Beijing Food: Feeling Adventurous or Homesick? Or just sick?

Tired of eating jellyfish and rice?  There are options!  Although not as popular as KFC or Pizza Hut in Beijing, McDonald's is a close third place.  I have yet to eat at an American fast food place while overseas, except for that one time in Paris.  But in my defense, I only had a Diet Coke, so does that count?

Many people who are unwilling to eat fast food at home break their rules when overseas, usually out of sheer homesickess.  But if you are hungry for a piece of home, don't expect it to taste like it does in the States. 

Most places, like KFC, adapt their food to local tastes.  Which may be why its more popular.  In any case, you can usually count on McDonald's for a western style bathroom, which is a more welcome bit of home than you may realize!

Maybe you'd prefer Mexican food?  Churros seem to be pretty popular with the locals, probably because they are fried.  Who doesn't like fried food?

But why are there pictures of white people above the counter?

Burritos? Hmmm, does not seem as popular as the Churros stand.

Of course, if you are willing to be adventurous (isn't that why you travel?) you can challenge yourself (and your stomach lining) and eat local.  The question is, how local are you willing to get?

Hong Kong Food City, looks local, but maybe too touristy... too safe.

How about some "Homely Style Food"?  Its not ugly, just a little... homely. 

Would you be willing to eat an ear of corn cooked on the street?

Pick your own fish for lunch?

How about a nice home cooked meal here?

Because this is the kitchen.  Seriously:

But, of course, the ultimate food challenges are found on Donghua Men street, where squid would be the least obscure option.  Here you can find everything from starfish and scorpions to snake skin and silkworm larvae!  I won't give away too much more about this yet, but stay tuned ;)