your spot.  Be aware that the ambiance and cleanliness is NOT what will draw you there…just close your eyes:)  But in all seriousness, the food is outstanding!   The duck is roasted perfectly with that yummy crispy skin and the side dishes are delicious.

Be sure to call (you’ll need to have your hotel call since there is a HUGE language barrier) and reserve a duck.  You can’t make reservations but you can reserve a duck and you’ll definitely want to.  The wait will be a little long but just order a beer and make some new friends while waiting outside.  You’ll be glad you went here!

In case you can’t find it…just follow the ducks on the wall

 Roasting the ducks to perfection

In case you didn’t know…vegetarians love this too:)

All of the delicious side dishes