Harper relished the dish and even dipped slices of braised pork into what remained of the sauce.

It was a special day for restaurant manager Wang Wei.

"We are honored and proud to show the prime minister the essence of Beijing's culinary culture as well as a regular mini-show of Peking Opera."

The lunch was kept low-profile, and for the most part Harper and his team were treated the same as everyday customers.

Harper's personality won over the lunch crowd.

"It is surprising to find out that the prime minister is friendly and easy to talk to," said a 72-year-old guest who shook hands with Harper.

The lunch was meant to give Harper a taste, in more ways than one, of everyday life in the city, Rowswell said.

Siheyuan may have the traditional courtyards but few people can afford that type of living today, Rowswell said.

Most people live in apartments and "that's why we chose here", an area representing the life of city dwellers, he said.

Politics, trade ties and diplomacy were off the menu.

"Both of our families have two kids each, and we shared our experiences as parents," Rowswell said.