Servedas anAsianapproximationof a
burrito, Beijingduck features slices of duck
wrapped in thin, flour-basedpancakes, set
off by scallions anddousedwithplum-basedhoisin sauce. Opt for theduckdinner,
andyougetmore than theBeijingvariety. Expect duck soup, duck liver, duck eggs,
andduckwings.
Likemuchof China’s best cuisine, Beijingduckbeganas adelicacy favoredby
Sino emperors and their coteries. Thedish isfirst noted ina 14th-centurybookby
an inspector of royal kitchens; Beijing’sfirst restaurant to specialize induckdates
back to the 1500s.More recently, duringHenryKissinger’sfirst visit toChina in
the 1970s, thedry-roastedbirdbecamehis entree of choice.
Feastingon the last of themeal, I findmyself agreeingwholeheartedlywith
Kissinger andmake a toast to culinary-drivendétente.
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