Shitoumenkan Steamed Buns,the Best Vegetarian Stuffing
2 min read
Among Tianjin’s vegetarian food snacks,Shitoumenkan steamed buns are the most popular.It was established over 100 years ago and became the first restaurant making buns stuffed with vegetables.In the late period of reign of Qianlong in Qing Dynasty,Shitoumenkan was called”Zhensuyuan” restaurant in Gongnan Avenue.Tianjin city was built and formed along Haihe River. Located along the riverside,the restaurant faced the danger of being flooded in summer.Therefore,the owner used the stones to make a threshold serving the dam functions.Gradually,people call it “Shitoumenkan”(which means stone-made gate threshold).Later,Empress Dowager Cixi gave the buns the new name”Shitoumenkan Vegetarian Baozi”,which is still in use until now.
The stuffings contain diverse types of formulas,totally including 19 kinds, such as agaric,bean sprouts,bean curd,mushroom,cauliflower,gluten,yuba,sesame paste and sesame oil,etc.All these are famous local specialties from different places. The unique craft makes the buns not oily at all.When making the buns,each bun skin is folded by 21 times before being blended together.Therefore,it’s featured by thin skin with full stuffing.Being tough and crunchy,it has the unique fragrance,with an endless savour.No wonder so many people,especially the senior,are fond of the buns so much.The vegetarian buns aiso win the reputation of”China Name Snacks”for many times.
It’s essential to integrate the local culture into the local food branding to make it develop stronger and more sustainable.Mentioned lianjin culture,we are familiar with port culture,folk culture and river culture,which are all reflected in Shitoumenkan vegetarian buns.Theretore,when we are eating the delicious buns we are not iust taste something yummy,but aiso tnmikiiig oi tne stories and experiences hehind it How time-beaten but precious!inis al50 5ti0ws the charm of the cChina time-honored brand.
