Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 6 Episode 14 Beijing
- TV-G
- November 21, 2017
- 20 min
In the 14th episode of the sixth season of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, Andrew Zimmern takes us on a culinary journey through the vibrant city of Beijing, China. Known for its rich culinary history, Beijing offers a plethora of traditional and modern flavors that are sure to tantalize the taste buds.
The episode begins with a visit to a local market, where Andrew explores the many stalls selling fresh produce, meats, and live seafood. He interacts with the vendors and learns about the different ingredients that are used in traditional Beijing dishes. He then heads to a nearby restaurant to try one of the city's most famous dishes, Peking duck. Andrew watches as the chef expertly carves the crispy duck skin and meat, and then wraps it in a thin pancake with scallions and hoisin sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is a true masterpiece.
The next stop on Andrew's tour is a local noodle restaurant, where he tries the city's specialty noodle dish, zhajiangmian. Made with hand-pulled noodles and a thick soybean paste sauce, this dish is a staple in many Beijing households. Andrew is amazed at the skill and speed of the noodle makers as they whip up piles of noodles in just minutes.
As the sun begins to set, Andrew heads to a traditional courtyard home for a taste of Beijing's street food scene. He tries a variety of snacks, including stinky tofu, a fermented tofu that is known for its strong odor but delicious flavor. He also has jianbing, a type of street crepe that is filled with fried dough, egg, and a savory sauce. The atmosphere in the courtyard is lively and bustling, with locals gathering to socialize and enjoy the food.
The next morning, Andrew begins the day with a visit to a tea house, where he learns about the different types of tea that are popular in Beijing. He tries several varieties, including pu-erh and jasmine tea, and also learns about the proper way to brew and serve tea in Chinese culture.
For lunch, Andrew heads to a local Muslim restaurant to try the city's famous lamb kebabs. Grilled over open flame and served with a spicy dipping sauce, these kebabs are a popular street food snack in Beijing. Andrew also tries a spicy noodle dish and is blown away by the heat and flavor.
Next on the itinerary is a visit to a traditional hutong, a narrow alleyway that is lined with small shops and homes. Andrew stops at a small dumpling shop to try jiaozi, a type of Chinese dumpling that is filled with pork, vegetables, or seafood. He watches as the dumplings are made fresh to order and then enjoys them with a side of hot and sour soup.
As the day comes to a close, Andrew heads to a restaurant that specializes in ma la, a type of Szechuan cuisine that is known for its numbing and spicy flavors. He tries several dishes, including a fiery hot pot that is filled with a variety of meats and vegetables. He also tries a spicy beef dish that is so spicy it leaves his mouth tingling.
The episode ends with Andrew reflecting on his time in Beijing and the incredible culinary experiences he had. From the traditional flavors of Peking duck to the spicy heat of Szechuan cuisine, Beijing offers a truly unique and unforgettable food scene.