Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant (北京大董烤鴨店)?is named after its head chef and owner Dong Zhengxiang. It built its reputation at its original Tuanjiehu branch, but the newer Nanxincang spot adds classy decor to the classic Da Dong ducks (158-178 yuan).
Da Dong won fame with its unique "super lean" roast duck and healthy eating recipes. If you have never eaten Beijing Duck before a waiter will demonstrate their three methods of preparation: 1) Crispy duck with fine sugar, 2) Sweet sauce with sliced leek, cucumber and radish, 3) Garlic paste. The last two are eaten rolled into the familiar small pancakes. For those interested there is also a pamphlet that explains the three recipes in detail.
Don't overlook other dishes on the menu - the fried oysters in Sichuan pepper-salt are outstanding.
Da Dong's menu is helpfully printed in English and Japanese as well as Chinese, and contains a picture of each dish. A meal for two will set you back around 400 yuan. Reservations are recommended.
Dessert and fruit are included in the price of the duck and you'll be served complimentary drinks if you have to wait for a table.
Dongsishitiao 東四十條 area
1-2/F, Nanxincang International Plaza, 22A Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District
東城區東四十條甲22號南新倉國際大廈1~2樓(立交橋西南角)
Tel: 010-51690329
Open hours: Daily 11:00-22:00
Parking available; No Smoking sections; All Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted
Tuanjiehu 團結湖 area
Bldg 3, Tuanjiehu Beikou, Dongsanhuan Lu, SE corner of Changhong Qiao, Chaoyang District朝陽區團結湖北口3號樓, 東三環長虹橋東南角
Tel: 010-65822892/4003
Open hours: Daily 11:00-22:00
Parking available; No Smoking sections; All Chinese and foreign credit cards accepted