Xisi Baozi: Preserves Memories of Old Xicheng District

A steamed bun(Baozi) is a type of traditional food in China and is believed to have been invented by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD). Steamed buns are normally stuffed with vegetables or pork and wrapped in a soft flour shell.

Yet in Beijing, the variety and quality of the food can satisfy even the fussiest gourmet. Xisi Steamed Bun Restaurant preserves memories of old Xicheng District. It first opened in the early Republic of China period, founded by a retired chef from the Imperial Kitchen of the Qing Dynasty. The restaurant has been established for almost a century. The small restaurant is only 38 square metres but sells 12,000 yuan (US$1,446) worth of baozi a day.

The secret of its success is sticking to a strict choice and preparation of material and traditional cooking procedures. The correct procedure involves the proportion of ingredients in the stuffing, time of steaming, making of the wrap and even the sequence of seasonings added.

Over the past century, the steamed buns served by the restaurant have been dubbed by many “the most delicious despite unattractive appearance.” The steamed buns feature thin wrappers and juicy fillings made of pork and scallion. When it opens at 9:30 a.m., customers have already been lined up for as long as a half hour. It often takes an hour or more to receive an order. A bite of such a steamed bun can cure every bad mood. The food is so delicious that the hour-long wait is worth it. So, do you want to have a taste of Xisi steamed bun?

Copyright: SKETCHES OF CLASSIC BEIJING, China Pictorial Press

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