Hohhot's iconic breakfast delicacy, shaomai (steamed pork dumplings), has taken a bold step onto the global culinary stage, opening its first overseas outlet in Tokyo.

The store, launched by the century-old brand Lao Sui Yuan, has quickly attracted Chinese and international diners. "Business has been great," said executive chef Niu Zaixiong, who recently returned from Japan.

Lao Sui Yuan is open in Tokyo. [Photo/WeChat account of Hohhot Convergence Media]

Back home in China, shaomai is equally popular, with the "Inner Mongolia Shaomai Tour" promotion activity having already traveled through nine major cities, from Chongqing to Tianjin, drawing food lovers and livestream audiences alike.

Huo Jinling, chief shaomai master of Lao Sui Yuan, makes shaomai. [Photo/WeChat account of Hohhot Convergence Media]

In Hohhot, shaomai is everywhere: one in four restaurants serves it, with over 3,000 outlets citywide. Powered by finely crafted wrappers, diverse fillings, and creative flavors, shaomai has become a symbol of the city's food culture. The government has actively supported this industry, training over 200 artisans and creating an industrial chain worth more than 5 billion yuan ($695.65 million), providing jobs to nearly 100,000 people.

The city has also incorporated the shaomai image into the design of cultural and creative products. It has also released the "nia Mai Mai" doll, which residents and tourists have highly favored.

The "nia Mai Mai" doll. [Photo/WeChat account of Hohhot Convergence Media]