Before yesterday, I hadn't even heard of the Jian Bing phenomenon. But as my traveling companion informed me, it's a very popular Chinese street food that's essentially a savory crepe with various fillings. But as I discovered, this is far more than a traditional, run-of-the-mill crepe.
I ordered the Traditional Beijing Jian Bing, which comes with sweet chili sauce, cilantro, scallion, Chinese fried dough, hoisin sauce, and an egg-based crepe. We were asked if we wanted it spicy - of course! - and then the concoction was created before our very eyes.
It's nothing short of magnificent. There are so many delicious flavors and textures going on here, and the whole thing is just incredibly addictive from the first bite to the last. The hoisin sauce especially gives it a delectable tang, and I also appreciated the impressive level of spice.
I can't believe I'd never heard of this thing before. Jian Bing is now one of my absolute favorite foods, and I can't wait to eat another one. read more