Yao’s Chao Gan

About

Located right next to the historic Drum Tower, Yao's is world-famous for its 'Chao Gan' (stewed liver)—a thick, garlicky soup that is a cornerstone of old Beijing breakfast culture. It gained international fame after a surprise visit by then-VP Joe Biden. The shop is no-frills, featuring communal tables and a fast-paced, local vibe. Expert recommendation: The signature Chao Gan must be paired with their 'Baozi' (steamed pork buns) for the perfect texture contrast. Pro tip: The garlic flavor is intense and lingering, so plan your day accordingly. It’s a self-service counter; find a seat first if you’re in a group, then send one person to order. It’s the ultimate place to soak in the 'hutong lifestyle' after climbing the nearby Bell Tower.

Highlights

• Famous liver stew
• Traditional hutong breakfast
• Joe Biden visit fame
• Authentic local flavors

Amenities

Why go

• Try Yao’s Chao Gan for a dining experience connected to the local food scene.
• Focus on famous liver stew during the visit.
• Also look for traditional hutong breakfast.

Know before you go

• Allow about 45 on site, excluding transfers and queues.
• Confirm current service hours, temporary closures, and any dining restrictions before departure.
• Check the exact branch and entrance because similarly named venues may exist in the same city.

Tips

• Choose the visit period according to live opening information, weather, and the surrounding route.
• Keep the meal close to the preceding or following attraction to avoid a separate cross-city transfer.
• Carry the venue name and address in Chinese for navigation and branch confirmation.