"24 Hours in Beijing" is a series where we ask key figures in the capital about how they would spend an entire day in the city. This time, we're hearing from Alex Ogden, a devoted foodie, entrepreneur, and content creator known for her videos that highlight China's rich offerings of "accidentally vegan" food. Originally hailing from Vancouver, Canada, she has made Beijing her home since 2019. You can follow her culinary travel journeys on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok at @veganinchina, or 爱吃草的阿莲 on major Chinese platforms.
My life basically revolves around planning or enjoying my next meal. So, if you ask me to create a 24-hour itinerary in Beijing, you probably won’t find any traditional tourist attractions on the list — but I can guarantee you’ll have the best dumplings you’ve ever tasted.
While many across China jest that Beijing is a “food desert,” I believe it actually boasts a remarkable array of authentic regional cuisines. You could easily embark on a food tour representing the entire country without leaving Beijing!
So, with 24 hours in Beijing, what's on the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? For me, coffee is a must. For the quintessential Old Beijing breakfast, you must try 红糖芝麻花卷 (hóng táng zhī ma huā juǎn). Picture a chocolate croissant and a cinnamon roll having a sultry rendezvous in a Xicheng alley... Yet their offspring looks entirely different.
It's a soft steamed bun filled with thick, sweet sesame paste tucked into its many folds. The best ones create a delightful mess and adhere to the roof of your mouth like peanut butter. Enjoyed with an oat milk flat white, it’s pure heaven! These buns can be found at any Old Beijing or Halal bakery, but my favorite is 隆福寺小吃 (Longfusi Xiaochi), where they’re quite generous with the filling.
For lunch, dumplings are a must! My top choice is 馅老满 (Xiàn Lǎo Mǎn). Their wrapping-to-filling ratio is impressive, and I can’t get enough of the boiled fennel dumplings (清香素茴香水饺 qīngxiāng sù huíxiāng shuǐjiǎo). If you prefer potstickers, try the 罗汉素 (luóhàn sù), finished with starchy water for a delicate, crispy edge — divine when dipped in black vinegar!
After lunch, I like to walk it off by visiting a unique exhibition in the city. Recently, I attended the 100% Women (百分百妇女) pop-up at Wangfujing Xiyue Mall — featuring a wall adorned with hand-embroidered menstrual pads showcasing bold designs.
If you can read Chinese (or are adept with translation apps), you should check out the book of personal stories from women across China as they share their experiences of womanhood. It’s both impactful and surprisingly bold for a conservative city like Beijing. The exhibition is open until August 20* and free to enter (though donations are welcome to support providing menstrual products to women in rural areas).
I always try to attend Vegans of Beijing (WeChat ID: Food_Meditation) meetups. Recently, we congregated at Duli for dinner, a plant-based fusion restaurant blending East and West. I love their inventive offerings — my personal favorites are the Pistachio Pesto Burrata and the Cauliflower and Corn Fritter Bao.
After dining, I might stop by Zhazha Bistro for a cocktail or a fun rice wine shooter. If you’re still a bit hungry, their 丝娃娃 (sīwáwá) wraps — a Guizhou-style DIY veggie roll — make the perfect late-night snack.
What’s your top spot in Beijing and why? I’m really fond of Chaochao, a cozy hutong retreat that specializes in Sichuan-inspired tapas. It has a warm atmosphere like stepping into someone’s art-filled living room, and the food is remarkable. If you want to indulge, treat yourself to a glass of sake — it’s so crisp and invigorating!
*If you're unable to visit the 100% Women pop-up before it concludes, follow them on RED @百分百妇女 for information about future events.
READ: 24 Hours in Beijing with Poet Anthony Tao
Images courtesy of Alex Ogden
Vegan influencer Alex Ogden discusses the top vegan-friendly meals you can enjoy within a day in Beijing.
