¥¥¥¥
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.
¥¥¥¥
Northern ChineseXisi Baitasi
Baqi Barbecue on Banqiao Ertiao near Xinjiekou in Beijing grills beef, lamb and pork on an iron griddle in the Beijing zhizi barbecue style.
OrderZhizi kaorou with lamb, beef tongue and pork belly, plus the grilled mushrooms and fish tofu.
TipCtrip lists a waiting area, so expect a queue at dinner; the zhizi kaorou comes with a house dipping sauce, per Ctrip's dish list.
¥¥¥¥
ChineseChaoyang Park
Minzhongmin, listed as Fujian Cuisine on Dongsanhuan North Road in Beijing, cooks Fujian country recipes, from red crab on sticky rice to ginger duck.
OrderSteamed red crab on sticky rice, the heirloom ginger duck and the creamy mashed taro dessert.
TipThe owner and chefs come from Xiamen and bring produce and seafood from Fujian; the room sits in Kaidexingmao, units 110-111 on the ground floor.
¥¥¥¥
Hot potDongzhimen Guijie
Beiping San Xiongdi on Dongzhimen Inner Street in Beijing serves old-style instant-boiled lamb in copper pots on Ghost Street, open until 03:00.
OrderHand-cut fresh lamb and the prime top cut, with house sesame sauce, sugared garlic and red willow skewers.
TipCtrip lists a waiting area and folk performances at the tables; the late 03:00 close means a quiet table after the evening rush.