Beijing Muslim cuisine

Inaugurated at Zhongshan Park in 1917，Ruizhenhou used to be an antique store. By 1950, the industry had declined, with the Muslim owner Ma Youan, realizing that he had to turn to a new trade. That's how Beijing's Muslim styled restaurants started.

At first the restaurant was simply named "Muslim Cuisine". The first chef, Ma Deqi, became famous for his "Simmered Beef".

With a short history of 50 years, Ruizhenhou enjoys a high reputation among Beijing residents for its "Simmered Beef" and traditional hot pot. Chef Ma Deqi's master was Chu Lianxiang, an imperial chef of the Qing Dynasty. Chu blended Muslim cuisine with traditional Han cooking skills and established an unique style of Beijing Muslim dishes.

Being the best of Chu's eight apprentices，Ma Deqi completely mastered the cooking essentials. The prestigious dishes Ruizhenhou has offered include "All Lamb Feast","Fish Maw Feast" and "Shark Fin Feast."

All are still talked about in the industry with great relish. In its first days, Ruizhenhou immediately became popular with another Han restaurant "Laijinyu Xuan" located in Zhongshan Park. But in the 1960s, the famous restaurant shrank into a snack diner because of the lack of lamb and beef.

In July 1982, the restaurant opened at its new location, on the hustle and bustle of Dongsi Street, regaining the name "Ruizhenhou". The interior décor combines Islamic and modern architecture, with the restaurant's tablet being inscribed by Pujie, the younger brother of the last feudal emperor Puyi.

Now both Chinese and foreign diners are exquisitely treated by the third generation of Ruizhenhou's chefs. Many of them are winners of Beijing and national Muslim cooking competitions. They not only provide Muslim cuisine with authentic Ruizhenhou flavor, but have also developed new dishes to fit today's appetites.

Roast Lamb Leg, Pot Stew Sanhuang Chicken, Beijing Roast Duck, Handmade Mutton are the favorites of Ruizhenhou. Whether expensive or cheap, feast or snack dinner or breakfast, the time-honored restaurant will always provide authentic Muslim dining with a Beijing flavor.