Dafulai
Time-Honored BrandDafulai · Tianjin · Founded
A time-honored Tianjin breakfast eatery, Dafulai is famed for its guobacai (crispy fried mung bean strips in savory gravy), carrying the taste memories of generations of Tianjin locals.
Brand Story
Founded during the Qing Dynasty, with the exact year lost to history, Dafulai is said to have originated in the Qianlong era as a modest food stall in Tianjin, selling guobacai and soy milk. Its signature dish, made from fine mung bean crepes cut into strips and topped with a secret spiced gravy, won the hearts of locals with its silky texture and rich aroma. In the late Qing and early Republic period, the shop moved to Tianjin's old city, becoming a breakfast icon. After the 1956 public-private partnership, the shop underwent changes, but its traditional craft endured. Dafulai bears witness to Tianjin's urban evolution, and its guobacai is not just food but a microcosm of Tianjin's street culture, reflecting the city's pragmatic yet refined way of life.
Signature Products
Mung bean crepe strips in a secret spiced gravy, silky and savory with a rich aroma. (6-10 RMB)
Tender tofu set with brine, served with sesame paste and garlic, savory and refreshing. (4-6 RMB)
Traditional stone-ground soy milk, rich and mellow, available sweet or savory. (2-4 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Tianjin（天津）
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Cultural Note
The craft of Dafulai's guobacai emphasizes 'thin and even crepes, balanced gravy'. Premium mung beans are soaked, ground, and spread into crepes, while the gravy is simmered with over a dozen spices like star anise and cinnamon. This technique is a living heritage of Tianjin's traditional snack culture, embodying the rustic yet meticulous nature of northern Chinese cuisine.
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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 Dafulai founded?
Dafulai was founded in null, originating in Tianjin, Tianjin, primarily in the Dining field.
What is the signature product of Dafulai?
Its signature product is Guobacai. 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: