Founded in 1822 and the first of the "Big Eight" eateries, Tong He Ju is a slice of living history. The signboard itself is a relic from the past, featuring handwriting by Emperor Puyi's younger brother. Festive reds and yellows seamlessly are interwoven with peony motifs, making for a traditional Beijing feel. Specialities like braised cuttlefish roe in a spicy-sour glaze, and cod fillet in distiller's grain sauce are made just as they were centuries ago.