No Fowl Play: Remodeled Horizon Does Great Duck

If you remember the former Horizon, clad in deep reds, you will be surprised at the utter transformation of the space. The main dining room now has a distinctly contemporary feel to it – creamy off-whites and pale wood latticework. Three open kitchens face the seating area with large glass panes allowing a view into the preparation of double-boiled soups, claypot dishes, dim sum and Horizon’s signature offering, Ya Yuan Peking duck.

The kitchen uses the wood of red date trees to stoke its oven and delicately impart its nuanced flavor to the duck (RMB 208, all prices subject to 15 percent). The bird can be accompanied by the usual suspects: pancakes (RMB 12/250g), shaobing (RMB 5/piece) and portions of leek, sweet sauce, garlic, cucumber and white sugar (RMB 6/set). Calling ahead is advised as roasting requires a leadtime of 70 minutes.

Horizon’s scope extends beyond duck with a Cantonese bent to their menu. Selections include house specialties like pan-fried diced beef tenderloin with black pepper (RMB 168) and an excellent rendition of the standard ganbian sijidou, or dry sautéed French beans (RMB 48). It is wise not to overlook these, but the city’s eponymous poultry and its crispy, burnt umber skin are the real reason to return.

The Horizon Chinese Restaurant
1/F, Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区光华路1号北京嘉里大饭店1层

Also try: Private Kitchen, Made in China

Photos courtesy of The Kerry Hotel Beijing