醬香滿溢，經年留香：京城風味中的非遺傳承

“醬香九州地唯品質是天,店久十萬朝乃誠信為本。”京城著名老字號天福號,以其醬肘子名聞遐邇,自乾隆三年創立至今,已走過280餘年的輝煌歷程。十代非遺傳承人薪火相傳,將傳統醬香技藝發揚光大,同時緊跟現代市場步伐,讓中華老字號在傳承與創新中煥發新生,不斷滿足新一代消費者的需求。自2008年“天福號醬肘技藝”榮登第一批國家級非物質文化遺産名錄以來,天福號便肩負起了保護與傳承這一寶貴文化遺産的重要使命。

“Infusing the land with rich flavors, quality is the paramount; a shop standing for a hundred thousand days, integrity is the essence .” Tianfu Hao, a renowned old brand in Beijing, is famous for its braised pork hocks. Since its establishment in the third year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, this esteemed brand has enjoyed a remarkable journey spanning over 280 years. Ten generations of inheritors have preserved the traditional techniques of sauce-making, adapting them to meet the demands of the modern market. This blend of tradition and innovation has allowed the brand to continually meet the needs of new generations of consumers. Since 2008, when “Tianfu Hao’s braised pork hock technique was recognized as part of the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage, Tianfu Hao has embraced the vital mission of safeguarding and passing on this valuable cultural legacy.

(天福號門牌 Tianfu Hao’s Doorplate)

福號的醬肘技藝,承載著一段傳奇。傳説創始人因其醬肘風味獨特,獲慈禧太后青睞,賜予腰牌,每日進貢禦膳,成就了“乾隆醬汁傳百年,慈禧腰牌通天下”的佳話。自乾隆年間,天福號恪守“師徒相承”的古法,代代相傳,每位傳承人僅納三徒,確保醬香正宗。“傳統技藝的傳承,其實是一場堅守。”天福號劉剛總經理説道,“網際網路發展的速度確實很快,但食品行業恰恰不應該是一個追求速度的行業。”因此,在工業化浪潮中,天福號的師傅們依然堅持使用天然香料,親自監督生産,只為重現那令人難忘的百年風味。

Tianfu Hao’s braised pork hock technique carries a legend. It is said that the founder’s distinctive braised pork hock flavor won the favor of Empress Dowager Cixi, who awarded him a waist badge, leading to daily tributes to the imperial kitchen, thus creating the tale of “Qianlong’s sauce passed down for a century, Cixi’s waist badge known throughout the world.” Since the Qianlong era, Tianfu Hao has adhered to the ancient method of “master-apprentice succession,” passing down the authentic sauce flavor from generation to generation, with each inheritor taking only three apprentices to ensure the authenticity of the sauce. “The inheritance of traditional crafts is actually a matter of perseverance,” said Liu Gang, the general manager of Tianfu Hao. “While the pace of internet development is undeniably swift, the food industry should not be one that chases after speed..” Thus, in the midst of industrialization, the artisans at Tianfu Hao remain committed to using natural spices and personally overseeing the production process, all in an effort to recreate that unforgettable century-old flavor.

(天福號招牌醬肘子 Tianfu Hao’s braised pork hock)

“守正”與“創新”並重,天福號在堅守傳統風味的同時,還積極研發新産品,為“老字號”注入“新生機”。作為中華老字號的傑出代表,天福號致力於産品創新與多樣化,通過拓展産品線,實現非遺技藝與現代産品完美融合,比如推出德式“烤豬肘”、西班牙火腿、法式小香腸等西式風情新品,並更新包裝與宣傳策略,從而獲得新一代消費者的認可。

Embracing both tradition and innovation, Tianfu Hao not only preserves its classic flavors but also actively develops new products, infusing “new vitality” into this time-honored brand As an outstanding representative of China’s esteemed traditional brands, Tianfu Hao is dedicated to product innovation and diversification, achieving a perfect fusion of intangible cultural heritage techniques and modern products by expanding its product lines. For instance, it has launched Western-style products such as German Roast pork knuckle, Spanish ham, and French sausages, while also refreshing its packaging and promotional strategies to resonate with the new generation of consumers.

此外,天福號還積極邀請北京聯合大學、中國傳媒大學等知名高校的學子親臨店舖,品嘗傳統美食。借助網路平臺在年輕群體中的影響力,天福號在社交媒體上推廣非遺技藝,讓傳統文化在新生代心中生根發芽,不斷提升天福號醬肘技藝在青年一代中的知名度。劉剛總經理還表示,自己常和大學生交流意見,從他們的視角洞察年輕一代對非遺傳承的看法和態度。在與大學生交流的過程中,他也發現了一些問題:“當前,年輕一代對非遺傳承的參與度不高。現代教育模式下,學生們受到快節奏時代的影響,往往缺乏投身於手工技藝和花時間沉澱工作的耐心。這個問題不僅是天福號所獨有的,也是眾多非遺企業共同面臨的難題。”

Moreover, Tianfu Hao actively invites students from well-known universities such as Beijing Union University and Communication University of China to visit the store and taste traditional delicacies. Leveraging the influence of online platforms among young people, Tianfu Hao promotes intangible cultural heritage techniques on social media, allowing traditional culture to take root in the hearts of the new generation and continuously boosting the popularity of Tianfu Hao’s braised pork hock technique among young people. General Manager Liu Gang noted that he frequently engages in discussions with college students to gain insights into their perspectives on the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage.Through these interactions , he has identified some challenges: “Currently, the younger generation’s participation in preserving intangible cultural heritage is relatively low. The modern education model, combined with the fast-paced lifestyle of today, often leaves students short of the patience required for engaging in manual crafts and dedicating time to contemplative work.. This issue is not unique to Tianfu Hao but a common challenge faced by many enterprises focused on intangible cultural heritage.”

(學生進天福號體驗傳統文化 Students visit Tianfu Hao and experience traditional culture)

(天福號進校園宣傳傳統技藝 Tianfu Hao enters the campus to promote traditional crafts)

借著天福號邀青年大學生入店體驗的寶貴機會,來自北京第二外國語學院的留學生夢莉帶著對中華傳統文化的濃厚好奇心,來到了前門大街。店外,天福號品宣部經理鐘讚早已等候多時。他面帶微笑,熱情地向夢莉介紹了天福號的發展歷程和醬肘技藝的傳承之路,眼神中流露出對這門傳統手藝的深情與驕傲。

Seizing the valuable opportunity to explore Tianfu Hao in depth, Mengli, a foreign student from Beijing International Studies University, arrived at Qianmen Street with a keen curiosity about Chinese traditional culture. Outside the store, Zhong Zan, the manager of Tianfu Hao’s brand promotion department, had been waiting with a smile. He enthusiastically shared the history of Tianfu Hao and the heritage of the braised pork hock technique with Mengli, his eyes shining with a deep affection and pride for this traditional craft.

(鍾經理帶夢莉來到天福號門口 Manager Zhong brings Mengli to the entrance of Tianfu Hao)

在鍾經理的帶領下,夢莉來到了展示區。她的目光被一百年前天福號使用的“餐盒”和保溫盒所吸引了。這些古董食具雖歷經滄桑,卻依舊保存完好。夢莉輕手輕腳地拿起一隻餐盒,細緻入微地審視著每一處工藝,對那個時代匠人的智慧驚嘆不已。接著,夢莉又親身體驗了百年前送餐員組裝餐盒的過程。當餐盒在她的手中完美組裝,夢莉的臉上綻放出滿足的笑容,心中洋溢著滿滿的成就感。

Under Manager Zhong’s guidance, Mengli entered the display area, where her attention was immediately captured by the “food boxes” and thermal boxes used by Tianfu Hao a century ago. These antique tableware, though showing signs of age, were remarkably well-preserved. Mengli carefully picked up one of the food box, examining every detail of its craftsmanship, and marveling at the ingenuity of the artisans from that era. Next, she had the opportunity to experience the process of assembling a food box, just as deliverymen did a hundred years ago. As she skillfully put the box together, a sense of accomplishment washed over her, and her face lit up with pride at having connected with this piece of history.

(鍾經理為夢莉介紹食盒 Manager Zhong introduces the food box to Mengli)

(夢莉親自組裝食盒 Mengli assembles the food box herself)

隨後,夢莉品嘗了天福號的招牌美食——醬肘子。這道佳肴色澤鮮明,外皮醬黑內肉雪白,誘人的色澤搭配著撲鼻的醬香,令人食欲大增。夢莉輕輕夾起一塊醬肘子,放入薄餅中,細細品嘗其風味。醬肘子的肉質酥軟,輕輕一嚼便化在口中,那醇厚的醬香在舌尖上盤旋,回味悠長。夢莉享受其中,仿佛穿越時空與二百多年的歷史對話,感受到了中華老字號的精神與傳承。

Afterward, Mengli sampled Tianfu Hao’s signature dish—the braised pork hock. The dish was visually striking, featuring a jet-black exterior contrasted beautifully with snow-white meat inside. The enticing colors, combined with the mouthwatering aroma of the sauce, significantly whetted the appetite.Mengli gently picked up a piece of the braised pork hock and placed it in a thin pancake, savoring each bite. The meat was tender and succulent, melting in her mouth with just a gentle chew, while the rich flavors of the sauce danced on her palate, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Mengli fully immersed herself in the experience, as if she were engaging in a conversation across time with over two hundred years of history, connecting with the spirit and heritage of this esteemed Chinese brand.

品嘗過後,夢莉感慨良多。她坦言:“這次體驗讓我深刻領略了天福號醬肘子的獨特魅力,也加深了我對中華傳統文化的認識和理解。我一定會將這次經歷分享給周圍的朋友,讓更多的人了解並傳承這份寶貴的非物質文化遺産。”

After tasting the dish, Mengli was overwhelmed with emotions. She expressed, “This experience has given me a profound appreciation for the unique charm of Tianfu Hao’s braised pork hock and has enriched my understanding and recognition of Chinese traditional culture. I will definitely share this experience with my friends so that more people can learn about and help preserve this invaluable intangible cultural heritage.”

(夢莉和鍾經理一起品嘗天福號美食 Mengli and Manager Zhong taste Tianfu Hao’s delicious food together)