Chen Mapo
Time-Honored BrandChen Mapo · Sichuan · Founded 1862
A Chengdu time-honored brand dating back to 1862, Chen Mapo is renowned for its signature Mapo Tofu—a fiery, numbing, and savory dish that embodies the essence of Sichuan cuisine. With over a century of culinary heritage, it remains a beloved icon of authentic Sichuan flavors.
Brand Story
Chen Mapo Tofu was founded in the first year of the Tongzhi reign (1862) of the Qing Dynasty by a woman surnamed Chen, who ran a small eatery near Wanfu Bridge in Chengdu. Known affectionately as 'Chen Mapo' (Pockmarked Grandma Chen) due to her facial features, she crafted a unique dish combining tofu with minced beef, doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste), and Sichuan peppercorns. The result was a tofu dish with a perfect balance of numbing, spicy, hot, tender, crispy, and savory flavors, which quickly won over local dockworkers and traveling merchants. As its fame grew, the eatery adopted the name 'Chen Mapo Tofu.' Through the late Qing, the Republic era, and into New China, Chen's descendants and apprentices preserved and refined the recipe, elevating Mapo Tofu to a signature Sichuan dish. In the mid-20th century, the restaurant relocated to downtown Chengdu and expanded. Beyond being a mere dish, it symbolizes Chengdu's grassroots culinary culture, showcasing the essence of Sichuan cuisine—'each dish has its own style, a hundred dishes a hundred flavors'—and the creativity and vitality of folk food. Today, Chen Mapo Tofu is a culinary icon of Chengdu, and its preparation technique has been inscribed on the intangible cultural heritage list, spreading Sichuan flavors worldwide.
Signature Products
The signature dish: silky tofu with crispy minced beef, numbing and spicy, served hot with a glossy red sheen. (20-40 RMB)
Sliced braised beef and offal tossed in chili oil, aromatic and spicy with rich, layered textures. (30-50 RMB)
Sliced pork belly with garlic sprouts and doubanjiang, savory with a hint of spice and a robust wok aroma. (30-50 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Sichuan（四川）
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Cultural Note
The craft of Chen Mapo Tofu emphasizes the 'braising' technique, using gypsum tofu, Pixian doubanjiang, and Hanyuan Sichuan peppercorns. The minced beef is stir-fried until crispy, and the dish is thickened in stages, resulting in a harmonious blend of numbing, spicy, hot, tender, crispy, and savory notes. With a century-long tradition of handcrafted preparation, it reflects Sichuan cuisine's ultimate pursuit of heat control and seasoning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Chen Mapo founded?
Chen Mapo was founded in 1862, originating in Sichuan, Sichuan, primarily in the Dining field.
What is the signature product of Chen Mapo?
Its signature product is Mapo Tofu. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: