Ma Kai
Time-Honored BrandMa Kai · Beijing · Founded 1953
A time-honored Beijing restaurant chain specializing in Hunan cuisine, renowned for its authentic flavors and exquisite culinary skills. As one of the capital's earliest Hunan restaurants, it has been a cultural landmark since 1953, blending traditional Hunan techniques with Beijing tastes.
Brand Story
Ma Kai Restaurant traces its origins to the mid-20th century, with its predecessor dating back to the Republican era. In 1953, under the care of Premier Zhou Enlai, it officially opened outside Di'anmen in Beijing, becoming one of the city's first Hunan restaurants. Named after its founder, Master Chef Ma Kai, a Hunan native skilled in Xiang cuisine, the restaurant fused Hunan flavors with Beijing culinary traditions, creating a distinctive 'Ma Kai style.' During the 1950s and 1960s, it hosted numerous national leaders and cultural figures, including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Qi Baishi, earning its status as a cultural icon. Over decades, Ma Kai has upheld traditional cooking methods, emphasizing the natural taste of ingredients. Its dishes, known for their sour, spicy, and savory profile, remain beloved. Today, it continues to preserve the essence of Hunan cuisine, an integral part of Beijing's dining culture.
Signature Products
Tender chicken cooked with vinegar and chili, tangy and spicy, a classic Hunan dish. (48-68 RMB)
Fresh bighead carp head steamed with chopped chili, savory and spicy, with tender flesh. (88-128 RMB)
Selected Hunan cured pork and fish, steamed to perfection, savory and rich in flavor. (58-78 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Beijing（北京）
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Cultural Note
Ma Kai's culinary techniques stem from traditional Hunan schools, emphasizing precise heat control and seasoning, with a balance of 'sour, spicy, fresh, and fragrant.' Signature dishes like Dong'an Chicken and Chopped Chili Fish Head use traditional methods and authentic Hunan ingredients such as Liuyang fermented black beans and chopped chili. While preserving classics, the restaurant subtly adapts to Beijing palates, creating a 'Northern-style Hunan cuisine.' As a representative of Hunan cuisine in Beijing, Ma Kai has played a vital role in spreading and promoting Xiang 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 Ma Kai founded?
Ma Kai was founded in 1953, originating in Beijing, Beijing, primarily in the Dining field.
What is the signature product of Ma Kai?
Its signature product is Dong'an Chicken. 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: