Many imperial officials paid much attention to their daily food, thus forming an important branch of Beijing cuisine, the Official Food. It is not as particular about the shape of courses as the Imperial Court Food, but is more concerned with its dainty flavor. As rich officials didn't mind about the cost of the ingredients or the cooking process, so a homely meal often treated guests to delicacies.
The Official Food is characterized by its natural taste, lightness, softness and excellent cookery. For example, when chicken or fish is cooked, no additional peppers are used to preserve the original taste. Tan and Li Homely Food are the most prestigious official food at home and abroad.
Tan Homely Food is the most typical of the Official Cuisine. It is a combination of Cantonese cuisine and Beijing cuisine, with equal salt and sugar added in the cooking process. It therefore agrees with all diners who like either salty or sweet food. Even though it is originally household food, it has developed into two hundred kinds. The seafood dishes are a great satisfaction for all seafood lovers. Also there are exquisite dishes specially cooked for vegetarians.
Li Homely Food attracts numerous domestic and overseas celebrities, including over sixty prime ministers and many VIPs, such as Bill Gates (an American computer tycoon) and Muhammad Ali (former boxing champion). There is only one restaurant that serves Li Homely Food. To enjoy the startling dinner, you should make a reservation a week beforehand. Li Shanlin, the restaurant keeper, is good at English while his wife is excellent in Japanese, so you needn't worry about the language barrier.
Recommended Restaurants for Official Food in Beijing
Tan Jia CaiFeature: Tan Homely Food
Location: 7/F, Building C, Beijing Hotel, No.33, Dong Chang'an Jie, Dongcheng District
Tel: 010-65137766-1389
Li Jia Cai
Feature: Li Homely Food
Location: No.11, Yangfang Hutong, Deshengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District
Tel: 010-66180107
Yu Zhuan Tang Restaurant
Feature: Tan Homely Food
Location: In the east bank of Youth Lake Park, Andingmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District
Tel: 010-84132035
Bai Family Mansion
Location: In the Lejia Garden, No.15, Suzhou Jie, Haidian District
Tel: 010-62658851
More 
