Youyicun
Time-Honored BrandYouyicun · Shandong · Founded
A time-honored Shandong restaurant brand, renowned for traditional Lu cuisine and handmade pastries, with a history tracing back to the late Qing Dynasty (circa late 19th century). It has been a beloved name for over a century, preserving the authentic flavors of Jinan's culinary heritage.
Brand Story
Youyicun is a well-known time-honored restaurant brand in Shandong, with a history dating back to the late Qing Dynasty (around the 19th century). According to legend, the founder first opened a small eatery in Jinan Prefecture, serving home-style Lu cuisine and handmade pastries. Thanks to its authentic flavors and affordable prices, it gradually won the favor of local residents. During the Republic of China era (1912-1949), Youyicun expanded with branches in Jinan, Qingdao, and other cities, becoming a leading Lu cuisine restaurant. Its signature dishes, such as Jiuzhuan Dachang (braised pork intestines in soy sauce) and Tangcu Liyu (sweet and sour carp), are known for their precise cooking techniques and seasoning, embodying the savory and mellow characteristics of Lu cuisine. After the public-private partnership in 1956, Youyicun became state-owned, preserving traditional skills and training a number of renowned Lu cuisine chefs. Following the reform and opening-up, the brand regained vitality, but due to market pressures, some old branches closed, leaving only a few outlets today. Culturally, Youyicun carries the memory of Shandong's culinary traditions, and its pastry-making techniques (such as Gaozhuang Mantou, a type of steamed bun) have been listed as a municipal intangible cultural heritage. Although the official founding year has not been verified, historical records indicate it has operated for at least a century.
Signature Products
A classic Lu dish, pork intestines braised through multiple steps, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors. (58-88 RMB)
Yellow River carp deep-fried and topped with sweet and sour sauce, crispy on the outside and tender inside, with an elegant presentation. (68-98 RMB)
Traditional hand-made steamed buns using fermented dough, shaped like a tall pillar, with a chewy texture and rich wheat aroma. (2-5 RMB each)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shandong（山东）
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Cultural Note
Youyicun adheres to traditional Lu cuisine techniques, such as bao (quick-frying), pa (braising), shao (stewing), and zha (deep-frying), with a focus on stock preparation and heat control. Its pastries are made using old dough fermentation, a meticulous process. The brand inherits the dietary customs of Jinan Prefecture and serves as an important sample for studying the development of Lu 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 Youyicun founded?
Youyicun was founded in null, originating in Shandong, Shandong, primarily in the Dining field.
What is the signature product of Youyicun?
Its signature product is Jiuzhuan Dachang. 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: