Tan Family Cuisine
Time-Honored BrandTan Family Cuisine · Beijing · Founded 1874
Tan Family Cuisine, a representative of Beijing official cuisine from the late Qing to early Republic period, is renowned for its balanced sweet and savory flavors that appeal to both northern and southern palates. Founded by Tan Zongjun and his son, it blends Cantonese and northern culinary traditions.
Brand Story
Tan Family Cuisine originated in the late Qing Dynasty, founded by Tan Zongjun (1846-1888), a native of Nanhai, Guangdong. In 1874, the 13th year of Tongzhi's reign, Tan earned the title of Bangyan (second highest rank in the imperial examination) and entered the Hanlin Academy, later serving as an education commissioner in Sichuan. A passionate gourmet, he often hosted banquets at home, personally supervising the kitchen, and fused the best of Cantonese and northern cuisine to create a unique style. His son, Tan Zhuanqing (1876-1934), inherited the family legacy and operated private banquets at his residence in Xuanwu District (now Xicheng), gradually gaining fame in Beijing. The cuisine is characterized by meticulous ingredient selection, generous use of premium ingredients, precise heat control, and pure flavors, emphasizing natural taste. Signature dishes include Braised Shark Fin in Brown Sauce. Tan Family Cuisine is not just food but a microcosm of Beijing's official culture, reflecting the aesthetic of literati dining. Its techniques have been passed down through generations and continue at Beijing Hotel and other venues, making it a treasure of Chinese gastronomy.
“Balanced Sweet and Savory, Delighting North and South”
Signature Products
Premium shark fin slow-cooked with old chicken and ham, yielding a rich broth and tender, gelatinous fins. A signature dish of Tan Family Cuisine. (500-800 RMB per serving)
Bird's nest served in a clear broth, featuring a delicate flavor and silky texture, exemplifying the cuisine's 'clear and fresh' style. (400-600 RMB per serving)
Fresh abalone seasoned with oyster sauce, tender and savory, showcasing the precise heat control of Tan Family Cuisine. (300-500 RMB per serving)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Beijing（北京）
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Cultural Note
Tan Family Cuisine is a representative of Beijing official cuisine from the late Qing to early Republic period, blending the essence of Cantonese and northern cooking. It emphasizes the harmony of sweet and savory flavors, appealing to all palates. The craft focuses on heat control and broth, highlighting natural flavors and embodying the Chinese culinary philosophy of 'harmony' (he). Beyond food, it serves as a vessel for literati banquet culture, profoundly influencing later official and Beijing cuisine.
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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 Tan Family Cuisine founded?
Tan Family Cuisine was founded in 1874, originating in Beijing, Beijing, primarily in the Dining field.
What is the signature product of Tan Family Cuisine?
Its signature product is Braised Shark Fin in Brown Sauce. 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: