Chief’s Buns

Chief’s Buns

　　Chief’s Buns originate from Zhanging Town in Ningjin County and date back to the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. Their characteristics include white dough, thin skin, generous meat filling, soft yet non-sticky texture, resilient casing that doesn’t break, and precisely folded thirty-two pleats. When cooked, they resemble blooming chrysanthemums, excelling both in appearance and taste.

　　Zhanging Town is situated at the junction of Shandong and Hebei provinces, within Ningjin County of Shandong. It is a relatively large traditional market town, with a predominantly Hui ethnic population, where the food industry has flourished since ancient times. During the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, a Hui man named Zhang Heli opened a bun shop that incorporated the strengths of various makers. After more than a decade of meticulous refinement, he created beef and mutton buns with a unique flavor. These buns are known for their white dough, thin skin, generous and fatty filling, oil that doesn’t seep out, rich aroma, well-balanced seasoning, tenderness without greasiness, and attractive appearance. Since then, Chief’s Buns have gained widespread fame and renown across the region.

　　The making of Chief’s Buns emphasizes quality ingredients and fine craftsmanship. The beef and mutton are carefully deboned, first cut into chunks and then finely chopped to achieve a delicate yet not mushy texture. Finely sliced scallions and ginger are added, along with small-ground sesame oil, premium soy sauce, and prickly ash water to season the filling. The dough is slightly soft to ensure the casing holds the filling without breaking and offers a soft, non-sticky bite. Each bun is pinched into thirty-two pleats to seal in the oil and flavor. Once cooked, they look like blooming chrysanthemums, excelling in taste, color, and shape.

　　Zhang Zhidong, a prominent Westernization official of the Qing Dynasty, whose hometown was just over ten li away from Zhanging Town, naturally had many relatives and friends there. One day, Zhang Zhidong came to hang ceremonial lanterns for the Zhang family, known as “Hexing Hao,” long-time friends from Zhanging Town. According to Qing customs, only families of high virtue and influence, capable of educating and uplifting the local community, were honored with the privilege of hanging ceremonial lanterns—an event considered a great glory for the family. At noon, the elderly Zhang hosted an elaborate banquet in honor of Zhang Zhidong and his entourage, serving Chief’s Buns as the main staple. After tasting them, Zhang Zhidong praised them effusively, declaring, “Compared to Tianjin’s Goubuli Buns, Chief’s Buns are even better.” From then on, the fame of Chief’s Buns spread far and wide, earning accolades throughout the land. Officials traveling through Ningjin from the capital also took pride in having tasted Chief’s Buns.