Let’s be honest, no trip to Beijing is complete without diving into its street food scene, where smoky skewers, crispy pancakes, and nostalgic sweet treats await at every corner. Beijing’s street food isn’t just fast, it’s full of history and local charm, blending imperial snacks with modern-day bites.

Activities to Enjoy in Beijing

Malaysians love it for the affordable prices, quick eats between sightseeing, and the growing number of halal-friendly stalls, especially in areas like Niujie and Madian.

Look for the sign “清真” (Qīngzhēn) to spot halal food, and trust the long queues—they usually lead to the best bites!

Off the main shopping drag, this neon-lit night food alley is Beijing’s most famous, and busiest, snacking hotspot. Expect rows of sizzling grills, deep-fried delicacies (insects included, if you dare!), and sweet treats like tanghulu.

Yes, it’s touristy, but that’s half the fun, photos, crowds, and curious food combinations all in one lively 20-minute stretch. Vegetarian? You’ll struggle, this one’s meat-heavy!

Nestled in Chaoyang, this buzzing food lane earns its quirky name from the insta-blue neon signage that lights up after dark. It’s a casual, hangout zone where you’ll stumble across sizzling skewers, fusion snacks, and boisterous energy.

A great stop if you fancy something a bit off-beat while exploring modern Beijing.

A cosy, family-run snack street where warmth comes from both the food and the people. Treat your taste buds to Taiwanese-style delights like sweet potato balls and oyster omelette.

One local treats her grandson here when he does well, an affectionate testament to how genuinely friendly and welcoming the vendors can be.

Guijie, a.k.a. “Ghost Street”, is a one-kilometre stretch famed for its all-night dining culture. Chimney smoke clouds the air as crowded restaurants spill their delicious Sichuan-smoked meats, fiery crayfish, and bubbling hotpots onto the pavements.

It’s a late-night feast scene where locals and expats alike chow down into the wee hours.

Home to Beijing’s oldest mosque and a Hui Muslim culinary heartland, Niujie is a street-food paradise if you're after halal skewers, beef noodles, sesame flatbreads, and sweet pastries.

You’ll feel the cultural heartbeat and delicious aromas as Muslim families dine side by side, surrounded by 1,000+ years of history.

For authentic “old Beijing” bites, head to Huguosi Street. With its traditional hutong setting and small, no-frills stalls, you’ll discover legendary baozi, rice cakes, and tangy street snacks that locals have loved for decades. Think comfort food in charming surroundings.

Walking down this lantern-lit avenue feels like stepping into a cultural postcard. You’ll encounter nostalgic shops offering jianbing, simmering dumplings, and round-the-clock treats.

A perfect stop after sightseeing near Tiananmen or the Forbidden City—just follow the moths and snack trail.

Just by the scenic Houhai lake, this relaxed riverside strip is lined with bars and food stalls.

As night falls, locals and travellers linger over skewers, bao, and ice pops while watching boats drift by. It’s ideal for a chill evening of light bites and conversation.

This cute and quirky hutong area blends boutique shopping with street eats. Tuck into mini roujiamo (Beijing’s answer to a meat burger), flavoured tofu blocks, and artisanal snacks served beside small craft stores. Great for wandering, eating, and that perfect Instagram snap.

Though the original Donghuamen closed in 2016, its spirit lives on at nearby popup spots offering offal soups, scorpions, silk worms, and bizarre bug treats on sticks—plus fried classics like crab cakes and spring rolls. Adventurous eaters, take notice!

Most of these areas are near subway stops and perfect for a post-sightseeing snack fest or a casual dinner crawl. Best part? They’re photogenic too, bring your phone!

Hungry yet? Here’s your hit list of must-try street snacks to kickstart your flavour adventure in Beijing:

You’ll find most of these delicacies fresh daily at spots like Wangfujing Snack Street, Niujie, and Huguosi Street. Just follow your nose (and the queue)!

Foodie adventures are better when they’re stress-free. With Traveloka, you can plan your entire Beijing trip with ease, from flights and halal-friendly hotels to attraction tickets and city tours. Just tap, book, and go, while you focus on what really matters: more snacks.

Best Hotels in Beijing To Stay

From smoky skewers under neon lights to quirky alleyway bites you didn’t know existed, Beijing’s street food scene is calling. Get hungry, get exploring—and let Traveloka take care of the rest!