5 Dumpling Restaurants in Beijing That Actually Deliver 🥟
Let’s be real — dumplings are everywhere in Beijing. But good dumplings? The kind where the skin is thin but doesn’t break, the filling is juicy but not greasy, and the flavor actually makes you stop talking mid-sentence? Those are harder to find.
We’ve eaten our way through the city’s dumpling scene. Here are 5 spots worth your time:
Best for: Classic Beijing dumplings with generous fillings. Their name literally means “stuffing always full” — and they deliver. The chain is popular among dumpling lovers in Beijing, known for thin wrappers, ample fillings, and rich soup. They also serve Beijing specialties like 炸灌肠 (fried starch sausage) and 炒肝 (stir-fried liver).
Order this: 招牌老满水饺 (signature house dumpling with whole shrimp)
Address: No. 316 Dongsi North Street (Dongsi branch)
Best for: Adventurous eaters and groups who want to try everything. This hutong institution is famous among both locals and expats for its “foreigner-friendly” atmosphere, English menus, and extensive variety.
Order this: 三面焦 (three-side crispy pan-fried dumplings), 芝士馅饺子 (cheese-filled dumplings), and 黑椒牛肉 (black pepper beef). They also serve lamb skewers and European beers like Hoegaarden and Erdinger.
Address: No. 88 Baochao Hutong
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
3. 金谷园饺子馆 (Jin Gu Yuan)
Neighborhood: Beiyou University
Best for: The die-hard dumpling fan willing to wait. This legendary spot consistently ranks as one of Beijing‘s top dumpling restaurants and is a favorite among university students. Expect LONG QUEUES, especially on weekends.
Order this: 鲅鱼饺子 (Spanish mackerel dumpling) — fresh, juicy, and packed with flavor — and 葱麻鸡 (their signature cold chicken dish) to dip your dumplings in.
Address: Haidian Wenjiao Industrial Park, building 10, F2
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
4. 宝源饺子屋 (Bao Yuan Dumpling House)
Neighborhood: Liangmaqiao / Zaoying
Best for: Instagram-worthy colorful wrappers and creative fillings. This Michelin Bib Gourmand spot has been around for 30 years and uses natural vegetable juices (spinach, purple potato, squid ink) to color their wrappers.
Order this: 猪肉茴香饺子 (pork and fennel), 五彩饺子 (five-color dumplings), and any of their creative house specials.
Best for: Reliable, high-quality chain experience with the best thin-skinned dumplings in town. With over 800 locations across China, Xi Jiade is the largest dumpling chain and known for its signature “one-line” long dumpling shape and delicate wrappers.
Order this: 虾三鲜水饺 (shrimp three-delicacy) — each dumpling contains a whole, plump shrimp. Also try 鲅鱼饺子 (mackerel) and 酱颈骨 (braised neck bones) as a side.
Address: Wangfujing Street No. 138, APM Mall, F6 (APM branch)
Hours: 10:00 AM –9:00 PM (APM branch)
FAQ:
1️⃣ Can I pay with a foreign credit card at these Beijing dumpling places?
Most prefer Alipay or WeChat Pay. Link your foreign credit card to Alipay before you go. Cash works everywhere.
2️⃣ Are these dumpling restaurants in Beijing foreigner-friendly?
Yes. Mr. Shi’s Dumplings has English menus and a courtyard setting popular with expats. Xian Lao Man (Dongsi branch) also has English menu. For others, point at pictures on menu or use a translation app.
3️⃣ Are there vegetarian dumpling options at these Beijing dumpling restaurants? Yes, they all have vegetarian options! We also have written guides for vegan restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai, in case you need them. 😊
4️⃣ What is the best dumpling restaurant in Beijing for first-time visitors? Xian Lao Man is the safest bets — classic flavors, consistent quality, and picture menus. Mr. Shi’s Dumplings is best for adventurous eaters who want to try unique flavors like cheese or black pepper beef.
5️⃣ What is the difference between boiled and “three-side crispy” dumplings? Boiled is the classic tender version. “Three-side crispy” (三面焦) from Mr. Shi’s Dumplings is fried on three sides — bottom and both edges — giving you a crispy shell all around with a juicy center.
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