Lai
Time-Honored BrandLai · Sichuan · Founded
Lai is a Sichuan-based dining brand rooted in traditional Sichuan cuisine, known for its authentic flavors and local culinary heritage. Founded in the late Qing Dynasty, it carries forward the legacy of family-style cooking with a focus on balanced seasoning and precise heat control.
Brand Story
The Lai brand traces its origins to Sichuan, with a history dating back to the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China (around 1900 AD). During this period, the culinary culture of Chengdu, Sichuan, flourished, and the Lai family began their journey by operating a home-style Sichuan restaurant. Through their precise mastery of seasoning and cooking heat, they gradually earned a reputation among locals. The key figure was the ancestor Lai Xingfa, who skillfully blended cooking techniques from southern and western Sichuan, creating a distinctive dish system characterized by 'fresh aroma, rich taste, and balanced spiciness.' During the Republic of China era (1912-1949), the Lai family restaurant became a gathering place for local literati and merchants, with signature dishes like 'Lai's Douban Fish' and 'Twice-Cooked Pork' celebrated by diners. Culturally, the Lai brand embodies the streetwise memories of Sichuan folk cuisine, reflecting the inclusive nature of Sichuan cuisine, where 'each dish has its own style, and a hundred dishes offer a hundred flavors.' However, due to the loss of historical documents, the exact founding year and early lineage remain unverified, and details are marked as [to be verified].
Signature Products
Fresh fish cooked with Pixian douban (fermented broad bean paste), tender and succulent, with a rich, savory sauce and a hint of sweetness. (58-88 RMB)
Pork belly (er dao rou) stir-fried with garlic sprouts and fermented black beans, rich but not greasy, with a robust wok aroma. (38-58 RMB)
Thin noodles topped with minced pork, crushed peanuts, and chili oil, spicy and fragrant, smooth and chewy. (12-18 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Sichuan（四川）
Store details are being expanded. Find this brand’s stores and counters on the map below:
Find stores on Amap ↗Shop Online
Official flagship stores / search entries (CPS placements). Replace the links with your own affiliate PID to earn commission with zero inventory.
Cultural Note
The Lai brand adheres to traditional Sichuan culinary techniques, emphasizing the selection of douban (fermented bean paste), Sichuan peppercorns, and other seasonings, as well as the mastery of wok heat, to achieve the balance of 'a hundred dishes with a hundred flavors.' Its cooking methods primarily include stir-frying, braising, and steaming, preserving the flavors of home-style cooking while incorporating modern hygiene standards. The brand's culture is deeply rooted in Sichuan's food customs, reflecting the vibrant street life and the artisan spirit of family heritage.
Related Brands
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 Lai founded?
Lai was founded in null, originating in Sichuan, Sichuan, primarily in the Dining field.
What is the signature product of Lai?
Its signature product is Lai's Douban Fish. 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: