Beijing Hotpot at Jubaoyuan: Authentic Halal Flavor in Niujie

Looking for the most authentic halal hotpot experience in Beijing? Then Jubaoyuan is a must on your foodie map! Born from a humble butcher shop in Niujie, this hotpot legend has won countless hearts with just a clear broth and freshly sliced meat. Dining here isn’t just a meal—it’s a time-traveling journey into old Beijing’s food culture.

1. A Legendary Beginning: From Butcher Shop to Hotpot Fame

The story of Jubaoyuan started in 1946 as a bustling butcher shop in Niujie. Its meat was so popular that locals lined up daily. One day, the owner thought, “Why not serve hotpot with our best meat directly?” A few tables in the backyard turned into the first hotpot feast. Thanks to its unbeatable freshness—straight from the butcher—it quickly became a household name, and today it stands as a “living fossil” of Beijing hotpot culture.

2. Signature Dishes: A Paradise for Meat Lovers

If you don’t order these two, you haven’t really been to Jubaoyuan!

• Hand-Sliced Lamb: The crown jewel here! So fresh it can “stand upright” on the plate without falling—a sign of true quality. The tender young lamb from Inner Mongolia has no gamey taste, and once dipped in the broth, it melts in your mouth.
• High-Calcium Lamb Rolls: A playful surprise! Each slice of lamb is wrapped with a strip of crunchy cartilage. Once cooked, the combination of tender meat and crisp bite is both fun and delicious.

3. Specialties: More Than Just Meat

No hotpot is complete without these golden sidekicks:

• Lamb Neck Fillet: A perfectly marbled cut with a snowflake-like texture.
• Beef Tripe: Dip it quickly—seven up, eight down—for just 15 seconds to enjoy its crisp bite.
• Sesame Buns: Freshly baked, flaky outside, soft inside, with rich sesame aroma.
• Pickled Garlic: Sweet and tangy, the ultimate palate cleanser that locals swear by.

4. Ingredient Selection: A Masterclass in Freshness

The secret to Jubaoyuan’s success lies in its source.

• Meat: Only young lambs and cattle from Inner Mongolia’s golden pastures.
• Processing: All meat is handled under strict halal standards in their own factory—ensuring it goes from pasture to table in less than a day.
• Dipping Sauce: Their signature sesame sauce is house-made, creamy, and fragrant.、

5. Cooking Style: Minimalism at Its Best

At Jubaoyuan, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

• Broth: Just clear water with a few slices of ginger, scallions, and maybe some goji berries—highlighting the pure flavor of the meat.
• Knife Skills: Every slice of meat is hand-cut to the perfect thickness for the ideal bite.
• Pot: The traditional charcoal copper pot keeps the broth boiling evenly throughout the meal.

6. Prices: Affordable Luxury

A royal feast without breaking the bank.

• Average cost: Around 120–150 RMB per person.
• Price examples:
  • Hand-Sliced Lamb: 58–68 RMB
  • High-Calcium Lamb Rolls: 52–62 RMB
  • Sesame Bun: 3–5 RMB each (best eaten hot!)

7. Locations: A Food Landmark in Beijing

Jubaoyuan has over 10 branches in Beijing, but the most famous remains its birthplace:

• Niujie Flagship Store: No. 5-2 Niujie, Xicheng District, Beijing. (Warning: there’s always a line—this is a true pilgrimage site!)
• Other Branches: Wangjing, Houhai, Mudanyuan, and more—scattered across the city for easy access.

8. Dining Tips: Eat Like a Local Pro

• Queue smart: The Niujie flagship store is always packed. Avoid peak hours or use an app to grab a number in advance.
• Order of dipping: Start with lamb to flavor the broth, then move on to veggies and sides.
• Perfect sauce: Mix sesame sauce with a spoonful of hot chili oil for an instant flavor boost.
• Grand finale: Toss handmade noodles into the broth at the end—absorbing all the flavors is the ultimate Beijing-style move.

In short, Jubaoyuan isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a window into Beijing’s halal food traditions and local lifestyle. Next time you’re in the capital, add this steaming hotpot legend to your itinerary and taste a flavor that Beijing locals have been lining up for over 70 years!