百味松如
1921-1993
🌐 English ▾
07 · ARCHIVE
Digital Archive
A compiled catalog of the precious physical materials left behind by Master Chen Songru. The items already obtained or authorized by this site are organized below by category for the reference of researchers and enthusiasts. Items marked "To Be Acquired" are known to exist but have not yet been obtained in physical form or authorized for display; leads and tips are welcome.
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ARCHIVE
Digital Archive
Evidence Level: 1st-Hand Self-account or direct disciple witness · Physical Physical images or official publications · Indep. Cross-verified by third-party media · Bio. Only seen in biography manuscripts · Doubtful Conflicting accounts exist
Usage rights note: items marked "Family-owned" are used on this site solely for commemorative and research purposes; this does not constitute authorization for reproduction by others. For items marked "Media copyright (verify authorization before use)," any reproduction or commercial use requires independently contacting the original rights holder to verify authorization — this site does not exercise or sublicense such rights on their behalf.
📜 Manuscripts
| ID | Title | Year | Size | Medium | Ownership | Source | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS-001 | Chen Songru Autobiography Manuscript | 1980s | A4·68pp | Paper manuscript | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Contains multiple revision marks |
| MS-002 | Sihanouk 60th Birthday Banquet Menu Draft | 1982 | A5·1p | Paper manuscript | Original ownership unknown (included in publication) | Included in Authentic Techniques of Chinese Sichuan Masters | Physical | Menu for Deng Xiaoping's banquet for Sihanouk |
| MS-003 | Home-Style Braised Sea Cucumber Recipe Notes | 1970s | 32mo·2pp | Paper manuscript | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Recipe precise to the gram |
| MS-004 | Sichuan Restaurant Menu Final Draft | 1988 | A4·~200pp | Paper manuscript | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Includes editorial annotations |
| MS-005 | Note About Filling the Premier's Wine Glass with Water | 1960s | Sticky note·1p | Paper manuscript | Family-owned | Provided by family | Doubtful | Single source, awaiting verification |
📸 Photographs
| ID | Title | Year | Size | Medium | Ownership | Source | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH-001 | 1959 Commemorative Photo: Chefs Selected for Transfer to Beijing | 1959 | 6×8in | Paper photo | Family-owned | Provided by family | Physical | Group photo of the first Sichuan Restaurant chefs |
| PH-002 | Chen Songru at Work (Kitchen) | 1960s | 4×6in | Paper photo | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | In the midst of cooking |
| PH-003 |  1987 Singapore Demonstration Group Photo | 1987 | 8×10in | Paper photo | Media copyright (verify authorization before use) | News report | Indep. | Multiple photos in set |
| PH-004 |  1992 "World Master Chef" Award Ceremony | 1992 | 6×8in | Paper photo | Media copyright (verify authorization before use) | Media report | Indep. | Multiple photos in set |
| PH-005 | Chen Tinglong Disciple Initiation Ceremony Group Photo | 2026 | Digital photo | Digital photo | Photographed by this site/organizers | Event site | Indep. | Initiation ceremony at the Kitchen God Temple |
| PH-006 |  March 1959: Speaking at the District Workers' Congress | 1959.3 | Unknown | Paper photo | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-007 |  April 1959: Preparing Char Siu Chicken at Shengdeng Temple | 1959.4 | Unknown | Paper photo | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-008 |  June 1959: Farewell Gathering at Shengdeng Temple | 1959.6 | Unknown | Paper photo | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-009 |  1959: Reward Vacation at Beidaihe | 1959 | Unknown | Paper photo | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-010 |  1978 Culinary Technician Certificate | 1978 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-011 |  1980 Beijing Sichuan Restaurant Work ID | 1980 | Unknown | Paper ID | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-012 |  1981 Sichuan Restaurant Delegate ID | 1981 | Unknown | Paper ID | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-013 |  1983 Compendium of Chinese Cooking Advisory Appointment | 1983 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-014 |  1983 Outstanding Party Member Award (for 1982) | 1983 | Unknown | Paper award | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-015 |  1984 "Six Merits Worker" Honor Certificate | 1984 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-016 |  1984 Xicheng District Science Association Activist Award | 1984 | Unknown | Paper award | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-017 |  1984 Outstanding Party Member Award (for 1983) | 1984 | Unknown | Paper award | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-018 |  1985 Heilongjiang Institute of Commerce Culinary Advisor Certificate | 1985 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-019 |  1985 Outstanding Party Member Award (for 1984) | 1985 | Unknown | Paper award | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-020 |  1986 Special Grade Chinese Chef Title Certificate | 1986 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-021 |  1986 Outstanding Party Member Award (for 1985) | 1986 | Unknown | Paper award | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-022 |  1987 Outstanding Party Member Award | 1987 | Unknown | Paper award | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-023 |  1988 Special-Grade Technician Rating Committee Appointment | 1988 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-024 |  1988 Outstanding Party Member Award | 1988 | Unknown | Paper award | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-025 |  1988 Xicheng District Culinary Assessment Committee Appointment | 1988 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-026 |  1990 Beijing Sichuan Restaurant Work ID | 1990 | Unknown | Paper ID | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
| PH-027 |  Record of Party Membership Date | Date uncertain | Unknown | Paper document | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Newly obtained from family, July 2026 |
📌 Unidentified persons: the identities of some individuals in group photos have yet to be confirmed. If you have information, please get in touch.
🏅 Certificates & Medals
| ID | Title | Year | Size | Medium | Ownership | Source | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE-001 | "World Master Chef Association" Oriental Cuisine Annual Honor Certificate | 1992 | A3 | Paper certificate | Original ownership unknown (reproduced via media report) | Media report | Indep. | Only recipient in China that year |
| CE-002 | Beijing Sichuan Restaurant Appointment Letter | 1959 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Inaugural head chef appointment letter |
| CE-003 | North Korea Chollima Medal | 1962/1986 | Unknown | Metal medal | Family-owned (no physical image obtained) | Mentioned by family | Doubtful | Two conflicting years recorded |
| CE-004 | China Cuisine Association Honorary Council Membership Certificate | 1980s | Unknown | Paper certificate | Unknown (to be acquired) | Mentioned in biography | Bio. | Physical copy yet to be acquired |
| CE-005 |  Beijing Culinary Association Honor Certificate | 1986.1.20 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | Indep. | Inscribed “Culinary work is a supreme honor”; commends him for “outstanding achievement in the culinary profession”; signatory confirmed by family as Xi Zhongxun |
| CE-006 |  China Cuisine Association Honor Certificate | 1989.4 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | Indep. | Commends him for “over thirty years in the culinary profession, having contributed to the development of China's culinary industry” |
| CE-007 |  Culinary Lecturer Appointment Letter | 1991.9.10 | Unknown | Paper certificate | Family-owned | Provided by family | 1st-Hand | Appointment No. (009), five-year term |
📌 To be acquired: some certificates have not yet been obtained as physical images. Family members or those with information are welcome to contribute.
📰 News Clippings
| ID | Title | Date | Medium | Ownership | Source | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NC-001 |  "Chinese Culinary Master Says: Deng Xiaoping Loves Fish-Fragrant Vegetables, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai Share the Same Taste" | 1987.8.4 | Newspaper/magazine clipping (photocopy) | This site holds a photocopy; original ownership unknown | Xinmin Daily, Singapore · by Zhou Yuqin | Physical | Photocopy on file |
| NC-002 |  "A Flash of the Spatula: Mao Zedong Got Hooked — Sichuan Master Chen Songru's Real Skill" | 1987.8.4 | Newspaper/magazine clipping (photocopy) | This site holds a photocopy; original ownership unknown | Nanyang Siang Pau Evening Edition, Singapore · by Ou Fuli | Physical | Photocopy on file |
| NC-003 |  "A Famed Sichuan Chef in Service to Chairman Mao" | 1999.9.18 | Newspaper/magazine clipping (photocopy) | This site holds a photocopy; original ownership unknown | China Tourism News · written by Chen Tinglong | Physical | Details the 1961 cooking for Mao Zedong |
| NC-004 |  "State Banquet of Sichuan Cuisine" banquet menu booklet (two pages) | 1987.8.8—28 | Newspaper/magazine clipping (photocopy) | This site holds a photocopy; original ownership unknown | Singapore China Restaurant × Beijing Sichuan Restaurant × Xiangshan Hotel | Physical | Includes biography and dish photos |
| NC-005 |  "Culinary Trendsetter: Son of the 'Imperial Chef'" — Interview with Chen Tinglong | Unknown | Newspaper/magazine clipping (photocopy) | This site holds a photocopy; original ownership unknown | Magazine feature | Indep. | Two-page interview |
| NC-006 |  "Record of Sichuan Cuisine in the Capital" — Interview with Huang Ziyun, Chen Songru, and Gan Guoqing | 1991.12 | Newspaper/magazine clipping (photocopy) | This site holds a photocopy; original ownership unknown | Bauhinia Magazine · by Xu Hong (pages 68–70, two pages) | Physical | Records the popularity of mapo tofu and dandan noodles in Beijing |
📖 Publications
| ID | Title | Published | Publisher | Ownership | CIP Data | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BK-001 | 160 Authentic Sichuan Recipes (later retitled 160 Varieties of Authentic Sichuan) | 1991.12 | Jindun Press | Publicly published (copyright held by original publisher) | Cover/CIP confirmed | Physical | 17 reprints; title evolved over time |
| BK-002 | Sichuan Restaurant Menu | 1989 | Sichuan People's Publishing House | Publicly published (copyright held by original publisher) | Cover/CIP confirmed | Physical | Includes state banquet recipes |
| BK-003 Vol.1 |  Authentic Techniques of Chinese Sichuan Masters: Chen Songru, Volume 1 | 2025 | Sichuan Literature and Art Publishing House | Publicly published (copyright held by original publisher) | Cover confirmed | Indep. | Contains original Sihanouk menu manuscript |
| BK-003 Vol.2 |  Authentic Techniques of Chinese Sichuan Masters: Chen Songru, Volume 2 | 2025 | Sichuan Literature and Art Publishing House | Publicly published (copyright held by original publisher) | Cover confirmed | Indep. | One of a three-volume set |
| BK-003 Vol.3 |  Authentic Techniques of Chinese Sichuan Masters: Chen Songru, Volume 3 | 2025 | Sichuan Literature and Art Publishing House | Publicly published (copyright held by original publisher) | Cover confirmed | Indep. | One of a three-volume set |
1959 · A TURNING POINT
1959: Before and After Arriving in Beijing
From a front-line chef at the Chengdu Commerce Bureau's district center restaurant to being transferred to Beijing and entering Zhongnanhai three times to cook for Mao Zedong — 1959 was the pivotal turning point in Chen Songru's life. The four photographs below trace a few moments from before and after he left Chengdu for Beijing.
1959.3 · Chengdu · In March 1959, Chen Songru speaks at the Commerce Bureau district center restaurant's quarterly workers' congress1959.4.13 · Chengdu · On April 13, 1959, Chen Songru (front row, wearing a hat) prepares char siu chicken at Shengdeng Temple (the center restaurant)1959.6.27 · Departing Chengdu for Beijing · On June 27, 1959, all staff of the Shengdeng Temple food service department see off Director Chen Songru as he departs Chengdu for Beijing1959 · Beidaihe · In 1959, after cooking for Mao Zedong at Zhongnanhai for the first time, Chen Songru was rewarded with a ten-day vacation at Beidaihe (Chen Songru at far left; the other two are award recipients from other units)
CERTIFICATES
Certificate Gallery: Original Honor Certificate Images
21 scanned originals of certificates, appointment letters, and work IDs — newly provided by the family in July 2026 together with items already held by this site — spanning 1978 to 1991, arranged chronologically. Click any image to view it enlarged.
1978.6.5 · On June 5, 1978, the Beijing Municipal Revolutionary Committee Office awarded Chen Songru the “Culinary Technician” certificate1980.1.1 · Beijing Sichuan Restaurant work ID, issued January 1, 19801981.12.10 · On December 10, 1981, Chen Songru's Sichuan Restaurant delegate ID1983.4.27 · On April 27, 1983, appointment letter naming Chen Songru a member of the Advisory Committee for Compendium of Chinese Cooking1983.5.3 · On May 3, 1983, awarded the “Outstanding Communist Party Member” certificate for 19821984.2 · In February 1984, the Beijing Municipal First Service Bureau awarded Chen Songru the “Six Merits Worker” honor for 19831984.5.18 · On May 18, 1984, awarded the “Outstanding Communist Party Member” certificate for 19831984.12 · In December 1984, the Xicheng District Science and Technology Association honored Chen Songru as a “Xicheng District Science Association Activist”1985.3.31 · On March 31, 1985, certificate appointing Chen Songru as culinary technical advisor to the Heilongjiang Institute of Commerce1985.6.20 · On June 20, 1985, awarded the “Outstanding Communist Party Member” certificate for 19841986.1.20 · Beijing Culinary Association Honor Certificate, dated January 20, 1986, inscribed “Culinary work is a supreme honor,” commending Comrade Chen Songru for outstanding achievement in the culinary profession. The signatory has been confirmed by the family as Xi Zhongxun1986.2.7 · Special Grade Chinese Chef title certificate, issued February 7, 19861986.6.28 · On June 28, 1986, awarded the “Outstanding Communist Party Member” certificate for 19851987.6.25 · On June 25, 1987, awarded the “Outstanding Party Member” certificate for 19871988.2 · In February 1988, the Beijing Food Service Industry Workers' Technician Assessment Committee appointed Chen Songru as “Assessment Committee Member for Special-Grade Technician Rating”1988.6.24 · On June 24, 1988, awarded the “Outstanding Party Member” certificate for 19881988.8.26 · On August 26, 1988, the Beijing Xicheng District Culinary Skills Assessment Committee appointed Chen Songru as a committee member1989.4 · China Cuisine Association Honor Certificate, dated April 1989, commending Comrade Chen Songru for “over thirty years in the culinary profession, having made contributions to the development of China's culinary industry.” Confirmed by family1990.12.8 · Beijing Sichuan Restaurant work ID, issued December 8, 19901991.9.10 · Appointment Letter No. (009), dated September 10, 1991, in which a unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army appointed “Special-Grade Culinary Technician Chen Songru” as lecturer, for a term of five yearsDate uncertain · Record of Chen Songru's Communist Party membership date
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Call for Contributions: This site continues to collect physical materials related to Master Chen Songru (manuscripts, photographs, certificates, clippings, publications, etc.). If you hold relevant items and are willing to share them for cataloging and display, please leave a message on the Community page. All items will be credited with the contributor's information (with your consent).