Kai Shi Ling
Time-Honored BrandKai Shi Ling · Shanghai · Founded 1928
A time-honored Shanghai bakery brand, renowned for its chestnut cake and Western-style pastries, embodying the city's culinary heritage.
Brand Story
Founded in 1928 by Chinese entrepreneurs including Lin Kangmin on Jing'an Temple Road (now West Nanjing Road), Kai Shi Ling began as a Western-style tea room and evolved into a celebrated brand for both pastries and Western cuisine. Its name, meaning 'Triumphant Commander,' reflects both Western elegance and national pride. The brand quickly won favor with Shanghai's cosmopolitan clientele, especially for its signature chestnut cake and butter cake. During the war, it remained a gathering place for cultural luminaries and film stars, even mentioned in the works of writer Eileen Chang. After 1949, the brand underwent public-private partnership, preserving its craft. In the reform era, it revived, blending traditional techniques with modern management, becoming a classic symbol of Shanghai's food industry.
Signature Products
Layers of fresh chestnut puree, dense and smooth, sweet but not cloying; the signature item of Kai Shi Ling. (approx. 30-60 RMB per slice)
Made with pure butter, rich in milky aroma and soft in texture; a classic Shanghai-style Western pastry. (approx. 25-50 RMB per slice)
Multi-layered chocolate and cream filling, rich in flavor with a hint of bitterness; beloved by old Shanghai locals. (approx. 20-40 RMB per slice)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shanghai（上海）
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Cultural Note
Kai Shi Ling's craft stems from the Shanghai-style Western pastry tradition, merging French and British techniques with local tastes. Its hand-piped decorations and chestnut puree are made following time-honored methods, emphasizing fresh ingredients and layered textures. The brand bears witness to the localization of Western pastry culture in Shanghai since the opening of the port, serving as a vital carrier of Haipai culinary culture.
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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 Kai Shi Ling founded?
Kai Shi Ling was founded in 1928, originating in Shanghai, Shanghai, primarily in the Food & Beverage field.
What is the signature product of Kai Shi Ling?
Its signature product is Chestnut Cake. 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: