豆汁Beijing
How to drink douzhi, Beijing's fermented mung bean drink
Fermented mung-bean water. Smells like a sour sock, tastes like Beijing. Locals drink it at 6:30 a.m. and watch your face.
3–5 RMB a bowlPrice
BeijingCity
豆汁In Chinese
Step by step
- Order a small bowl (小碗), one jiaoquan (焦圈, a crisp fried ring) and a plate of pickled shreds. They come as a set.
- Do not smell it first. Take a small sip while it is hot. Hot douzhi is far milder than warm douzhi.
- Bite jiaoquan, sip douzhi, eat a pinch of pickles. Repeat. The three balance each other.
- Sip #1 is a shock, sip #3 is fine, bowl #2 is when you start to like it. Most people stop at #1.
Where to go
Old Ciqikou Douzhi (老磁器口豆汁店), north gate of the Temple of Heaven. Huguosi Snacks (护国寺小吃) for a gentler version.
The one mistake
Ordering a big bowl on your first try, or drinking it cold.
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Before you fly
How much English is there?
Hotels and airports, yes. Restaurants, taxis and shops, mostly no. That is why every card here ends with a phrase to show. Download the Chinese pack for your translate app's camera before you fly.
Related guides
Do you need a visa?
Check your passport against China's official lists.