Quan Ju De Restaurant, Beijing

Recognized as the Peking Roast Duck Restaurant, QuanJuDe stands as the most ancient enduring culinary emblem in Beijing. Its origins date back to 1864, gaining prominence over the years primarily due to its unparalleled Peking Roast Duck, a dish that garners the initial curiosity of most visitors. The establishment consistently bustles with patrons, strategically positioned in proximity to Tiananmen Square, rendering it effortlessly accessible.

Having emerged during the Qing dynasty under the governance of the Tongzhi Emperor, QuanJuDe's legacy weaves into the annals of time. While the history of Peking duck spans centuries, QuanJuDe's distinct practice of preparing roast duck – employing open ovens and employing non-smoky hardwood fuels like Chinese date, peach, or pear for a subtly fruity essence coupled with a golden crispness to the skin – was initially an exclusive privilege of the imperial households.

The inaugural steward of QuanJuDe, Yang Renquan, embarked on his journey by vending chickens and ducks. He ventured to acquire the imperial recipe from a retired palace chef. In short order, QuanJuDe transitioned from offering roast duck solely to the imperial domain to serving the common populace. Yang Renquan inaugurated his modest eatery within the Yangrou Hutong of Qianmen, a bustling locale in historical Beijing. Swiftly, his establishment flourished into instant triumph, evolving into the present-day Qianmen branch. This establishment presently employs a workforce surpassing 400 individuals and accommodates up to 900 diners concurrently. Alongside various other Quanjude outposts, the Qianmen restaurant collectively constitutes one of the most expansive culinary enterprises in the nation.