Seven halal dishes to try in Niujie, Beijing’s central Muslim neighbourhood
The historical and cultural wonders of Beijing are unmistakable, but as the city continues to define itself as a tourist hub beyond its domestic and Asian markets, the destination can still feel like hard work when it comes to halal food. Unlike Singapore or even Hong Kong, Beijing does not immediately present itself as an easy place for Muslim travellers to eat, particularly for visitors from…
Beijing's Muslim quarter, Niujie, offers a wealth of halal culinary delights for travelers seeking authentic Muslim dishes. Dating back to at least 996, Niujie boasts the historic Niujie Mosque, a centerpiece of the city's Hui community. Redeveloped in the late 1990s, Niujie has transformed into a hub for Muslim food enthusiasts. Here are seven must-try dishes in Niujie:
1. Beef pie: Niurou xianbing is a pan-griddled pie with a crisp exterior and juicy beef and scallion filling. This dish, reminiscent of Levantine samosas, is best enjoyed hot at a price of 10-15 Chinese yuan (up to $2.20) each.
2. Sesame shaobing: Niujie puts its own spin on this northern Chinese specialty, offering sesame-paste and pepper-salt versions of baked, rolled dough coiled into layers. The white sesame paste version provides a nutty, lightly bitter flavor, while the crowd favorite, sesame paste, offers a savory punch. Shaobing pairs well with soup or can be sliced open as a mini-slider for braised beef, priced at 10-15 Chinese yuan (up to $2.20) each.
3. Beef or lamb baozi: These fluffy steamed buns filled with tender beef or lamb offer a delightful taste of niujie's halal cuisine. Priced at 10-15 Chinese yuan (up to $2.20) each, baozi is a must-try for visitors seeking an authentic Muslim experience in Beijing.
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