The Taste of Old-Beijing Mornings: Chaogan, Douzhi and Palace-Snack Breakfast Crawl

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Morning

4 stops · Morning

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My Trip

Beijing's true morning begins with the love-it-or-hate-it douzhi (fermented mung-bean drink) and pork-offal chaogan. Four native breakfasts eaten among local elders. A challenge for outsiders, but the fastest way to know the 'real Beijing' by taste.

Morning4 stopsEst. budget 9,000 KRW

Itinerary

1
Yaoji Chaogan (Gulou Branch)姚记炒肝店 (鼓楼店)
Restaurant · 35 min stay
The classic local breakfast of 'chaogan,' a starch-thickened pork-liver-and-intestine stew, paired with pork-and-scallion buns (baozi). Famous for the 'Biden set' after then-VP Biden dropped by. Packed with neighborhood elders from 7 a.m.
07:00~08:30
Taxi 12 min
2
Huguosi Xiaochi (Main Branch)护国寺小吃 (总店)
30 min stay
A state-run old shop where you taste an assortment of Beijing traditional snacks handed down from the Qing court, like aiwowo, lüdagun and wandouhuang. Good for recommending miancha (millet porridge) and jiaoquan (fried rings) to douzhi beginners too.
Taxi 20 min
3
Lao Ciqikou Douzhi Shop老磁器口豆汁店
Street food · 30 min stay
The most famous shrine of douzhi (fermented mung-bean drink), the ultimate love-it-or-hate-it Beijing food. The orthodox way is sour douzhi with crisp jiaoquan and spicy pickles (xiancai). A bowl that's like a proof shot of 'I ate real Beijing.'
오전 일찍(품절 빠름)
Walk 8 min
4
Temple of Heaven Park Morning Walk天坛公园 (晨练)
Park · Restaurant · 40 min stay
Just across from breakfast, the Temple of Heaven. In the Long Corridor, the morning routines of local elders unfold: fan dancing, tai chi, choral singing, card games. A famous site and at the same time the real stage of Beijing citizens' morning life.