Discover the Flavor of Old Beijing: Zhizi Kaorou (Griddle Grilled Meat) （炙子烤肉）
1. A Taste of History and Culture
Dear travelers, if you think Chinese food is just stir-fries and dim sum, think again! Deep in the alleys of Beijing, a bold and flavorful feast awaits you—Zhizi Kaorou, Beijing’s famous griddle-grilled meat.
This dish traces its roots back to the Northern nomads of China, like the Mongols, who brought their BBQ techniques to the capital. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became a beloved street food in Beijing, enjoyed by laborers and locals alike. Eating Zhizi Kaorou isn’t just about food—it’s about community and socializing. People gather around the grill, cook their own meat, and share stories, all while surrounded by fragrant smoke. It’s the perfect way to experience the warm and generous spirit of old Beijing.
2. Ingredients and Cooking Style
The star of Zhizi Kaorou is thinly sliced, marinated lamb or beef. The marinade is what makes it unforgettable—soy sauce, cooking wine, ginger juice, cilantro, and a generous amount of cumin give the meat a rich, bold aroma.
Cooking is simple but fun. The meat goes onto a special cast-iron griddle called a “zhizi,” which has small grooves. Diners use long chopsticks to flip the meat as it sizzles, watching it change color and shrink slightly—an experience that’s both interactive and satisfying.
The result? Tender, juicy meat infused with savory, aromatic flavors. Each bite is perfectly balanced: crispy on the outside, soft inside, with just the right hint of spice and no gamey taste.
3. How to Enjoy Zhizi Kaorou
The authentic way to eat it is to wrap the grilled meat in a warm sesame flatbread, or enjoy it with raw garlic and sliced onions. Pair it with a Beijing Ice Pop or a cold beer, and you’ve got a true taste of Beijing street food.
You can find Zhizi Kaorou at most traditional Beijing or halal restaurants. Popular spots in recent years include Kaorou Ji, Kaorou Wan, and Ya’er Li Ji. It’s a budget-friendly dish, costing around 50–80 RMB per serving. When ordering, just say: “One Zhizi Kaorou, lamb/beef please.”
For tourists, the English name is “Zhizi Kaorou (Griddle Grilled Meat)”. It’s a lively, flavorful dish perfect for social diners and lovers of bold tastes. Don’t worry about smoke—modern restaurants now have efficient ventilation systems.
Quick DIY Tip: Slice lamb or beef thinly against the grain. Marinate with soy sauce, cooking wine, minced ginger, chopped scallions, sesame oil, and plenty of cumin. Heat a cast-iron zhizi until it smokes, brush with oil, lay the meat on the griddle, and flip quickly with long chopsticks until cooked through. Grilling onions alongside adds a sweet aroma.
So, brave foodies, don’t miss this invitation from Beijing. When you stroll down an old alley and smell that irresistible cumin aroma, step in, gather around the grill, and become a BBQ master for the evening. Add Zhizi Kaorou to your must-try Beijing food list—it’s a cultural and culinary adventure you’ll never forget!
