The Best Chaozhou Cuisine Restaurants in Beijing

Chaozhou cuisine (Chaozhou cai, 潮州菜) is a rich and vibrant tradition within the broader scope of Cantonese cuisine. Originating from the Chaoshan region in eastern Guangdong Province, this culinary style is known for its light, fresh flavors and emphasis on the natural taste of ingredients. The history of Chaozhou cuisine dates back to the Qin Dynasty (221 BC – 206 BC), and it has developed over the centuries into a refined culinary art with unique characteristics.

Key Features of Chaozhou Cuisine:

  1. Light and Fresh Flavors: Unlike some other Chinese cuisines that rely heavily on spices or bold flavors, Chaozhou cuisine focuses on bringing out the natural flavors of ingredients. The cooking techniques often aim to preserve the freshness of the ingredients, with minimal seasoning used to enhance rather than mask their taste.

  2. Seafood: Seafood is one of the most important components of Chaozhou cuisine, and many of its most famous dishes highlight the region’s abundant supply of fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, and other marine life. Chaozhou chefs often serve seafood in simple yet flavorful preparations, using light broths and fresh ingredients that retain the natural sweetness of the seafood.

  3. Simple and Natural Cooking Methods: The cooking techniques in Chaozhou cuisine focus on preserving the original characteristics of the ingredients. For example, steaming, braising, and slow-cooking are commonly used methods to bring out the natural essence of food, which is believed to be healthier and more nourishing.

  4. Signature Dishes:

    • Chaozhou Beef Balls: One of the most beloved dishes is the handmade beef ball, typically made from finely minced beef and cooked in a rich broth or hot pot.
    • Chaozhou-style Porridges: These soups and porridge dishes, often made with seafood and rice, showcase the balance of flavors that characterize Chaozhou cuisine.
    • Barbeque Sauce: A signature accompaniment to many dishes, this sauce is often used to enhance the flavors of grilled meats and seafood.
    • Pickled Vegetables: Chaozhou cuisine features a variety of pickled vegetables that help balance the richness of the main dishes.

  5. Variety of Sauces: Chaozhou cuisine is also known for its unique sauces that accompany many dishes. The barbecue sauce and vinegar-based sauces are some examples that provide a tangy, umami-rich flavor to dishes like steamed fish or beef hot pots.

Health-conscious Cooking:

In addition to being known for its fresh and natural ingredients, Chaozhou cuisine also emphasizes health-conscious cooking practices. The focus on light, easily digestible dishes is thought to promote good health and balance. The slow-cooking and steaming methods retain the nutrients in the ingredients, making it an ideal choice for those looking for wholesome meals.

Chaozhou Restaurants in Beijing:

Several excellent Chaozhou restaurants in Beijing strive to bring these authentic tastes to the capital. These restaurants offer both traditional dishes and innovative twists on classic recipes, preserving the essence of Chaozhou cuisine while catering to modern tastes.

Whether you’re craving seafood porridge, handmade beef balls, or steamed lobster, you’ll find a range of options to experience the fresh, light, and healthy flavors of Chaozhou cuisine in Beijing. Here are some well-regarded Chaozhou restaurants in Beijing that feature these traditional dishes:

1. Chaoshan Restaurant (潮汕小馆)

  • Specialties: This restaurant offers a variety of Chaoshan Snacks, Family Dishes, Casseroles, and Porridges. Some must-try dishes include Barbeque Sauce, Steamed Cucumber, and fresh seafood dishes.
  • Atmosphere: A cozy setting, perfect for casual dining with family or friends. The focus is on retaining the original flavors of Chaozhou cuisine while offering a modern and comfortable environment.
  • Average cost per person: CNY130
  • Location: 2/F, Digital Mansion, No. 12, Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District.

2. Huo Qi Chao Shan Sha Guo Zhou (火齐潮汕砂锅粥)

  • Specialties: Famous for its Seafood Porridge, Shrimp Dumplings, Vegetable Pie, and Beef Shao-Mai. Their sand pot porridge is a signature dish that highlights fresh seafood and rich broth.
  • Atmosphere: Casual, family-friendly. It has multiple locations around Beijing, with a special focus on traditional Chaoshan porridge served in a sand pot.
  • Average cost per person: CNY100
  • Locations:
    • Drum Tower Branch: No. 225, Drum Tower East Street, Dongcheng District (near Baochao Hutong)
    • Shuangjing Branch: 3, No. 10, Middle Dongsanhuan Road, Chaoyang District
    • International Exhibition Center Branch: Building No. 6, Xibahe Middle Street, Chaoyang District (near west gate of China International Exhibition Center)

3. Authentic Chaozhou Beef Ball Hot Pot (潮汕美牛肉丸火锅)

  • Specialties: Their Hand-made Beef Balls are the highlight of the menu. Also known for other delicacies like Barbeque Sauce and traditional hot pot flavors, the fresh ingredients come from trusted local sources.
  • Atmosphere: This restaurant is known for being the cafeteria of the Ministry of Agriculture, which ensures the quality of ingredients used. The atmosphere is clean, professional, and comfortable, ideal for a relaxed hot pot meal.
  • Average cost per person: CNY90
  • Location: No. 11, Nongzhanguan South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.

4. ACHENG Chaoshan Restaurant (阿诚潮粥小馆)

  • Specialties: The menu features a variety of Chaozhou porridge and traditional snacks, focusing on fresh seafood, pickled vegetables, and slow-cooked dishes.
  • Atmosphere: A relaxed, inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying traditional Chaozhou-style breakfasts and casual meals.
  • Average cost per person: CNY100
  • Locations:
    • Zuojiazhuang Branch: 1F, Building No. 8, Xiangheyuan Road, Chaoyang District.
    • Jintailu Branch: 300 meters west of Jintai Road Metro Station, Chaoyang District.

5. Chaoyaxuan Chaoshan Restaurant (潮雅轩潮汕小馆)

  • Specialties: Shrimp and Crab Porridge, Ginger Chicken, and Bamboo Fungus Soup are highly recommended. The restaurant offers both traditional Chaozhou-style cooking and more innovative dishes with a modern twist.
  • Atmosphere: More upscale compared to other Chaozhou restaurants, Chaoyaxuan offers a comfortable and elegant environment with a focus on both authenticity and presentation.
  • Average cost per person: CNY150
  • Location: Room 109, Building No. 23, Shuanghuayuan Nanli Community, North Guanghua 1st Street, Chaoyang District.

6. Chao Tang Restaurant (潮堂)

  • Specialties: Offers a variety of Chaozhou dishes such as Chaozhou Soup, Braised Beef, Fish Dishes, and Dim Sum. Known for its broad menu and high-quality dishes.
  • Atmosphere: With several branches, Chao Tang offers a family-friendly environment, perfect for a larger group or a casual meal with friends.
  • Average cost per person: CNY120
  • Locations:
    • Huiju Branch: Huiju Shopping Center, Xinning Street, Fengtai District.
    • Guomao Branch: 5F, Guomao Shopping Mall, No. 1, Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District.
    • Yidigang Branch: 2F, Yidigang Shopping Mall, No. 18, Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District.

7. The Canteen (一家一饭堂)

  • Specialties: Known for its Home-fed Chicken, Fried Rice Noodle with Slice Beef in Soy Sauce, and Soy Sauce Stewed Meat. The flavors here are rich and comforting, with an emphasis on traditional cooking methods.
  • Atmosphere: A casual, family-style atmosphere. The restaurant is known for offering hearty meals and a relaxed dining experience, ideal for everyday dining.
  • Average cost per person: CNY150
  • Locations:
    • Liangmaqiao Road Branch: 1F, Yaxing Mansion, No. 46A, Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District.
    • Guanghua Road Branch: 210, Building B, No. 4, Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District.

Key Features of Chaozhou Cuisine:

  • Seafood: A central element of Chaozhou cuisine, particularly sea cucumber, lobster, and various types of fish, often served in simple, healthy preparations to preserve the natural flavors.
  • Soups and Porridges: Dishes like Seafood Porridge and Chaozhou-style soups that retain the essence of fresh ingredients through long simmering or quick steaming.
  • Beef: Chaozhou beef, particularly handmade beef balls and other preparations like braised beef, are another important feature of this cuisine.

If you’re looking for authentic Chaozhou dishes in Beijing, these restaurants offer a range of options from casual dining to more upscale experiences. Each restaurant presents traditional flavors and dishes that will transport you to the Chaoshan region of China.