An atrocity of American dining is the fact that common entrees are relegated to basically 3 proteins - beef, chicken, and pork. Meanwhile cultures both across the pond and across the world have an entire rainbow of options - from Japanese Eel to French Rabbit. While these dishes scream “Hey! I’m exotic” to the common unexposed American - often freaking out more timid eaters - they have not only been eaten just as long - if not longer - than more ‘common’ meats, but they’re often unbelievable delicacies that give people the ability to travel and experience cultural teleportation all with the lift of a fork. Insert duck. Duck is like chicken, but juicier and more flavorful. Now crisp it to a golden brown hue, slice it thinly, accompany it with crepe-like pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions, and you’re talking one of my favorite meals anywhere - Peking duck. Sure there are many a place to find ducks hanging in a neon-lit window throughout the city, but there’s nowhere that does it quite like Peking Duck House.
There are 2 locations in the city, but you’re definitely going to want to venture to the original locale on lantern-laden Mott Street in Chinatown - it's the classic. Once sat, you’ll be a bit overwhelmed with set menu options and the allure of fried rice or more classic American Chinese options - skip all of that and don’t look back. You’re here for the Peking Duck and only the Peking Duck. Get the whole thing. Don’t kid yourself, you want it. Once prepared, they bring the duck out to you to see - I’m always unsure if this is their rendition of tasting the wine before pouring, but I doubt anybody has ever had any hesitations to the crisp glory they present. They then slice it for your and bring it over with your accoutrements and you’re ready to go. The meat itself is overwhelmingly juicy and the golden-brown skin is nothing short of a buttery, salty crackle of texture. Add a dollop of sweet and deep hoisin, some scallion and cucumber, wrap it up dive in. Not only will the entire duck be gone in shocking speed, but you’ll be on your way to the best food coma you’ve ever had.
Peking Duck House
28 Mott Street
-DG
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