Peking Duck (北京烤鸭 - Běijīng Kǎo Yā)

Peking Duck, also known as Beijing Roast Duck, is one of the most celebrated and iconic dishes in Chinese cuisine. Featuring crispy, lacquered skin and succulent meat, this imperial dish has captivated diners for centuries.

The Origins of Peking Duck

The origins of Peking Duck can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in Beijing. It was during this time that the dish became a staple in the imperial courts, with chefs perfecting the technique of slow-roasting duck over fragrant hardwood fires.

The dish gained widespread popularity during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) when it became a must-try for foreign dignitaries visiting the Forbidden City. Today, Peking Duck remains strongly associated with the culture and culinary heritage of Beijing.

The Anatomy of Peking Duck

The Duck

• Breed: The traditional Peking Duck is a specific breed raised in the Beijng region, known for its thin skin and ample fat content.
• Preparation: The duck is meticulously prepared, including air-drying the skin to achieve maximum crispness.

The Serving

• Skin: The prized crispy skin is carved and served first, often in thin, lacquered slices.
• Meat: The remaining meat is then carved and served, typically wrapped in delicate Mandarin pancakes.
• Accompaniments: Customary accompaniments include scallions, cucumber, sweet bean sauce, and hoisin sauce.

How to Order Peking Duck

Basic Ordering Phrases

• “Běijīng kǎo yā” (北京烤鸭) - Peking Roast Duck
• “Yī zhī kǎo yā” (一只烤鸭) - One whole roast duck
• “Qǐng bǎ kǎo yā pèi dé hǎo” (请把烤鸭配得好) - Please prepare the duck accompaniments well

Customization Options

• Skin Only: “Zhǐ yào yā pí” (只要鸭皮) - I only want the duck skin
• Whole Duck: “Yī zhī quán kǎo yā” (一只全烤鸭) - One whole roast duck
• Half Duck: “Bàn zhī kǎo yā” (半只烤鸭) - Half a roast duck

Enjoying Peking Duck

Proper Eating Technique

1. Take a Mandarin pancake and spread a small amount of sweet bean sauce on it.
2. Place a slice of crispy duck skin on the pancake.
3. Top with scallions and cucumber.
4. Wrap and enjoy in one bite.

Dipping Sauces

• Hoisin sauce (海鲜酱 - hǎi xiān jiàng)
• Sweet bean sauce (甜面酱 - tián miàn jiàng)

Price Expectations

In China

• Casual restaurants: ¥128-298 ($18-42) per duck
• High-end restaurants: ¥398-688 ($56-97) per duck
• Famous, heritage restaurants: ¥688-988 ($97-139) per duck

International Prices

• Casual Chinese restaurants: $30-50 per duck
• Upscale Chinese restaurants: $50-80 per duck
• Specialty Peking Duck houses: $60-100 per duck

Vegetarian Adaptations

While Peking Duck is traditionally made with roasted duck, there are vegetarian alternatives that capture the essence of this iconic dish:

Vegetarian “Duck” Options

• Soy-based “duck” (大豆制品 - dà dòu zhì pǐn)
• Mushroom-based “duck” (蘑菇制品 - mó gū zhì pǐn)
• Seitan-based “duck” (面筋制品 - miàn jīn zhì pǐn)

These vegetarian versions mimic the texture and appearance of roasted duck, allowing non-meat eaters to enjoy the Peking Duck experience.

Tips for Identifying Quality Peking Duck

Hallmarks of Excellent Peking Duck

1. Crisp, lacquered skin with a rich, mahogany color
2. Juicy, tender meat that easily separates from the bone
3. Aromatic, slightly sweet flavor profile
4. Expertly carved tableside service
5. Fresh, high-quality accompaniments

Beware of Poor Imitations

• Overly thick, chewy skin
• Dry, stringy meat
• Lack of tableside carving
• Subpar or missing accompaniments

FAQs

Q: Is Peking Duck always served with pancakes? A: Yes, the traditional serving method involves Mandarin pancakes (also called “Peking Duck Wrappers”).

Q: Can I get just the duck skin? A: Yes, many restaurants offer “skin-only” Peking Duck for those who want to focus on the prized crispy skin.

Q: How much duck is in an order? A: A whole Peking Duck typically yields 12-15 servings when properly carved and served.

Q: Can I take leftovers home? A: Peking Duck is best enjoyed immediately, as the skin loses its crispness over time. Taking leftovers home is not recommended.

Peking Duck is a true celebration of Chinese culinary artistry. By understanding its rich history, proper serving etiquette, and quality indicators, you can fully appreciate this iconic dish. Whether enjoying it in Beijing or at a top-tier Chinese restaurant abroad, Peking Duck is a must-try for any food enthusiast.