Duyichu

Duyichu was founded in 1738, in the Qianlong reign, starting as a small tavern outside Qianmen. By legend the Qianlong Emperor, dining there incognito, praised it as "the one place in the capital" and bestowed a plaque — giving the shop its name.

Duyichu is famous for its shaomai dumplings, and the legend of the imperial plaque only burnished its fame, making it one of the oldest and best-known houses in the Qianmen district.

Its shaomai have wrappers rolled paper-thin and pleated into a flower-like crown resembling a blooming pomegranate; the fillings change with the seasons, and the steamed dumplings emerge translucent and juicy — a feat of fine handmade pastry.

A China Time-Honored Brand, Duyichu's shaomai-making technique is listed as intangible cultural heritage, and the tale of the emperor's plaque is still fondly retold in old Beijing.