Goubuli steamed stuffed buns, the premier homegrown snack among the Three Traditional Specialties in Tianjin, is known for its savory taste and exquisite ingredients with a history of over 100 years, one of the most famed brands in China. Shaped like a chrysanthemum, Goubuli Baozi is made using half-leaven dough, richly flavored meat and a delicious soupy filling. In terms cooking process, its recipes including kneading, ingredients, filling and steaming are all kept in secret. After mixing flour with warm water, the dough should be kneaded for minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly elastic. Then let it rest for minutes. To make these steamed stuffed buns as chewy and fluffy as possible, unleavened and leavened dough should be mixed. After that, the dough should be rolled into a thick cigar shape, cut into pieces and finally rolled into serval two-and-a-half-inch circles. Then, put a tablespoon of the filling in the center. When folding them in the shape of a chrysanthemum, eighteen pleats are required for the experts in Chinese pastries and desserts. Huo Hou is the key to making baozi taste more delicious which means crucial heat control and steaming times.

It is said that Goubuli got its start in the reign of Tongzhi in the Qing dynasty. In 1869, Gao Guiyou, a young man with the nickname Gouzi, or Little Dog in Chinese, who was an apprentice at the Liu Ji Steamed Bun Shop, created Goubuli baozi. Upon finishing his three-year apprenticeship, Gao set up his own food store named Dejuhao in 1882. His steamed stuffed buns were neat in size, white in color, soft and full of grease without being oily. Baozi will be pinched together to make 18 tucks, like a white chrysanthemum. The color, shape, taste and aroma all stood out, attracting more and more customers. Due to his popularity, Gao was always busy making and selling his specialty without greeting customers. Some familiar customers joked that “Gouzi ignores us”. Then, Gao renamed his food store Goubuli after following the advice from a Taoist priest in the Palace of Tian Hou.

Goubuli steamed stuffed buns have existed for over 150 years and awarded the Famous Chinese Snack, China's Time-honored Brand and World-famous Chinese Taste for their cultural values and unique cooking recipes.

Translator: ZHANG Ruochen

Reviewer: WANG Jiahui