Zhizi kaorou is sliced beef or lamb seared on a round griddle of iron bars with raw onion and coriander, dipped in cumin and chilli, and washed down with Beibingyang soda or erguotou.

Kaorouwan, founded in 1686, and Kaorouji, founded in 1848, earned the pairing South Wan and North Ji, and the Beijing grill technique of both is recognised as national intangible cultural heritage. The meat is cooked on a round plate of iron strips set with small gaps, with the fire underneath. Yijucheng, founded in 1898, is described as the earliest known zhizi barbecue tavern in the Qianmen and Dashilar area. The city government's autumn food guide pairs the dish with Beibingyang soda or a shot of erguotou.

4 editor picks for Zhizi kaorou (Beijing griddle barbecue) in Beijing, ranked by editorial score. All Beijing signature dishes · Zhizi kaorou (Beijing griddle barbecue) across every city.

Dahuaishu Grill ★ 4.4

¥¥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.

DirectionsView

Liuji Zhizi Kaorou (Hufangqiao) ★ 4.2

¥¥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.

DirectionsView

Baqi Barbecue (Xinjiekou) ★ 3.9

¥¥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.

DirectionsView

Kaorouji (Qianhai Dongyan) ★ 3.7

¥¥Northern ChineseShichahai Houhai

Kaorouji on Qianhai Dongyan beside Shichahai grills beef and lamb on an iron griddle in the Beijing zhizi kaorou style, a time-honoured barbecue house.

OrderOrder the zhizi kaorou, beef and lamb grilled on an iron griddle, with a bottle of Beibingyang soda.

TipIt stands on Qianhai Dongyan beside Shichahai; the city's food guide suggests pairing the grilled meat with erguotou liquor or Beibingyang soda.

DirectionsView

Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide

Zhizi kaorou (Beijing griddle barbecue) makes more sense with someone from Beijing explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.

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