Why Every Shop in Nanjing Is Called “Qijiawan Beef Potstickers” (But They’re Not the Same Chain)
If you’ve ever visited Nanjing, you’ve probably noticed a curious pattern: seemingly every corner has a shop bearing the sign “七家湾牛肉锅贴” (Qijiawan Beef Potstickers). The shop names vary — some say “李记” (Li’s), some “草桥” (Caoqiao), some simply “正宗” (Authentic) — but they all share those three characters: 七家湾.
These aren’t franchise branches or chain stores. So why does everyone claim the same name?
What Is Qijiawan, Anyway?
Qijiawan is an old alley in Nanjing’s Qinhuai District, near the Chaotian Palace. Historically, it was a neighborhood where the Muslim Hui community lived and settled. Since beef potstickers are a halal food, it’s natural that they took root here.
The story goes that the very first beef potstickers in Nanjing were made in Qijiawan. Over time, the name became shorthand for “the real deal” — a mark of authenticity, much like an inherited family recipe.
Interestingly, “Qijiawan” has been registered as a trademark, but it doesn’t belong to any single shop. That’s why you’ll see shops adding their own brand before it: Li’s Qijiawan, Caoqiao Qijiawan, or simply “Authentic Qijiawan.” Each one is trying to claim a piece of the tradition while standing out from the crowd.
The Famous Ones (and the Queues)
If you check Dianping (China’s Yelp), the top-rated shops are:
- Li’s Halal Restaurant (李记清真馆, Pingshi Street) — Consistently #1. Big potstickers, plenty of soup inside. Downside: expect a 30-minute queue during meal times.
- Caoqiao Halal Beef Potstickers (草桥清真牛肉锅贴, the original Qijiawan location) — Featured on A Bite of China. The most famous name in the game.
- Northwest Qiaotou Lamian King (西北桥头拉面大王, Dingjiaqiao) — Despite the name, their potstickers are excellent. Open 24 hours.
All三家 serve absolutely solid potstickers. They also share one problem: the lines are brutal. Twenty to thirty minutes at peak hours, worse on weekends.
Don’t Want to Queue?
The good news: Nanjing has way more great beef potstickers than just the internet-famous spots. Names like Li Rongxing (李荣兴), Xilaishun (西来顺), Jin Ji (金记), and Jiang You Ji (蒋有记) may not trend on social media, but they serve the same quality, day in and day out. They’re scattered across the city, and you rarely have to wait.
What makes a great beef potsticker? The bottom should be golden and crisp. The first bite releases a burst of savory, slightly sweet beef broth. The filling should be firm, not loose. The seasoning should complement the beef, not overpower it. And the perfect pairing? A bowl of beef vermicelli soup or wontons alongside.
The Bottom Line
Qijiawan isn’t a single restaurant. It’s a piece of Nanjing’s food memory, a name that carries generations of cooking tradition. Next time you’re in town, don’t fixate on the trending shops — walk into any place that hangs a Qijiawan sign, order two liang (about 10 pieces) and a bowl of soup. Chances are, you won’t be disappointed.