Donggu
Time-Honored BrandDonggu · Guangdong · Founded 1850
Donggu is a time-honored brand from Guangdong, renowned for its traditional soy sauce and other condiments. With a history dating back to 1850, it uses ancient brewing techniques to create rich, savory flavors. Its products are popular both domestically and internationally, evoking nostalgia for Cantonese cuisine among overseas Chinese.
Brand Story
Donggu's roots trace back to the mid-Qing Dynasty (around 1850) in Gujing Town, Xinhui, Guangdong. The founder, whose name is yet to be verified, established a sauce workshop there, leveraging the area's high-quality water and soybeans. Using traditional sun-drying and dew-collecting methods, he crafted soy sauce with a distinctive flavor. By the late Qing and early Republic periods, the workshop expanded, exporting products to Southeast Asia. In 1956, it became a state-owned enterprise, later renamed Donggu Seasoning Food Co., Ltd. Donggu adheres to ancient brewing methods, preserving century-old sauce vats. Its soy sauce is known for its rich bean aroma and glossy red color. Culturally, Donggu has witnessed the spread of Cantonese diaspora cuisine, becoming a taste of home for overseas Chinese.
“[待核]”
Signature Products
Brewed with traditional high-salt dilute-state fermentation, this soy sauce has a prominent umami flavor, ideal for dipping and cold dishes. (10-20 RMB/500ml)
Infused with straw mushroom extract, this dark soy sauce has a glossy, deep color and excellent coloring effect, perfect for braising. (8-15 RMB/500ml)
With a high oyster juice content, this sauce is sweet and savory, used to enhance flavor in stir-fries and stews. (10-25 RMB/bottle)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Guangdong（广东）
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Cultural Note
Donggu's brewing follows the seasonal rhythm: 'prepare ingredients in spring, make koji in summer, sun-dry the sauce in autumn, and press oil in winter.' It insists on traditional earthen vat sun-drying, with a fermentation period of over a year. The soy sauce uses non-GMO soybeans and no preservatives, preserving the original flavor of Lingnan sauce gardens.
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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 Donggu founded?
Donggu was founded in 1850, originating in Guangdong, Guangdong, primarily in the Food & Beverage field.
What is the signature product of Donggu?
Its signature product is Donggu Yipinxian Soy Sauce. 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: