Meilongzhen
Time-Honored BrandMeilongzhen · Shanghai · Founded 1938
Founded in 1938 in Shanghai, Meilongzhen Restaurant is renowned for its unique Haipai Chuanyang cuisine, a fusion of Sichuan and Huaiyang flavors. It embodies the city's culinary heritage and cultural sophistication, offering a taste of old Shanghai's dining traditions.
Brand Story
Founded in 1938 (the 27th year of the Republic of China) by Wu Mei, a Peking Opera enthusiast, Meilongzhen Restaurant began as a teahouse on Jing'an Temple Road (now West Nanjing Road) in Shanghai. It later transformed into a restaurant, named after the town in the opera 'You Long Xi Feng' (The Emperor and the Beauty). Wu Mei skillfully combined Sichuan and Huaiyang culinary techniques, creating the 'Haipai Chuanyang' style. During the War of Resistance, it became a gathering place for cultural luminaries like Guo Moruo and Tian Han, enriching its cultural legacy. After public-private partnership in the 1950s, the restaurant preserved traditional skills and innovated classic dishes like the Meilongzhen Set Meal. It stands as a living fossil of Shanghai's culinary culture, witnessing the city's modern evolution and representing the localization of Sichuan-Huaiyang cuisine in Shanghai.
“Meilongzhen: Savor the Haipai Chuanyang Experience”
Signature Products
Hand-chopped pork with a perfect balance of lean and fat, tender and succulent, served in a rich broth. A classic Huaiyang delicacy. (Approx. ¥48-68 per serving)
Sichuan-style dry-baking technique, yielding plump, springy prawns in a savory, mildly spicy sauce. A representative Haipai Sichuan dish. (Approx. ¥128-168 per serving)
Smoked with camphor leaves and tea leaves, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat with a subtle, elegant smoky aroma. Rooted in Sichuan culinary tradition. (Approx. ¥98-128 per serving)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shanghai（上海）
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Cultural Note
Meilongzhen's cuisine marries the rich, bold flavors of Sichuan with the delicate freshness of Huaiyang, epitomizing the 'Haipai Chuanyang' style. Cooking emphasizes precise heat control and seasoning balance—for instance, the lion's head meatball requires four hours of slow simmering, while dry-baked prawns are known for their glossy, reduced sauce. The restaurant also blends dining with opera culture, having once featured a 'Meilongzhen Stage' where patrons enjoyed performances while savoring dishes.
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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 Meilongzhen founded?
Meilongzhen was founded in 1938, originating in Shanghai, Shanghai, primarily in the Liquor & Spirits field.
What is the signature product of Meilongzhen?
Its signature product is Meilongzhen Signature Lion's Head Meatball. 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: