In China’s north — Beijing, Shandong and beyond — wheat, not rice, is king. The food is hearty and warming: noodles, dumplings, steamed buns and the world-famous Peking duck.

What to order

• Peking duck (北京烤鸭) — lacquered, crisp-skinned duck carved tableside and wrapped in thin pancakes with scallion and sweet bean sauce. A Beijing must-do.
• Dumplings (饺子) — boiled, steamed or pan-fried, with endless fillings.
• Hand-pulled noodles (拉面) — stretched to order.
• Steamed buns (馒头 / 包子) — plain or stuffed.
• Zhajiangmian — noodles in savoury fermented-bean sauce.

Where to eat it

Beijing is the obvious home for Peking duck; the broader northern style spans Shandong (Lu cuisine), one of China’s “eight great cuisines.”

Tips

• Book ahead for famous roast duck restaurants — they’re busy.
• A whole duck is meant for sharing — order sides and pancakes.
• Vinegar and garlic are the classic dumpling dips.