Falls Church, Virginia, just a stone’s throw from Washington, DC, isn’t a town I can describe much—I barely noticed it from the backseat of our van. My focus was fixed on one destination: Peking Gourmet Inn.
The location surprised me. Nestled in a strip mall, it was packed to the brim. Even with a 7:30 reservation, crowds spilled out the door by 7:20. The staff worked diligently, still juggling 7:00 bookings when we arrived. We waited patiently, anticipation building.
The Peking Duck Experience
The Peking Duck is the star of the show here—every table ordered one, and some even went for two. We left the ordering to P’s dad, who opted for a set menu that included the famous duck and four other dishes. While we waited, hot and sour soup and a few small plates arrived to keep us busy. Watching the steady stream of ducks being carved, I couldn’t help but wonder how many they sell daily. Soon enough, our duck arrived.
Tableside Carving
A carver approached and performed the ritual tableside: first the crispy skin, then the layer of fat, and finally the tender meat, all expertly sliced and plated in the center of our table. It was showtime.
Eating the Duck
To eat the Peking Duck, you take a thin pancake—almost like a tortilla—add a piece of crispy skin, drizzle it with hoisin sauce, and top it with scallion slices. Fold it, roll it, and enjoy. The skin was perfectly crispy, and each bite was a joyful little bundle. Delicious!
Living in LA, I’ve eaten my fair share of Peking Duck, but the experience there is quite different. LA restaurants don’t carve the duck tableside, and instead of thin pancakes, they serve thick, fluffy white buns. (Honestly, I prefer the buns.) Another quirk of LA-style? They layer shrimp chips underneath the duck to soak up the oil, adding a satisfying crunch. Plus, LA spots often offer a second dish—lettuce wraps made from the leftover duck meat. While Peking Gourmet Inn offers the authentic experience, I found myself missing those familiar LA touches.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Peking Gourmet Inn. The other dishes were fantastic, and the service was warm and attentive. However, I did have two small critiques. First, the duck skin, while perfectly crispy, was a bit bland on its own. Second, I wish they offered an option to use the leftover duck meat in another dish, like lettuce wraps. But finding such an authentic Peking Duck spot in this area was a treat, and overall, it was a memorable dining experience.
Our Verdict
Peking Gourmet Inn offers a genuine Peking Duck experience with high-quality ingredients and consistent execution, making it a must-visit for those seeking traditional Chinese cuisine. The restaurant’s commitment to traditional techniques and its family farm in Purcellville, Virginia, ensures the highest quality ingredients. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the overall dining experience is memorable and satisfying.
Location
Peking Gourmet Inn
6029 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
