Quack! Quack! Although Peking Gourmet Inn is across the Potomac, truly authentic Chinese cuisine can sometimes be hard to come by, so when a restaurant does it right, the journey into Virginia is well worth it. While I was initially skeptical arriving at a dilapidated strip center, my fears were immediately alleviated when I opened the door to an entry of people packed as tight as sardines. Lily Tsui, one of the restaurant’s owners, recognizes that the restaurant’s consistent popularity is evidence of its success. “We may not necessarily be the cheapest, but we have the value of authentic Chinese food,” she said, “that’s why we’re still here.”

The restaurant’s popularity was only reinforced once I noticed pictures of public policy paragons plastered to the wall; families from the Bushes to the Powells have all smiled with Peking Gourmet staff. Expect to wait a few minutes after you check in, even if you have a reservation (a must!), and know you will not be seated until your whole party is present.

But enough logistics — here comes the flavor! With “peking” in the name, I expect you can guess this restaurant’s claim to fame. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Peking Gourmet Inn has served countless flocks of delectable ducks over the years. Each duck, which is brought out and presented to the table before being carved, yields two plates worth of breast meat with piles of crispy, fried skin and a plate of legs. “We carve off the fat right underneath the skin and go right to the lean meat — that’s a big hit,” Tsui explained. At $38 apiece, expect one duck to feed three to four comfortably.

While the bird itself is moist and well-prepared, the accoutrements are what will really stun your taste buds. The duck is served with a hosin sauce (plum sauce) that is sweet, but not overly saccharine; and thin, spongy pancakes. In recent years, the restaurant decided to use fresh, jumbo spring onions — with the success of the sweeter onions, the owners decided to buy a farm in nearby Purcellville, Va., to grow the onions so that they can be freshly supplied to the restaurant.

While the duck steals the show, a number of dishes give stellar supporting performances. I recommend the vegetable dumplings to start and pairing your duck with at least one other dish. The fried rice is especially yummy as are the crispy beef and fresh garlic chicken sides. A number of dishes are highlighted as chef’s specialties, but beyond that you can expect traditional Chinese fare, with staples like Kung Pao chicken and Beef with Broccoli filling the menu. Peking Gourmet Inn also offers an extensive variety of vegetarian fare. All dishes are served family style, so it’s definitely fun to go with a group.

The trek to Peking Gourmet Inn is a noble adventure every duck-hungry Hoya should make at least once. Although, once you go it will not take long for you to crave another duck fix.

“We have been here for 30 years,” said Tsui. “My father, Eddie, founded the restaurant with the hope of bringing authentic Chinese food to the area. It was very well received, that is why we’re here after 30 years.”

Peking Gourmet Inn is located at 6029 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church, Va. For reservations and more information, call 703-671-8088.