Renowned for its rich selection and time-honored craftsmanship, Huibinlou Restaurant has solidified its reputation as the premier morning tea destination in Taizhou, Jiangsu province.
Founded in 1999, the iconic brand offers nearly 100 morning tea items, ranging from classic dim sum to seasonal innovations. Recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage unit, Huibinlou is celebrated for its signature dish, Five-flavor Shredded Tofu.
Experienced chefs slice thin tofu sheets into fine threads using decades of refined knife skills. Huibinlou even spearheaded the draft of local culinary standards to preserve this traditional technique.
A spread of classic Taizhou morning tea delicacies, including steamed buns, dumplings, and signature side dishes. [Photo/WeChat account: weihailing0523]
Another crowd favorite is the crab-roe steamed bun, filled with freshly harvested crab meat and rich broth. On an average day, the restaurant sells 100 kilograms of shredded tofu, 50 kg of noodles for making fish soup noodles, and 300 crab-roe buns — figures that quadruple during public holidays.
Recent accolades include topping local restaurant rankings on Dianping and Amap, underscoring its enduring popularity among locals and tourists alike.
According to Yang Mei, manager of the Gulou branch, the secret lies in upholding authentic preparation methods while adapting to modern tastes with seasonal menu updates. Additionally, an on-site exhibition space allows diners to explore the historical evolution of Taizhou's morning tea culture, turning breakfast into a rich cultural journey.
The shredded tofu-themed museum inside Huibinlou showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Taizhou's traditional morning tea. [Photo/WeChat account: weihailing0523]