Peking Duck House

High-end Chinese / $$
28 Mott St. between Pell-Mosco Sts.
6, M, N, Q, R, W trains to Canal St.
(212) 227-1810, -1811

Sun-Thur 11:30 AM-10:30 PM,
Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-11:30 PM

236 E. 53rd St. between 2nd-3rd Aves.
E, V trains to Lexington & 53rd
(646) 833-0612
Sun-Thur 11:45 AM-10:30 PM
Fri-Sat 11.45 AM-11 PM

pekingduckhousenyc.com
Reservations suggested for party of 5+
Takeout available, no delivery
Visa, MC, Amex

Having Peking duck in this austere earthtoned space is a ceremonial experience. The duck comes to an adjacent table where a solemn chef deftly carves it into thin slices. A waiter swiftly packages duck slices with scallion and cucumber in a pancake, one for each guest, then places the ingredients on your table so you can fend for yourself. Prior to this the duck has been pumped full of air, repeatedly tenderized with boiling water, and injected with maltose (or malt sugar—it's harmless). All that preparation produces a duck that's tasty and tender—not stringy, chewy, or heavy, despite the fa—and the skin is a delicacy in itself. Pancakes are plentiful, and while they're thin, they don't fall apart, so duck slices won’t slither into your lap. There are combo menus for large groups plus the usual Chinese menu standards.

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