Beijing & the north
Peking duck
北京烤鸭
Běi jīng kǎo yā
Roast duck with crisp skin, thin pancakes and a tableful of little accompaniments.
Regional starting pointBeijing & the north
On the menuMain dishes
Typical heatMild
Flavor & textureCrisp · Roasted · Sweet-savory
Get to know the dish
Beijing roast duck is as much a shared-table experience as a single dish. Slices of duck arrive with pancakes and condiments; assembling a small wrap lets you balance rich skin, savory meat and fresh accompaniments.
What to look for
Crisp skin and carefully carved slices. Serving style, accompaniments and whether the remaining duck becomes another course differ by restaurant.
Every kitchen has its version
Roast duck elsewhere may be served chopped over rice. It can be delicious, but it is a different meal from a Beijing-style pancake service.
Sources & further reading
Background and preparation references. Our descriptions are editorial summaries, not restaurant reviews.
