Beijing, China
Hutong Nights: A Food Walk Through Old Beijing's Alleys
After dark, weave through Beijing's lantern-lit hutongs for five street-food stops — jianbing, sizzling lamb skewers, baozi and hidden alley bites.
After dark, weave through Beijing's lantern-lit hutongs for five street-food stops — jianbing, sizzling lamb skewers, baozi and hidden alley bites.
Photos are indicative — the dishes served may vary.
When the lanterns come on, Beijing's old hutongs trade their daytime calm for something far more delicious. This small-group evening walk takes you into the narrow, maze-like alleys around Nanluoguxiang — easy to get lost in alone, effortless with a local guide who knows every doorway worth stopping at.
Over a couple of hours you'll make five street-food stops, eating the way Beijingers do after work: jianbing, the savoury griddled crêpe folded around egg and crispy cracker; pillowy baozi straight from the steamer; and skewers of cumin-dusted lamb sizzling over the coals.
Between bites your guide threads you through quiet courtyards and lantern-lit lanes, sharing the stories behind the neighbourhood and ducking into a couple of hidden alley spots most visitors walk straight past.
It's an easy, atmospheric evening on foot — equal parts food crawl and after-dark wander through the real, lived-in Beijing.
We'd rather not give away every stop, but come with an appetite: between the snacks and a proper bite of dinner along the way, you won't leave hungry.
“Wandering the lantern-lit alleys after dark with a guide was the highlight of Beijing. The cumin lamb skewers were addictive.”
“Five stops, all delicious, plus a couple of hidden spots we'd never have found. Jianbing is now my favourite.”
“Great evening and plenty of food. The hutongs at night have such a lovely atmosphere.”
“Felt safe, fun and very full by the end. Our guide was fantastic.”