Grilled Meat at Shichahai: Savor Authentic Beijing BBQ and Tender Grilled Lamb
Grilled Meat Season, or Kao Rou Ji, is one of Beijing’s most famous old-school BBQ spots. Established in 1848 by the beautiful Shichahai lake, it started as a small stall selling grilled meat. Thanks to the quality of the lamb and the skillful preparation, it quickly gained popularity, and after 170 years, it’s now an iconic name in Beijing’s grilling scene.
1. Why is it called “Grilled Meat Season”?
The founder’s last name was Ji, and he started a small food stall near Shichahai selling grilled meat. The meat was so tasty that customers couldn’t forget it, and they affectionately started calling it “Grilled Meat Ji”. The name stuck, and that’s how it all started.
2. Must-Try Signature Dishes
- Grilled Lamb: Made from high-quality lamb from Inner Mongolia, marinated with secret spices, then grilled on an iron plate, the aroma is irresistible and the meat tender and juicy.
- Grilled Beef: Made from premium cuts like beef tenderloin and rib-eye, grilled to perfection—flavorful and tender without being tough.
3. Other Delicious Dishes
- Sesame Flatbread: Freshly baked, crispy on the outside, soft inside, and the perfect accompaniment to grilled meat.
- Fried Steamed Bun Slices: Coated with egg and deep-fried, golden and crispy, a favorite of many Beijing locals.
- Sweet Tomato Salad: Refreshing and tangy, it’s the perfect dish to balance out the richness of grilled meat.
- Cold Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meat.
- Cold Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meat.
4. Special Attention to Ingredients
- Lamb: Raised on the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, the meat is fresh and free from any strong odors.
- Beef: Only the finest cuts of beef tenderloin and rib-eye are selected.
- Seasonings: They use their own unique secret recipe, which can’t be found anywhere else.
- Sesame Sauce: Made fresh from ground sesame, it has a rich, aromatic flavor.
5. Grilling Technique, for the Perfect Flavor
- Traditional Iron Plate: They use an old-school Beijing iron grill, fueled by fruitwood charcoal, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Mastering the Heat: The chefs are experts at controlling the grilling temperature, resulting in meat that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- DIY or Let the Master Do It: You can choose to grill your own meat or let the chef take care of it for you.
6. How Much Does It Cost?
The prices are reasonable, and you can eat well without breaking the bank:
- Average Price: Around 100-150 RMB per person.
- Specific Prices:
- Grilled Lamb: 68-88 RMB/portion
- Grilled Beef: 72-92 RMB/portion
- Sesame Flatbread: 3 RMB/each
- Sweet Tomato Salad: 18 RMB/portion
(Prices may vary slightly, so check in-store for the exact amount.)
7. How Many Locations?
Grilled Meat Season now has 5 locations in Beijing, all situated in busy areas.
8. Where Can You Eat It?
- Main Store: No.14, Qianhai Dongyan, Di’anmen Outer Street, Xicheng District (Shichahai Location)
- Other Locations:
- Wangfujing: Wangfujing Street
- Wangjing: Wangjing Business Area
- Yizhuang: Yizhuang Development Zone
- Changping: Changping District
Tips:
- The main store by Shichahai has the best view, but it’s the busiest, so expect to wait on weekends.
- You can use your phone to get a number in advance and skip the line.
- Eat the grilled meat while it’s hot—the taste drops once it cools.
- The sesame flatbread is best eaten fresh; it’s not as crispy once packed to-go.
At Grilled Meat Season, you can not only enjoy authentic Beijing-style BBQ but also immerse yourself in the culture of old Beijing. Sitting by Shichahai, eating delicious grilled meat, and enjoying the view—that’s the unique charm of Beijing cuisine.
