Lao Sun Jia
Time-Honored BrandLao Sun Jia · Shaanxi · Founded 1862
Lao Sun Jia, a time-honored Shaanxi restaurant brand, is renowned for its beef and mutton paomo (shredded bread in savory broth). Established in 1862, it embodies centuries of halal culinary tradition and remains a beloved icon of Xi'an's food culture.
Brand Story
Founded in 1862 during the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, Lao Sun Jia began as a family venture by the Sun family in Xi'an, specializing in beef and mutton paomo. The founder, well-versed in halal cuisine, selected premium Qinchuan yellow cattle and northern Shaanxi sheep, and simmered them with secret spices to create a rich, tender broth that quickly won over diners. By the late Qing and early Republic period, Lao Sun Jia had become a renowned restaurant in Xi'an, attracting officials, scholars, and literati. Its paomo is crafted with meticulous care—the bread is hand-torn into small, uniform pieces and cooked with precise heat control, a technique that has become its signature. More than just a dining establishment, Lao Sun Jia mirrors the social life of Xi'an, witnessing the city's modern transformations. Through wars and changing times, it has steadfastly preserved its traditional methods, passing down halal culinary heritage and establishing itself as a vital symbol of Shaanxi's food culture.
“[待核]”
Signature Products
Rich broth with tender meat, paired with chewy bread pieces and served with garlic cloves and chili paste for a unique flavor. (30-60 RMB per bowl)
Flaky, crispy bread filled with savory, melt-in-your-mouth cured beef, juicy and satisfying. (15-25 RMB each)
Chewy cold noodles tossed in a rich sesame sauce with a tangy, spicy kick—a perfect summer treat. (10-18 RMB per serving)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shaanxi(陕西)
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
Lao Sun Jia's paomo-making technique emphasizes four steps: tearing, boiling, cooking, and seasoning. The bread pieces must be uniform in size, the cooking heat precisely managed, and the broth simmered for hours. This culinary tradition blends the meat-centric diet of northwestern nomadic peoples with the wheat-based skills of central plains agriculture, reflecting a fusion of diverse cultures. Adhering to halal ingredients and methods, Lao Sun Jia preserves the essence of Hui Muslim culinary 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 Lao Sun Jia founded?
Lao Sun Jia was founded in 1862, originating in Shaanxi, Shaanxi, primarily in the Dining field.
What is the signature product of Lao Sun Jia?
Its signature product is Beef and Mutton Paomo. 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: