peking duck

peking duck

A chef carves a peking duck at a restaurant table.

Definition
  1. Noun (countable and uncountable):
    • A Chinese dish: "Peking duck" is a famous dish from Beijing (historically known as Peking) consisting of roasted duck with crispy skin, typically served with thin pancakes, spring onions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce.
    • The specific preparation: The term refers to the traditional method of preparing and serving the duck, which involves air-drying the skin, roasting it until crisp, and carving it tableside.
Usage Examples
  • (A specific dish from Beijing cuisine.)
  • (The dish served in the classic manner.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Peking duck" as a cultural symbol: The dish is often associated with Chinese culinary heritage and is considered a national treasure.

    • Peking duck is a must-try for anyone visiting Beijing. (A recommended culinary experience.)

  • "Peking duck" in metaphorical use: Sometimes used to describe something that is elaborately prepared or presented.

    • The presentation of the award was like Peking duck — carefully crafted and beautifully served. (A comparison to the dish's meticulous preparation.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Peking duck pancake (n): a thin, soft pancake used to wrap the duck and fillings.

    • The Peking duck pancakes were delicate and perfectly steamed. (The wrappers for the dish.)

  • Peking duck sauce (n): a sweet, savory sauce (often hoisin-based) served with the duck.

    • The Peking duck sauce added a rich flavor to the wrap. (The condiment for the dish.)
Synonyms
  • Beijing duck: an alternative name for the same dish, using the modern romanization of the city.
  • Roast duck (broader term): any roasted duck dish, though not specifically referring to the Peking preparation.
Related Idioms

  • "To have a Peking duck moment": a playful, informal idiom meaning to experience something exceptionally satisfying or luxurious.

    • After finishing the project, we had a Peking duck moment at the finest restaurant in town. (A celebratory, indulgent experience.)

  • "As crisp as Peking duck skin": used to describe something that is perfectly crunchy or brittle.

    • The fried spring rolls were as crisp as Peking duck skin. (Very crunchy and well-cooked.)