Men Ding Li: A Bite of Authentic Old Beijing Flavor
Men Ding Li is a famous old establishment in Beijing specializing in Men Ding Rou Bing (Door Nail Meat Pie), a dish named after the ancient nails on big doors. Despite its small storefront, this shop is highly regarded among local food lovers, with many people coming specifically for the authentic taste of old Beijing.
1. Historical Origins
Men Ding Rou Bing has an interesting history. It is said to have originated in the Qing Dynasty court and later spread to the streets. The founder of Men Ding Li, Mr. Li, learned the craft from descendants of royal chefs. He opened a small stall in the hutongs, gaining fame for his high-quality meat pies—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The business has now been passed down through two generations, still adhering to traditional recipes.
2. Must-Try Dish
- Men Ding Rou Bing: These round meat pies resemble the copper nails found on ancient doors. With thin, crispy crusts and generously filled with meat, each bite bursts with savory juices. Make sure to eat them hot, but be cautious as they can be very hot!
3. Perfect Pairings
- Millet Porridge: A thick, sticky millet porridge that pairs perfectly with the meat pies for a smooth, hearty meal.
- Corn Porridge: A classic Beijing dish, this rough corn porridge balances out the richness of the meat pies and is both satisfying and healthy.
- Smashed Cucumber: A refreshing cold dish, perfect for cleansing the palate between bites of the meat pie.
- Mustard Pickles: A traditional Beijing side dish, the pungent mustard is a great way to refresh your senses.
4. Special Ingredient Selection
- Meat Filling: The meat used for the filling comes from lean beef, with a balance of 30% fat and 70% lean. This creates a flavorful filling that isn’t greasy.
- Dough: The dough is half-fermented, which ensures a perfect balance between softness and chewiness.
- Scallions: Only high-quality, fragrant Shandong scallions are used for the filling to add a punch of flavor.
- Seasonings: The seasoning is kept simple with soy sauce, salt, and sesame oil, highlighting the natural flavor of the meat.
5. Special Preparation Methods
- Meat Filling: The filling is hand-chopped, not ground by machine, to maintain a perfect texture.
- Dough Handling: The dough is rolled thinly, with a generous amount of meat filling inside. Each pie is shaped into a plump, round ball.
- Pan-Frying: The meat pies are pan-fried with oil to achieve a crispy, golden brown exterior while ensuring the meat inside is fully cooked.
6. How Much Does It Cost?
Dining here is quite affordable:
- Average Cost: Expect to spend around 30-50 RMB per person.
- Price Reference:
- Men Ding Rou Bing: 5-6 RMB each (most people usually have 3-4 to fill up)
- Millet Porridge: 3 RMB per bowl
- Smashed Cucumber: 8 RMB per serving
- Mustard Pickles: 6 RMB per serving
7. Number of Locations
Men Ding Li has 3 locations in Beijing, all of which are family-owned and managed to ensure consistent quality.
8. Where to Eat?
- Flagship Store: 3 Tuandeli Hubei 2nd Alley, Chaoyang District, Beijing (This is the oldest and longest-running location)
- Other Locations:
- Chaoyang North Road Branch: Chaoyang District, Chaoyang North Road
- Dongba Branch: Chaoyang District, Dongba Zhong Road
- How to Find:
- Use a phone map app and search for “Men Ding Li” to find the nearest location.
- These stores are usually small, and queues are common during peak hours, so it’s best to avoid the rush.
9. Tips for Eating
- Be sure to eat the pies while they’re hot for the best flavor and texture.
- Take care with the first bite, as the filling can be very hot.
- The best way to eat them is with a bowl of millet porridge—perfect for cutting through the richness.
- Try adding a bit of vinegar and chili oil for a different, spicy kick.
- The restaurant is small and simple, with the focus solely on the food, not the ambiance.
Men Ding Li offers more than just meat pies; it provides a taste of old Beijing’s food culture. Sitting in a humble shop, eating piping hot meat pies and sipping on millet porridge, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. While the city of Beijing continues to evolve, this traditional taste remains a constant reminder of the city’s rich history.
