Han Baozi

Han Baozi

　　The famous Chengdu snack, Han Baozi, has a history of over eighty years since its establishment. In 1914, Han Yulong from Wenjiang opened a "Yulongyuan Noodle Shop" on Nan Dajin Street in Chengdu. The exceptionally delicious taste of his buns helped the shop gain a firm foothold in the city. After Han Yulong passed away, his son, Han Wenhua, took over the business. He carefully explored and practiced bun-making techniques, creating varieties such as "Shrimp Buns," "Ham Buns," and "Fresh Meat Buns," which quickly became hits in Chengdu’s food scene and gained widespread fame. Later, Han Wenhua decided to specialize solely in buns and renamed the shop "Han Baozi." The business flourished more than ever. From before liberation to the present, Han Baozi has enjoyed enduring fame across Chengdu, Sichuan, and even the whole country.

　　 A visitor from out of town once wrote in the guestbook: “In the north there’s Goubuli, in the south there’s Han Baozi—Han Baozi offers great quality at even better prices.” Xu Wuwen, a nationally renowned calligrapher, composed a couplet in praise of Han Baozi before his passing: “Everyone loves Han Baozi—not just for its delicious filling and savory broth, but for the mystery of how it’s made. Chengdu flavors reach their peak here, leaving diners savoring the aroma and returning again and again.” This vividly depicts the characteristics of Han Baozi, its status among Chengdu’s famed snacks, and the joy diners experience when tasting them.

　　The famous Chengdu snack, Han Baozi, has a history of over eighty years since its establishment. In 1914, Han Yulong from Wenjiang opened a “Yulongyuan Noodle Shop” on Nan Dajin Street in Chengdu. The exceptionally delicious taste of his buns helped the shop gain a firm foothold in the city. After Han Yulong passed away, his son, Han Wenhua, took over the business. He carefully explored and practiced bun-making techniques, creating varieties such as “Shrimp Buns,” “Ham Buns,” and “Fresh Meat Buns,” which quickly became hits in Chengdu’s food scene and gained widespread fame. Later, Han Wenhua decided to specialize solely in buns and renamed the shop “Han Baozi.” The business flourished more than ever. From before liberation to the present, Han Baozi has enjoyed enduring fame across Chengdu, Sichuan, and even the whole country. A visitor from out of town once wrote in the guestbook: “In the north there’s Goubuli, in the south there’s Han Baozi—Han Baozi offers great quality at even better prices.” Xu Wuwen, a nationally renowned calligrapher, composed a couplet in praise of Han Baozi before his passing: “Everyone loves Han Baozi—not just for its delicious filling and savory broth, but for the mystery of how it’s made. Chengdu flavors reach their peak here, leaving diners savoring the aroma and returning again and again.” This vividly depicts the characteristics of Han Baozi, its status among Chengdu’s famed snacks, and the joy diners experience when tasting them.

　　Han Wenhua passed away many years ago. To maintain the traditional flavors of Han Baozi, the preparation process has long been overseen by Han Baozi heirs—chefs Wang Yonghua and Lin Shantao, who were personally trained by Han Wenhua and hold senior and intermediate pastry chef qualifications. They strictly control ingredient proportions and preparation procedures. First, high-quality flour (refined white flour) is mixed with lard, sugar, and other ingredients to make the dough for the wrappers. Second, the fillings are prepared according to different flavors. For example, the Fresh Meat Bun filling uses half-fat, half-lean pork that is finely chopped. Half of it is first pan-fried until crisp, then combined with the other half of fresh meat, along with over ten seasonings including premium soy sauce, pepper powder, ginger juice, Sichuan pepper, cooking wine, MSG, and chicken broth. The Ham Bun filling uses ham that is not store-bought but specially cured by the shop. Once cured, the ham is finely chopped and mixed with finely chopped fresh pork and seasonings. Thanks to the premium ingredients and meticulous preparation, Han Baozi features thin, snow-white wrappers with clear patterns, tender and soft fillings that melt in your mouth, and an overall delicious taste with excellent color, aroma, and texture. Today, Han Baozi has expanded upon its traditional offerings to include buns in various flavors, totaling eight varieties: Char Siu, Sprouted Vegetable, Ham, Fresh Meat, Three Delicacies, Mushroom, Fragrant Vegetable, and Oil-Fried. Additionally, there are Han Baozi combo meal sets available. (Chengdu)