Shichahai, a famous historical scenic area in Beijing's Xicheng District, consists of Qianhai (Front Lake), Houhai (Rear Lake) and Xihai (West Lake). Apart from its ancient temples and historic sites, the area also features various restaurants, clubs, cafes and snacks, making it a paradise for foodies.
Kaorou Ji
Started in 1848, this time-honored brand restaurant offers grilled beef, mutton and Muslim dishes. The restaurant is known for its tender cuts, and people described its meat "as soft as tofu". It stresses its selection of quality beef and mutton and roasts in unique ways. Only meat of hind legs and the fillets along the backbone are used. Traditional side dishes include pickled sweet garlic, cucumbers and ox-tongue biscuits. Its mutton bun, stuffed full of savory meat and onions, is another recommendation. The Beijinger's favorite way is to engorge the grilled meats with a bottle of fiery white spirits.
Baodu (Quick-fried tripe) Zhang
Baodu Zhang is a time-honored restaurant specializing in quick-fried tripe. The dish as an authentic Beijing style dish is made of fresh tripe (Beef omasum) or fresh lamb tripe cut into slices. It is often blanched in boiling water within a few minutes. By adding cooking oil, sesame sauce, Chinese vinegar, chili oil, bean paste and small pieces of vegetables, the dish is ready to serve. Beijing people usually like to eat the dishes with Chinese white liquor.
Jiumen Snack
Jiumen Snack hides in a traditional courtyard found by 12 famous old Beijing brands, such as Yueshengzhai, Baodu Feng, Chatang (seasoned flour mush) Li, Niangao (a Chinese New Year's cake made from glutinous rice) Qian, Cheese Wei, Sheep’s head Ma and Tofu Pudding Bai. It is home to more than 300 kinds of traditional snacks. Jiumen snacks are actually Beijing snacks, which include the snacks of many Chinese ethnic groups, such as the Han, Hui, Mongol and Manchurian, as well as imperial snacks from the Ming and Qing dynasties. They taste good and are inexpensive, which makes them very popular among average Beijingers.
