Muslim cuisine has been a staple on Beijing's culinary scene for hundreds of years. Trying out the food has to be integral to a complete Beijing experience. That applies to Muslims and non-Muslims.

Muslim food has been in China since the Tang Dynasty. An Arab envoy brought it when came to honor Emperor Gaozong. The seasonings he brought as gifts, soon changed the taste preferences of the Emperor and all the rest of China. Before long the seasonings were grown here in China. Beijing has lots of Muslim fairs. You can buy mutton kebabs right on the street -- or you can go to one of the fine, elegant restaurants. But for now -- let's check out a place that's a little more low key. This is Hongbinlou, widely recognized as Beijing's No.1 Muslim Restaurant. You'd never guess from looking at it that Hongbinlou has a history of 150 years.

Hongbinlou boasts an extensive menu. The meat is slaughtered according to strict halal rules. The succulent dishes involve every part of the animal and every technique in the Muslim cook book.

The restaurant made a name for itself with its "Whole Mutton Banquet". When Empress Dowager Cixi came here to celebrate her 60th birthday, she proclaimed it as "China's No.1 Birthday banquet." Now, the mutton banquet is on the national intangible heritage list.

Braised ox tail is Hongbinlou's signature dish. The cooking materials are carefully chosen from a certain breed of ox. Only four to five condyles in the middle section of a tail will be selected.

In the southwest of Beijing is a Muslim residential area, called "Niujie". It is dotted with mosques. There are Arabic signs, halal butchers and Muslim restaurants. For those who want to experience Beijing's Muslim community in one go, this is the place.

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