Skip the tourist restaurants. What do Tianjin locals eat for breakfast? Who makes the most authentic Goubuli Baozi? This list of 10 eateries covers breakfast to midnight snacks — the real flavors of Tianjin.
Breakfast: Goubuli Baozi is Tianjin locals' soul food. Try the old spots near 和平, 15-30 RMB/person. Lunch: Local restaurants — order Goubuli Baozi and seasonal vegetables, 50-80 RMB/person. Dinner: Goubuli Baozi veteran near 河西, 80-150 RMB/person. Late night: BBQ stalls near 南开, 30-50 RMB/person.
10 recommended spots: ① 和平 old Goubuli Baozi (20-year veteran); ② 河西 trendy Goubuli Baozi (good ambiance); ③ 南开 hole-in-the-wall (most authentic); ④ Farmhouse near 五大道; ⑤ Seafood/river fish near 天津之眼; ⑥ 津门文化-themed restaurant; ⑦ Local breakfast joint; ⑧ Night market BBQ; ⑨ Dessert old shop; ⑩ Souvenir shop. Budget: a full day of eating ~200-400 RMB/person.