Laoshuku
Time-Honored BrandLaoshuku · Shanxi · Founded
A century-old Tangyuan (glutinous rice ball) shop in Taiyuan, Shanxi, renowned for its soft, sweet, and chewy texture. With a unique rolling technique and time-honored recipes, it embodies the festive food culture of northern China and evokes nostalgia across generations.
Brand Story
Laoshuku Tangyuan originated in Taiyuan, Shanxi, with a history dating back to the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China (around 1900). The founder, Shen Sanhuo, initially set up a stall near Zhonglou Street selling Tangyuan. His dedication to quality ingredients and unique craftsmanship quickly earned him a loyal following. Because his stall was next to a rat hole, locals affectionately nicknamed the treats 'Laoshuku Tangyuan' (Rat Hole Tangyuan), which later became the official brand name. The Shen family has passed down the craft through generations, adhering to the traditional methods of water-milled glutinous rice and stone-ground fillings, resulting in thin-skinned, generously filled, and delightfully chewy Tangyuan. After the public-private partnership in 1956, Laoshuku was incorporated into the Taiyuan Catering Company, but its techniques and brand identity endured. Today, Laoshuku Tangyuan is not only a must-have for Taiyuan residents during the Lantern Festival but also a symbol of local folk culture, carrying the nostalgia of generations.
“Rolling Tangyuan in the Rat Hole, thin skin and rich filling, a taste that delights.”
Signature Products
Classic flavor with a filling of walnuts, sesame, candied orange peel, and more. Sweet but not cloying. (15-25 RMB per 500g)
Made with finely ground premium black sesame, rich in aroma and smooth in texture. (18-28 RMB per 500g)
Sweet and tangy, refreshing and aids digestion. A favorite among young people. (15-25 RMB per 500g)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shanxi（山西）
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Cultural Note
The making of Laoshuku Tangyuan involves over ten meticulous steps, including soaking rice, grinding, pressing, preparing fillings, and rolling. The process emphasizes water-milled glutinous rice and freshly made fillings. The unique rolling technique ensures the Tangyuan are uniformly round and do not cloud the soup when cooked. This craft is a living heritage of Shanxi's culinary culture, reflecting the northern Chinese pursuit of perfection in seasonal delicacies.
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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 Laoshuku founded?
Laoshuku was founded in null, originating in Shanxi, Shanxi, primarily in the Other field.
What is the signature product of Laoshuku?
Its signature product is Assorted Tangyuan. 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: