Tianjin Food Guide: Local Delicacies and Traditional Dishes
1. Goubuli Baozi (Steamed Buns) – Not as Bad as Rumored
Goubuli baozi (also known as Goubuli buns) are famous in Tianjin, though some argue that they’re overpriced. While they might not be worth the price, they aren’t as bad as some claim. When you eat these baozi, you’re really tasting a part of Tianjin’s culinary history and cultural identity.
In the past, baozi with rich, fatty meat were considered delicious, particularly for the laborers of Tianjin, a city that grew as a transportation hub. The high-calorie content was ideal for people who relied on physical strength, and the flavors reflect a time when such richness was a treat. Unfortunately, some people have based their opinions on frozen or imitation baozi, which don’t do justice to the original recipe.
If you get a chance to try the authentic ones, I recommend sampling the classic pork bao, the Three Delicacies (shrimp, pork, and mushroom), or the Tianjin-style veggie baozi. Goubuli’s main branch on Shandong Road is a great place to try these, with a narrow street setting and an unassuming storefront.
2. Jianbing Guozi – Why the Best Ones Are Made Locally
Jianbing guozi (Tianjin-style crepes) is an iconic breakfast item, and there’s even an official Jianbing Guozi Association to set the standards! While most variations follow a traditional recipe, some popular local versions include innovative tweaks for taste.
For Tianjin locals, jianbing guozi has an emotional connection—it’s not just breakfast, but a comforting reminder of daily life. Many of the best jianbing guozi vendors used to be neighbors who knew the tastes of their regular customers, who would line up with fresh eggs from home and buy soy milk or tofu pudding while waiting.
In addition to delicious food, these stalls offered a sense of community. After a long day, returning home to a hot jianbing guozi from the vendor by your apartment was a special kind of comfort. The friendly conversations and familiar faces created a unique atmosphere that’s harder to find today as more vendors come from outside Tianjin. Local vendors are now rare due to urban regulations, and the nostalgic street corner breakfast spots are gradually disappearing.
3. Tianjin’s Carb-Rich Delights
Tianjin’s “carb bombs” are some of the city’s favorite treats. Popular items include fried rice cakes and mahua (twisted dough sticks), which together with Goubuli baozi make up the “Three Delicacies” of Tianjin.
Fried rice cakes are best enjoyed fresh from the fryer, though they’re becoming harder to find. They’re often served as a sweet treat alongside meals. Mahua, on the other hand, is a common souvenir, packaged as a portable snack, though it’s not an everyday treat for locals.
Another local specialty is “big pancake rolls,” stuffed with Tianjin-style vegetables. It’s worth trying, especially if you like savory foods with a unique flavor.
For dessert, Tianjin has traditional sweets like the Guishunzhai pastries, comparable to Beijing’s Siyiangxiang. For something unconventional, try the more experimental Xinle brand.
4. Tianjin’s Traditional Dishes
While Tianjin doesn’t have its own cuisine category, several regional specialties are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Influenced by the flavors of Shandong cuisine, Tianjin’s dishes are often hearty and savory.
When I host friends from outside Tianjin, I usually recommend local dishes such as Zengpeng Carp, Bazhen Tofu, Guota Liji (crispy pork tenderloin), and Salted Beef Tripe. Other favorites include Stir-Fried River Shrimp and Tianjin’s signature Braised Wheat Gluten.
Some of the city’s best dishes come from its halal restaurants, where Tianjin’s Muslim community showcases their unique flavors. If you’re visiting during the seafood season, try the city’s blue crab. Although Tianjin isn’t known for a wide variety of seafood, the local blue crab is exceptionally sweet and delicious when steamed to perfection.
Whether you’re looking for traditional buns, hearty local favorites, or unique carb-rich snacks, Tianjin has a little something for everyone. Be sure to sample these dishes to get a true taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage.