Peking Gourmet in South Carolina — Where to Find Authentic Peking Duck and Northern Chinese Cuisine

What Peking Gourmet Offers

Peking Gourmet is a Chinese restaurant specializing in Peking duck and northern Chinese regional cooking. The restaurant focuses on dishes from Beijing and surrounding provinces, with an emphasis on roasted meats, hand-pulled noodles, and traditional preparation methods that differ from the Cantonese and Sichuan styles more common in casual American Chinese restaurants.

The signature dish is Peking duck — a whole duck roasted until the skin crisps, then carved tableside and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and julienned cucumber and scallion. Beyond duck, the menu typically includes braised pork belly, lamb dishes, seafood preparations, and noodle soups built on long-simmered broths. Many locations also offer dim sum during lunch hours, though the focus remains on heartier, northern-style fare.

The dining experience tends toward sit-down service in a more formal setting than quick-service Chinese takeout. Reservations are often recommended, particularly for larger groups or weekend dining, since Peking duck requires advance notice to prepare.

Key Takeaways

• Peking Gourmet specializes in Peking duck and northern Chinese regional cooking, distinct from the Cantonese and Sichuan styles found at most casual Chinese restaurants.
• The signature Peking duck is roasted whole and carved tableside, served with pancakes, hoisin, cucumber, and scallion — order it in advance when you call or reserve.
• The menu also features braised pork, lamb, hand-pulled noodles, and seafood, all prepared using traditional northern Chinese techniques.
• Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends or groups, since the restaurant operates as a sit-down establishment rather than quick-service takeout.

Peking Duck — How to Order and What to Expect

Peking duck is not a dish you can order on impulse. Call ahead or mention it when you make your reservation so the kitchen can roast a duck to order. Most restaurants require at least a few hours' notice, and some ask for a minimum party size or advance payment. When the duck arrives at your table, a server or chef will carve it in front of you, separating the crispy skin from the meat.

You eat Peking duck by spreading a thin pancake with hoisin sauce, adding a piece of skin and meat, then topping it with cucumber and scallion. The contrast between the crackling skin, tender meat, and cool vegetables is the point. A full Peking duck typically serves two to four people as a main course, depending on what else you order.

The cost is higher than most other entrées on the menu — expect to pay $30 to $50 or more for a whole duck, depending on the restaurant and your location. Some places offer half-duck portions at a lower price if you want to try it without committing to a full bird.

Other Northern Chinese Dishes Worth Ordering

If Peking duck is not available or you want to explore the rest of the menu, braised pork belly — often called hong shao rou — is a staple. The pork is simmered for hours in soy, sugar, and spices until it is tender enough to cut with a spoon. Lamb dishes, particularly cumin-spiced lamb or lamb in brown sauce, reflect the influence of Muslim Chinese cooking from the northwest.

Hand-pulled noodles (la mian) and knife-cut noodles (dao xiao mian) appear in soups or stir-fried preparations. These are made fresh in the kitchen, not dried, and have a chewy texture different from standard wheat noodles. Seafood dishes — whole fish, shrimp, or scallops — are often prepared simply, steamed or in light sauce, to highlight the ingredient rather than mask it.

Many Peking Gourmet locations also serve dim sum during lunch, though the selection may be smaller than at a dedicated dim sum restaurant. Dumplings, buns, and small plates arrive on carts or via order sheet, and you pay by the plate.

Finding Peking Gourmet Locations in South Carolina

Peking Gourmet has operated multiple locations across the United States, but restaurant locations and hours change. To find whether a Peking Gourmet is currently open in South Carolina, search online for the restaurant name plus your city, or check Google Maps and Yelp for current addresses, phone numbers, and hours.

If no Peking Gourmet location is nearby, look for other northern Chinese restaurants in your area — many independent Chinese restaurants offer Peking duck and similar dishes, though they may not use the Peking Gourmet name. Call ahead to confirm they have Peking duck available and what advance notice they need.

What to Know Before You Go

Peking Gourmet is a sit-down restaurant, not takeout-focused, so plan for a full meal experience. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby. The dining room is typically decorated in a more formal style than casual Chinese takeout, with tablecloths and table service.

Bring a group if you can — Peking duck and many of the braised dishes are meant for sharing, and ordering multiple plates lets you try more of the menu. If you are dining alone or as a couple, ask the server for recommendations on portion sizes and what pairs well together.

Most locations accept reservations by phone and may require them on weekends. Some accept online reservations through their website or third-party platforms. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, call ahead to discuss what the kitchen can prepare — many dishes contain soy, sesame, or peanuts.

How Peking Duck Differs From Other Chinese Restaurant Roasted Meats

Peking duck is specific to northern Chinese cooking and has a particular technique: the duck is air-dried, brushed with a glaze, and roasted in a special oven until the skin blisters and crisps while the meat stays moist. This is different from Chinese roasted chicken or pork, which are often cooked whole but not prepared with the same skin-crisping method.

The presentation and serving style also matter. Peking duck comes with thin pancakes (not thick wraps), hoisin sauce, and fresh vegetables — it is assembled by the diner, not pre-plated. This ritual is part of the dining experience and reflects the dish's place in Beijing banquet tradition.

If you have had roasted duck at other Chinese restaurants and found it dry or overly fatty, Peking duck done well should be neither. The skin should crackle, and the meat should be tender. The quality depends on the restaurant's technique and the freshness of the duck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order Peking duck, or can I just order other dishes?

Yes, you can order anything on the menu without ordering Peking duck. Many diners come for the braised pork, noodles, or seafood. Peking duck is the signature dish, but it is not required, and not everyone at your table needs to order it.

How much advance notice do I need to give for Peking duck?

Most restaurants ask for at least a few hours' notice, though some can accommodate a same-day order if you call early. A few hours is safest. Call the restaurant directly to ask — policies vary by location.

Is Peking Gourmet expensive compared to other Chinese restaurants?

Peking Gourmet is typically in the mid-to-upper range for Chinese dining. A Peking duck entrée costs more than a standard stir-fry, but the restaurant is not fine dining. Expect prices similar to other sit-down Chinese restaurants that emphasize quality ingredients and traditional preparation.

What if I do not like duck?

The menu has plenty of other options — braised pork, lamb, seafood, and noodle dishes are all substantial and flavorful. Ask your server for recommendations based on what you do like, and do not feel obligated to order duck.

Can I get Peking duck to go?

Some locations offer takeout, but Peking duck travels poorly — the skin loses its crispness during transport. If you want to take it home, ask the restaurant how they package it and whether they recommend eating it immediately. Dine in if you can, to enjoy the duck at its best.