Famous Tianjin Dumplings @ Goubuli

Prior to our flight back to KL we had lunch at one of Tianjin's most famous restaurant, Goubuli Baozi. Translated in English Goubuli means "Dog don't care". The funny name for these dumplings can be explained through a legend where a Tianjin chef named Gou created Steamed Dumplings that contained different fillings which became really popular. Business was so good that he had less and less time to converse with his customers leading to his nick name "Dog don't Care"

We wanted to visit their original location on Shandong Road, but ended in up in the branch that was the to our Hotel on Xinhua Rd.

Like Quanjude, the restaurant was big and had several dining room floors with an open kitchen in the main courtyard showcasing how the Baozi's were made. Ordering was very simple because the menu contained pictures and English Translation of all the dishes they served.





Pork Sampler: Pork Balls, Pork Rib Meat, Pork Belly and Braised Cabbage with Pork Broth

Of the four dishes my favorite was the tender Rib Meat which was simply salted and boiled. The Pork Belly was my least favorite tasting similar to canned stewed pork ribs


Chicken Feet with Szechuan Peppercorns

A cold appetizer. The feet was deboned only leaving the skin and cartilage. The Szechuan peppercorns gave it an aromatic and pungent flavor but without the heat


Boiled Superior Soup

The soup had Pork Bones, Black Chicken, Sea Cucumber and Chinese Herbs. The double boiled soup wasn't boiled long enough as the flavors weren't as strong as I had hope


Braised Tianjin Cabbage

This is probably the best cabbage dish I've ever had. The cabbage was crunchy at the stem and soft on the leaves and was so juicy after absorbing the delicious chicken broth. This was the highlight of my lunch.


Goubuli Dumplings: Seafood and Meat Dumpling and Crab Meat Dumpling



The Goubuli dumplings were smaller than traditional Bao but bigger than Xiao Long Bao and were available in 12 different fillings. We ordered their Seafood and Meat Dumpling which was disappointing. The filling was plain salty and did not taste of any seafood. However, the Crab Meat Dumpling was delicious as tt contained a generous amount of creamy crab roe and meat. The texture of the dumpling itself was also nice. It was fluffy like Bao but not as thick


Egg Crepe with Crispy Fritters


The Crepe was made with some minced parsley and contained thin layers of sweet crispy fritters. I loved the contrast between the soft crepe and the crispy fritter.


Unlike Quanjude, Goubuli's food is much better and comparing with Xiao Long Bao, I prefer the fluffier texture of their dumplings. The next time I am back I would definitely want to try their other fillings such as corn and mixed vegetables.


Food: 3.8/5
Service: 3.5/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Price: $$ (Under USD $20 per person)


Contact Information
Address: No. 175, Xinhua Rd., Heping District
Tel: +86-22-27112290