Question 1

True or false: Peking duck is always served with a side of steamed rice to balance the rich flavors.

Accepted Answer

False. It’s traditionally eaten with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions—not rice. Rice would compete with the duck's texture.

Question 2

True or false: The crispy skin of Peking duck is achieved by air-drying the bird for at least 24 hours before roasting.

Accepted Answer

True. Air-drying in a cool breeze removes moisture from the skin, ensuring it becomes shatteringly crisp during roasting.

Question 3

True or false: Peking duck was originally a royal dish served exclusively to emperors in the Ming Dynasty.

Accepted Answer

True. It originated in the imperial kitchens during the Ming Dynasty and was a closely guarded palace delicacy before spreading to the public.

Question 4

True or false: After roasting, the duck’s meat is typically shredded and stir-fried with vegetables for a second course.

Accepted Answer

False. The leftover carcass is often used to make a soup, not stir-fried. Stir-frying would waste the delicate, thinly sliced meat.

Question 5

True or false: Peking duck is traditionally carved tableside by the chef into exactly 108 thin slices.

Accepted Answer

False. While carving is tableside, the number 108 is a myth—chefs aim for about 80–100 slices, varying by duck size and skill.

Question 6

True or false: A key secret to Peking duck’s flavor is pumping air between the skin and meat before roasting.

Accepted Answer

True. Air is injected to separate the skin from the fat, which helps achieve the thin, crispy texture when roasted.

Question 7

True or false: The original Peking duck recipe calls for the duck to be stuffed with whole oranges and cinnamon before roasting.

Accepted Answer

False. The classic stuffing is actually maltose and water, applied to the skin for gloss and crispness—no fruit or spices inside.

Question 8

True or false: Peking duck is one of the oldest continuously prepared dishes in the world, dating back over 600 years.

Accepted Answer

True. Its documented history stretches to the Yuan Dynasty (13th century), with the modern version refined during the Ming—over 600 years old.

Peking Duck Trivia Questions