15 Of The Best Food Tours In Beijing

Beijing’s culinary scene is as layered and fascinating as the city itself. From its centuries-old alleyways to bustling markets, food is a window into local culture, history, and daily life. If you’re eager to go beyond the usual tourist spots and really taste what Beijing locals love, a food tour offers unmatched insight. We’ve tried a little bit of everything on this list—from the intimate small-group walks that reveal hidden eateries to private guided experiences in centuries-old hutongs. One standout is the Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants which combines traditional dishes with craft beer and intimate visits to family-run spots. It’s a lively, authentic way to experience Beijing’s food scene—and it’s rated 5 stars with nearly 1,000 reviews. Whatever your appetite, you’ll find something here to satisfy your curiosity and your stomach.

Quick Overview

Our list includes a variety of options suited for different tastes and schedules. There are 3-hour walking tours, like the Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour, perfect for early risers eager to sample traditional breakfast treats in atmospheric alleyways. For those wanting a more in-depth experience, the Private Hutong Food Walking Tour offers over 20 dishes in a personalized setting. If you prefer hands-on fun, the Street Food Cooking Workshop teaches you how to make classic jian bing. For a mix of day and night exploration, the Evening Food Tour with Brewery combines street eats with local brews. Each experience highlights Beijing’s culinary traditions uniquely, so read on to see which fits your travel style best.

1. Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants

This small-group tour (limited to 12) is a whirlwind through Beijing’s old hutong alleyways, packed with hidden restaurants and homes you’d never stumble upon alone. Over about three and a half hours, you’ll tackle around 4 key stops, sampling hotpot, noodles, beef buns, and spring pancakes, all paired with unlimited local craft beers. The tour starts at Shichahai metro station, where your guide—fluent in English—leads you through 1.5 miles of historic alleyways, exploring the city’s past with every bite. Highlights include rooftop views of the Bell Tower and visits to family-run spots that emphasize genuine local flavor. Many reviews praise the delicious food, lively atmosphere, and authentic feel, with visitors noting it’s an ideal way to get familiar with Beijing’s culinary soul. Expect a lively, immersive experience perfect for foodies wanting to taste Beijing like a local.

Bottom line: This tour offers a perfect mix of food, culture, and fun, especially if you like craft beer and intimate venues. Bring your appetite and a good sense of humor.

2. Beijing Private Hutong Food Walking Tour

For around $88, this private tour takes you off the beaten path in the Dongsi Hutong area with an experienced guide. Over about four hours, you’ll try more than 20 dishes, including duck necks, sesame cake, and local street snacks. Unlike larger groups, this tour provides a personalized experience—you’ll meet shop owners and learn about culinary customs while exploring historic architecture and local life. The itinerary is flexible, allowing your guide to tailor tastings to your dietary preferences. Guests rave about the diverse food options and cultural insights, describing the experience as an authentic glimpse into Beijing’s everyday life. This tour suits travelers wanting an in-depth, private look at Beijing’s food traditions and neighborhood charm.

Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers who want a tailored, immersive experience with a private guide and plenty of authentic tastings.

3. Beijing: Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings

This 3.5-hour tour takes you into the oldest neighborhoods of Beijing, where you’ll eat at family-run eateries in hidden alleyways. The focus is on local, traditional dishes like Beijing’s mutton hotpot, special noodles, and spring pancakes—including a rare chance to try the dish favored by Empress Cixi. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a craft beer and learn about Beijing’s history from your knowledgeable guide. Rated nearly 5 stars by 168 reviewers, many commend the friendly guide, delicious food, and authentic atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a small-group, cultural, and culinary experience that feels genuine and relaxed.

Bottom line: This tour is a solid choice for those looking for a local, authentic taste of Beijing with beer and stories to match.

4. Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour

If mornings are your thing, this small-group breakfast tour (around 3 hours, limited to 8 people) offers a delightful start to your day. Beginning near the Lama Temple, you’ll wander the atmospheric hutongs and sample traditional breakfast staples like baozi (steamed buns), jianbing (Chinese crepes), and almond pudding. You also get to sip Beijing yogurt, mung bean milk, and local coffee, soaking up the neighborhood’s early-morning buzz. Rated 5 stars with glowing reviews, people love how this tour combines culinary delights with local life, providing a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. It’s especially suited for early risers or anyone wanting to experience Beijing’s morning routine.

Bottom line: An excellent, low-key way to start your day with authentic flavors and local ambiance.

5. Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend

Think of this as having a local friend show you their favorite spots. This customizable 3-hour tour (priced at $60) takes you through Dongsi Hutongs, where you’ll taste traditional dishes curated to your preferences. Whether you love spicy food, vegetarian options, or unusual snacks, your guide will tailor the experience. Reviewers love how personable and flexible the guide is, sharing personal stories and insider tips. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a personal, flexible experience that feels less structured but highly authentic.

Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a personalized, relaxed exploration of Beijing’s culinary secrets.

6. 3-Hour Private Night Tour: Beijing Foodie Experience

This private evening tour (around 3 hours, $79.20 per person) takes you into Beijing’s lively night food scene. Starting from your hotel, you’ll visit Dongsi Hutong, then travel (on your own expense) to LongFuSi Jie for lamb kabobs, pan-fried pancakes, and local liquor. The guide offers fascinating insights into food history and local customs while you sample a mix of savory and sweet dishes. Rated highly by reviewers, the tour’s private format offers flexibility to cater to dietary needs and preferences. If you enjoy nightlife and street food, this is an ideal way to combine both in a relaxed, guided setting.

Bottom line: An intimate, evening exploration, suited for travelers who want to experience Beijing’s night food culture with personalized attention.

7. Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private

For those who want a comprehensive private experience, this 3-hour tour (only $55) covers over 10 different dishes, including street snacks and gourmet meals. Meeting in your hotel or at Dongsi Subway Station, your guide leads you through local neighborhood streets, sampling soup dumplings, candied mulberries, and Beijing-style wraps. Reviewers mention how friendly and knowledgeable the guide is, making the tour both fun and educational. It’s a flexible, casual way to immerse in Beijing’s culinary scenes and learn about the city’s food culture firsthand.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a detailed, varied tasting experience without a huge time commitment.

8. Authentic Old Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Private Tour

This 4-hour private tour leads you through Beijing’s 1000-year-old hutongs, sampling Mongolian hotpot, barbecue, and noodles, all paired with local beers and sodas. Starting at scenic Shichahai, you’ll visit up to six stops with a guide who brings the neighborhood’s stories alive. The tour is perfect for those seeking a personalized experience in a historic setting. Visitors note the variety of food and relaxed pace, making it ideal for those who want to savor Beijing’s culinary diversity comfortably. The private format ensures a customized, intimate experience.

Bottom line: Excellent for history and food lovers who want a comprehensive, private adventure.

9. Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing

With a maximum of 8 people, this tour offers a small-group experience exploring Beijing’s local restaurants. Starting from Zhangzizhong Road, you’ll sample more than 10 dishes, including Beijing Wraps, dim sum, lamb hot pot, and more. Reviewers highlight the interesting history and food and the personal attention from guides like Nico and Dawei. It’s ideal if you want to combine cultural insights with culinary exploration without the crowds. Plus, unlimited beer, soda, and baiju mean you can relax and enjoy freely.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a personal, in-depth taste of Beijing’s favorites.

10. China’s Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop

If you love to cook or want to learn how to prepare jian bing, this hands-on workshop gives you personalized instruction. Over approximately 90 minutes, you’ll learn to make this popular Chinese street snack from scratch, customizing fillings to your liking. The private setting makes it ideal for small groups or individuals looking for a culinary class that’s both fun and practical. It’s a great choice for foodies eager to bring a taste of Beijing home in the form of a dish they made themselves, rated highly for its personalized attention and authentic recipe.

Bottom line: Best suited for culinary enthusiasts wanting a hands-on, authentic cooking experience.

11. Beijing Hutong Food Crawl Delights: Peking duck, Hotpot & More

This 3-hour food crawl combines several of Beijing’s top dishes, including Peking duck and hotpot, along with street snacks like jianbing and tanghulu. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour visits local restaurants and street vendors, providing a full spectrum of traditional flavors. Reviewers appreciate the variety and quality of food, and the chance to learn about hutong history while tasting. It suits travelers who want a comprehensive, multi-dish experience in a lively, social setting.

Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting to sample multiple iconic dishes in a short, energetic tour.

12. Beijing: Hutong Breakfast Food Tour

Focusing on morning eats, this 3-hour tour visits local markets and small shops offering pork zongzi, douzhi, beef flatbread, and tofu pudding. Reviewers mention it as a highly recommended way to experience Beijing’s breakfast culture. The tour includes over 12 dishes at 6 stops, giving a thorough taste of the city’s culinary history. It’s perfect for early risers or those interested in local breakfast traditions in atmospheric hutong neighborhoods.

Bottom line: A flavorful way to start your day with authentic morning bites.

13. Exclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Hidden Hutong Food Adventure

For travelers combining history and food, this private full-day tour includes a visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu followed by a culinary tour of old Beijing’s alleyways. While primarily a sightseeing trip, the food experience offers local snacks and meals in historic settings, adding a delicious layer to your cultural day. The private guide ensures tailored experiences, making it ideal for those wanting both a cultural and culinary journey.

Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a comprehensive day tour with both historical sights and authentic eats.

14. 3-Hour Beijing Sanlitun Walking Tour: To Be A Trendy Foodie

This short, energetic tour in Sanlitun’s trendy district is perfect for those wanting a quick taste of modern Beijing. Over three hours, you’ll sample 4-5 specialty foods at popular eateries, from international restaurants to local street stalls. The guide introduces you to the best spots for food and shopping, making it a good choice if you’re also exploring the city’s nightlife. With only a small group, it’s a lively, social experience with a focus on current food trends.

Bottom line: Ideal for young travelers or those interested in urban, modern flavors.

15. Beijing Private Evening Food Tour and Brewery Hopping

Cap off your visit with a 4-hour private evening tour exploring night markets, local dishes, and Western-style breweries. Starting from the Shichahai area, you’ll visit Yandai Xie Street, Gulou, and Nanluoguxiang, tasting pancakes, noodle soups, and local beers along the way. The tour also includes a visit to Great Leaping Brewery, where you can sample craft beers in a lively setting. Many reviewers love the personalized attention and how it combines food, drink, and nightlife seamlessly. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed, social way to end your Beijing trip.

Bottom line: Suited for friends or couples eager to combine nightlife, local food, and craft beers in one memorable outing.

How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Beijing

When selecting your perfect food experience, consider your budget, time, and specific interests. If you want a structured, small-group introduction, the Hutong Breakfast Food Tour offers a relaxed start to the day. For a personalized, private experience, the Private Hutong Food Walking Tour or Authentic Old Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Private Tour are excellent choices. Those interested in cooking their own street food should consider the Street Food Cooking Workshop. If you want a nighttime exploration, the Evening Food Tour with Brewery offers a lively, personalized option.

Booking early is advisable, especially for private tours and workshops, to ensure availability. Think about whether you prefer walking, private, or group experiences, and pick a tour that matches your energy level and curiosity. Consider your schedule—some tours are best in the morning, others at night—so plan accordingly.

In Summary

Beijing offers a wide array of food tours that cater to all kinds of travelers—from those eager to taste everyday street snacks to culinary enthusiasts wanting to learn how to cook Beijing specialties. Top options like the Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour provide a lively, authentic experience, while private tours give you more personalized attention. Don’t forget the cooking classes if you want to bring a little of Beijing home with you. No matter your choice, these tours promise a delicious and memorable journey into Beijing’s everyday life.

Start planning early, and get ready to enjoy some of China’s most iconic tastes—your palate will thank you.