Siji Mingfu Roasted Duck Restaurant — Restaurant in Beijing

Before U look further, my verdict is this is definitely way better than Quanjude (At Qianmen)... My own humble opinion... So fans of QJD, don't kill me! The comparison was made just 1 day apart from each other. The night before we had our Peking duck at QJD and all 4 of us didn't like it for various different reasons (U can see my review on that). And today .. we were determined to try this slightly less common (to tourists) one and this was probably the best meal we had in 5 days! Of course, the queue and wait is long as expected, but fortunately we were able to get a good seat by the windows with a view of one of the palace. Haha .. my 5 stars has nothing to do with this! Firstly the service was top notched... And our first impression came from the jasmine tea we had, which was so pretty and fragrant! Next was the soup that we ordered... So much better than the tasteless duck soup we had at QJD... Maybe not a fair comparison since it's a different kind of soup...but at least it tasted like a proper one. We decided to order 2 staples for the 4 of us and had the beef brisket fried rice, which all of us enjoyed, and also the zhajiangmian, which was good to look at but tasted okay only. That's our first one in Beijing so can't really compare. Then came their dou miao, which was an interesting cold dish with little crunchy toppings and it was again so pretty. The taste matches the aesthetics too! Finally our duck! Every part of the skin was crispy and golden brown... Seeing it was already a joy! Although they may not have the space to execute the cutting of the duck Infront of our table, like QJD, but more importantly is the taste, which did not disappoint. We finished all the duck at the end of the day (where we were struggling with it the night before). They also demonstrated how we should wrap the duck and how the condiments go with the duck, which was lacking previously in QJD. They also all allow us to cook the remaining duck meat with bones in another manner (common in Singapore too), which wasn't available at QJD. The service was so good that when we asked for chilli padi, they gave us 2 giant bowls of it too. Every of their staffs were friendly and welcoming. Overall, this is a 9 out of 10 and if we add in the view at the back of the restaurant, then this is a perfect 10! I am not writing this to promote this and condemn the other... But if U had the chance, try both and U be the judge. Otherwise, if U only have time for one (and this means time to queue too), go for this! You...

We strategically planned our visit outside normal meal times and arrived at 2:30 PM to get a number. There is a waiting area with snacks and drinks—special mention to their delicious cherry tomatoes! The queue is divided into three series based on table size: 2 pax, 4 pax, and larger groups. As a table of 4, we were seated around 4:30 PM and finished our meal just before 6 PM.

This branch, located next to the Palace Museum, is an obvious crowd magnet. Despite the long wait, the roast duck felt tastier than others we tried during this trip—perhaps because of the anticipation! It was beautifully presented and less fatty compared to others. The zhajiang noodles were also excellent.

The service stood out as calm and unrushed, even with plenty of people waiting (we waited too!). Overall, a great experience that was well...

Waite's over 3 hours to get a table but it was worth it! Food and service was very good. Pealing duck was like nothing I've had. Glad we got to try this one.

Locals will book using app QR code which needs a local number. If you're a tourist then you can let them know and you'll get a paper ticket instead.

Whilst waiting there are snacks and drinks you can enjoy for free. Small children also sometimes get a free toy to keep them entertained.

Would travel back to Beijing just for a peaking duck here, not something I've had anywhere else. The melt in your mouth pieces of duck that you dip in suger was super and the pancake you make is lovely. Also enjoyed a beef and onion on hot plate dish. Unsure what it is called but you can open a photo and ask them to order one...