Peking duck

Peking duck is a celebrated Chinese roast duck dish known for its crisp skin, tender meat, and tableside carving.

Peking duck is a celebrated Chinese roast duck dish known for its crisp skin, tender meat, and tableside carving. It is strongly associated with Beijing, though sources describe earlier origins in the Yuan-era culinary traditions of China and later refinement in the Ming dynasty imperial courts. The dish is widely regarded as a classic of Chinese cuisine and is one of Beijing’s best-known dishes.

History

Accounts of Peking duck trace its roots to imperial-era Chinese cooking, with some sources placing early versions in the 13th century and later development in the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Several histories describe the dish as becoming closely associated with Beijing after earlier regional forms were refined in imperial settings.

Preparation and serving

Peking duck is known for a cooking method that produces very crisp skin and tender meat. It is commonly carved before diners and served with pancakes or wrappers, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean or hoisin-style sauce.

Cultural significance

The dish is widely treated as a symbol of Beijing and an emblem of Chinese culinary heritage. It appears in restaurant culture in China and internationally as a signature luxury or celebratory dish.

Name and regional associations

The English name uses "Peking," an older Western spelling of Beijing. Although strongly identified with Beijing, some historical accounts link precursor versions to other places such as Hangzhou and Nanjing.