Drunken Banana (Chinese name: 蕉泥座人) is a creative cocktail primarily served in the Sanlitun area of Beijing, China. Characterized by its unique recipes that use tropical fruits and high-proof spirits, as well as its distinctive presentation in a banana-shaped container, it has become emblematic of urban cocktail culture in China since the 2020s. Particularly popular among young people and tourists, it adds a new dimension to local bar menus with its innovative themes and flavors.
Chicken skin skewers are a dish made by skewering and cooking chicken skin, and are widely enjoyed mainly in East Asian regions. As seen in Japanese yakitori and Chinese grilled skewer dishes, there are various seasonings and cooking methods depending on the region and establishment, reflecting each area's food culture. Characterized by a rich, crispy texture due to their high fat content, chicken skin skewers are commonly served as casual street food and izakaya menu items.
Cucumber pickles are a traditional type of pickle made primarily from cucumbers that are marinated with various seasonings. They are widely enjoyed in many regions, especially in East Asia, and are known as "Pāi huángguā" in China. In mainland China and Taiwan, cucumber pickles are commonly served as part of home-cooked meals, at street stalls, and in outdoor markets. Despite their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are characterized by a refreshing taste and are enjoyed in a variety of settings, such as a side dish during hot weather, an accompaniment to alcoholic beverages, or as part of barbecues.
Grilled beef skewers are a popular grilled dish widely enjoyed at street stalls and restaurants across China, characterized by bite-sized pieces of beef threaded onto skewers and cooked over an open flame. Various regions and establishments offer unique seasonings and spices, with especially diverse styles found in busy districts such as Sanlitun in Beijing, where they are served daily. This dish is familiar in settings ranging from casual street vendors to upscale restaurants and has become a representative element of local food culture and social gatherings.
Durian & Vanilla Double-layered Ice Cream is an ice cream that combines durian, a fruit unique to Southeast Asia, with vanilla, a flavor widely enjoyed around the world. This dessert is served at Venchi, a long-established Italian gelato brand located in the Sanlitun district of Beijing, China. It is characterized by allowing customers to enjoy both the exotic taste of durian and the traditional sweetness of vanilla at the same time. This ice cream offers a fusion of Eastern and Western culinary cultures in a single cone, making it noteworthy even in multinational cities.
Malatang is a spicy soup dish that originated in Sichuan Province, China. It is characterized by its numbing and spicy flavor, which comes from chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The dish typically features a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meats, tofu, and processed items, which are selected according to personal preference and simmered in the broth. While malatang is popular across China, in recent years, specialized restaurants have spread abroad, resulting in a wide range of variations. In cosmopolitan urban areas like Zhongguancun in Beijing, international ingredients and health-conscious adaptations are becoming popular in addition to the traditional Sichuan style.
Wei Chuan is a major food manufacturer originating from Taiwan, offering a wide range of products such as dairy products, seasonings, and frozen foods mainly in China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. The company's "Wei Chuan 0 Sucrose Active Probiotic Drink" is a sugar-free probiotic beverage widely sold in various locations, including Beijing, China. As health consciousness rises, the product is gaining support among new consumer groups. Designed for people concerned about sugar intake and those on diets, the drink preserves the health benefits of probiotics while minimizing sweetness compared to conventional products.
Shuàn yángròu (Lamb Hot Pot) is a lamb dish that is widely consumed in northern regions of China, especially around Beijing. It typically involves thinly sliced lamb, which is cooked by briefly dipping it into a broth heated in a copper pot with a central chimney. The cooked meat is then enjoyed with sesame sauce and various condiments. Traditionally valued as a nourishing winter dish, shuàn yángròu is also popular as a social meal shared with family and friends. In Beijing, many specialty restaurants continue to preserve the traditional cooking methods and careful selection of ingredients passed down over generations.
Iced Americano is a cold coffee beverage made by adding cold water and ice to espresso. It is derived from the "Americano," which is created by adding hot water to espresso, and is characterized by its refreshing mouthfeel and clean taste. In recent years, Iced Americano has become popular worldwide, including in Asia, and is especially favored among young people in urban areas of China and South Korea. In Beijing, it has also become a staple menu item, commonly enjoyed as café culture continues to grow.
Yixiao Probiotic Yogurt (Yì Xiǎo Yì Shēng Jūn You Hào) is a fermented dairy beverage widely distributed in urban areas of China. It is primarily made from cow's milk and is fermented by adding specific lactic acid bacteria, resulting in a distinctive rich flavor and creamy texture. With growing health consciousness and the rapid rise of interest in various probiotic products since the 21st century, this beverage containing probiotics has become popular as an everyday drink, light meal, or dessert. In particular, it has gained popularity in the capital city of Beijing due to its perceived health benefits and satisfying mouthfeel.
