¥¥¥¥
VegetarianGuomao Cbd
Tianchumiaoxiang Vegetarian at Chaowai SOHO in Beijing cooks meat-free dishes without eggs, alcohol or alliums, led by a Kung Pao monkey head mushroom.
OrderKung Pao monkey head mushroom and the colourful vegetarian dumplings, with brown rice.
TipEvery dish leaves out eggs, alcohol and alliums; the unit is on the second floor of Building D of Chaowai SOHO.
¥¥¥¥
Hot potLiangmaqiao
Bad Ass Lamb Hot Pot on Maizidian West Street in Beijing serves lamb hot pot with 15 cuts of lamb and hand-sliced meat swished in a broth of your choice.
OrderHand-sliced lamb, the lamb shin and the blanched lamb head with cumin, with malabar spinach.
TipTry the lamb shin, which tastes less greasy after a few seconds in the broth, and the blanched lamb head seasoned with cumin.
¥¥¥¥
YunnanHaidian
La Roba on Zaojunmiao Road in Beijing is a Yunnan restaurant named for a Nuosu subgroup, with ethnic decor and a menu of classic Yunnan dishes.
OrderThe millefeuille pea flour pancake and the Dali-style fish braised in pickled papaya.
TipExpect a queue at peak periods; the Michelin Guide recommends the chewy millefeuille pea flour pancake and Dali fish braised in pickled papaya.
¥¥¥¥
SichuanDongzhimen Guijie
Hu Da Restaurant, the Guijie flagship at 233 Dongzhimen Inner Street in Beijing, is known for spicy crayfish and never closes, a landmark on Ghost Street.
OrderCrayfish in garlic or Sichuan-spice flavours, Chongqing-style la zi ji chicken and mala scallops.
TipIt never closes, so a late table is easier than at dinner; Ctrip's dish list leads with garlic crayfish, Chongqing spicy chicken and mala scallops.
¥¥¥¥
Northern ChineseQianmen Dashilar
Liuji Zhizi Kaorou on Lazhu Hutong in Beijing grills beef, lamb and squid on an iron griddle in the old zhizi kaorou style, near Hufangqiao in Xicheng.
OrderGrilled beef, beef tongue and lamb, with squid whiskers and chicken gristle skewers.
TipCtrip lists a waiting area, so expect a queue at mealtimes; the city food guide suggests Beibingyang soda or erguotou with the grilled meat.
¥¥¥¥
Northern ChineseDongsi
Dahuaishu Grill on Meishuguan East Street in Beijing cooks beef, lamb and pork on an iron griddle in the old zhizi kaorou style, with egg-fried mantou slices.
OrderGrilled pork belly, beef tongue and lamb, with egg-fried mantou slices and gedatang soup.
TipCtrip lists a waiting area and free parking, so expect a queue at peak hours; the egg-fried mantou slices are a side worth adding.