NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is known for leading one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. But during his latest visit to China, it wasn’t AI that captured people’s attention—it was his love of local food.
Instead of heading straight from business meetings to private events, Huang was spotted walking through one of Beijing’s most famous historic neighborhoods, eating local dishes just like an ordinary visitor.
If you want to experience Beijing like Jensen Huang did, here’s where to go and what to try.
Stop 1: Nanluoguxiang
One of the highlights of Huang’s visit was Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing’s oldest hutong districts.
The area is famous for its narrow alleyways, traditional courtyard houses, cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, and street food. It offers a rare opportunity to experience both old and modern Beijing in the same neighborhood.
Unlike Beijing’s modern business districts, Nanluoguxiang moves at a slower pace and is ideal for walking and exploring.
Stop 2: No. 69 Fangzhuanchang Noodles
While walking through the area, Huang stopped at No. 69 Fangzhuanchang Noodles, a restaurant that has earned recognition in the Michelin Guide for its traditional Beijing cuisine. There, he ordered one of the city’s signature dishes: Zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles).
As he enjoyed the noodles outside the restaurant, crowds quickly gathered to watch and record the unexpected moment. Smiling to onlookers, Huang described the noodles simply: “It’s so good.”
What Is Zhajiangmian?
Zhajiangmian is one of Beijing’s best-known traditional dishes.
It consists of thick wheat noodles topped with a rich soybean paste sauce mixed with minced meat and served with fresh vegetables such as cucumber, bean sprouts, and radish.
Although simple in appearance, it is considered comfort food by many Beijing locals and is a great introduction to northern Chinese cuisine.
A Taste of Beijing’s Most Famous Drink
Huang didn’t stop with noodles.
He also tried Douzhi’er, a traditional fermented mung bean drink that has been enjoyed in Beijing for centuries. The drink has a sour, earthy flavor that even many local residents describe as an acquired taste.
His reaction quickly went viral on Chinese social media, as videos showed him struggling with the unusual flavor before laughing it off. He later bought a sweet drink from the popular Chinese beverage chain Mixue to balance the taste.
More Than Just Business
Although Huang’s trip included meetings related to technology and artificial intelligence, his decision to explore Beijing’s streets and eat local food received just as much public attention.
During the visit, he was also seen chatting with local residents and visiting scenic areas around Beijing. When asked how he liked China, Huang replied with a smile:
“I love China. We’re having a great time.”
How to Follow Jensen Huang’s Beijing Tour
If you want to recreate Huang’s experience, here’s a simple one-day itinerary:
Morning
- Walk through Nanluoguxiang’s historic hutongs.
- Explore the small shops, cafés, and traditional courtyards.
Lunch
- Try a bowl of Zhajiangmian at No. 69 Fangzhuanchang Noodles.
Afternoon
- Visit nearby Houhai or Shichahai for a relaxing walk along the lakes.
- Explore more of Beijing’s historic neighborhoods.
Optional Challenge
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try a cup of Douzhi’er and decide for yourself whether it’s delicious or unforgettable for entirely different reasons.
Final Thoughts
Jensen Huang’s latest visit showed a different side of one of the world’s most influential technology leaders.
Rather than staying inside meeting rooms, he chose to experience Beijing through its streets, local restaurants, and traditional flavors.
His visit is also a reminder that some of the best travel experiences in China don’t happen in luxury hotels—they happen while wandering through old neighborhoods, trying local food, and discovering the everyday life of the city.
If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, following Jensen Huang’s food tour is a great place to start.
