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Culture

Pekin Duck

What is pekin duck?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Dish type Chinese roast duck dish[2]
Origin Beijing[3]
History More than 400 years[3]
Key feature Crispy duck skin[2]
Serving style Thin pancakes, scallions, sauce[2]
Related breed Pekin duck[2]

Peking duck is a Chinese roast duck dish from Beijing, known for its crispy skin and typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sauce. It is not a duck breed; the breed is usually called Pekin duck. The dish has a history of more than 400 years and was prepared during the Imperial era.

Context

Peking duck is a celebrated Chinese dish from Beijing, with a preparation history spanning over 400 years [3]. It is distinct from the Pekin duck breed, though the names are often confused [2]. The dish features crispy skin and is traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sauce [2]. During the Imperial era, it was prepared using a specific breed, the Imperial Peking, with air forced between skin and flesh before roasting [3]. Diners typically see the cook slice the duck at the table [1].

Documented claims

  • Peking duck is not a duck breed; the breed is called Pekin duck. [2]
  • The classic preparation involves forcing air between the skin and flesh before roasting. [3]
  • The cook slices the duck in front of the diners. [1]

Related

Duck TollerBoth are duck breeds, and readers interested in one may want to know about the other.Muscovy DuckBoth are duck breeds, and readers interested in one may want to know about the other.

Questions and answers

What is the difference between a Pekin duck and a Peking duck?

Peking duck is a Chinese roast duck dish from Beijing, while Pekin duck is a domestic duck breed. They are often confused but are not the same thing [2].

Why are Pekin ducks special?

Pekin ducks are a domestic breed often used in the preparation of Peking duck, though the dish itself is named after the city of Beijing [2].

Are Pekin ducks good pets?

Pekin ducks are a domestic breed, but the sources provided do not discuss their suitability as pets.

How many eggs does a Pekin duck lay per year?

The sources provided do not specify the annual egg production of Pekin ducks.

Sources

  1. Pekin Ducks - Breeds of Livestock - Oklahoma State Universitybreeds.okstate.edu › poultry › pekin-ducks — breeds.okstate.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Peking duck | Bedeutung im Cambridge Englisch Wörterbuch — dictionary.cambridge.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. PEKING DUCK Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture