5 Killer Sauces to Sample in Beijing

Whether you cook with it, dip your bread in it, or spoon it into your mouth like a dirty reprobate, we all need a little sauce in our lives. Beijing’s independent stores and food-preneurs have come up with all manner of original condiments, so forget your import Heinz and dip in. To get you started, we get up-close-and-personal with some of our favorite local sauces in this exclusive photoshoot.

Habanero Gochujang by Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar

They brought you Beijing’s first Korean-Mexican restaurant. Now they’re bringing you Beijing’s first Korean-Mexican table sauces. This one fuses habaneros with gochujang, a spicy sweet fermented chili paste.

RMB30. Available in-store at the Gulou and Liangmaqiao branches of Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar. Call in advance to order.

Nutty Pesto by Ladle & Spice

Pine nuts are the stars of this insanely fresh-tasting pesto from the team behind The Meatball Company. Be sure to check out the rest of L&S’s products (including the ‘Hot as Balls’ hot sauce and chunky tomato marinara).

RMB50. Available from www.ladlespice.com, through Sherpas or in-store at The Meatball Company. Hot sauce available at multiple venues across Beijing.

Hot Chili Sauce by Daqian

Be warned, readers: There are countless chili seeds floating in this one. It’s hot. Like, ‘don’t think about how that’s gonna feel tomorrow’ hot. But combine with a sour cream (or equivalent) and the complex flavor emerges.

RMB23. Available through Wechat (search 大前辣椒) or at Farm to Neighbors farmers' markets.

Kansas City Sweet BBQ Sauce by Home Plate BBQ

It’s a little bit smoky; it’s a little bit sweet. Most importantly, you’ll want to cover all of your meat in it. So, if you’ve enjoyed the BBQ sauce at Home Plate, just take some home by buying a bottle. Duh.

RMB80 per bottle. Available in-store at both the Sanlitun and Sanyuanqiao branches of Home Plate BBQ.

Cream Cheese by Traitor Zhou’s

The Traitor Zhou’s outpost at Migas is our favorite spot for a late-night bagel. Now you can enjoy said bagels in daylight (and sober!) with a selection of cream cheeses, including the divine miso caramel and salted plum varieties.

RMB5 each. Available in-store at Traitor Zhou’s Nonkosher Delicatessan in Nali Patio and 1949 in Sanlitun’s Courtyard 4

Images by Holly Li