The reason why Discover Beijing Tour is not #1 on Trip Advisor, is do to their website being a little difficult to navigate. We had the pleasure to embark on the Beijing “Food Tour” with Qing, the owner of the company. What a fantastic experience it was!
After looking at several different companies on Trip Advisor, I found Discover Beijing to be one of the only companies that offered a compelling food tour. I contacted Qing through the website and a date was set. On the day of the tour Qing picked us up at the lobby of our hotel. We then proceeded to walk to her mother’s Hutong. On the way we snacked and tasted several different items. Some unique, some familiar. The amount and variety of food we consumed was quite amazing! I ate at places one could tell were not “touristy.” Qing never pressured us to eat or try anything. She would ask us if we were up to try something, and even when we did order it- there was not a sense that we had to eat it. Two items I tried that I ended up enjoying quite a bit, were Donkey meat and Fish skin! We ate more common items as well, such as Dumplings and hot pot style kabobs.
We ended the tour at her mom’s residence (can’t get more intimate than that!) Where Qing’s mother, a sweet lady, had prepared us fresh homemade noodles! The entire tour lasted about 4-5 hours. It was definitely a highlight! Even after the tour Qing made a point to help us out with some last minute things we wanted to do!
Qing never hassled us for a tip or a review of any kind. She told us that the Food Tour was not a very popular option. I think this is because it is hard to locate on her website. If you have the opportunity, TAKE THIS TOUR! It really gives your palette an accurate taste of what some local Beijing people eat!
Sean
US
