Shaobing

What is it?

Shaobing is a type of sesame-covered flat bread that can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC- 220 AD). In Beijing it is a layered brown pastry, shaped like a hockey puck. In Shanghai, it is lighter and fluffier, resembling a pita. The breads come in sweet and savoury versions, and can be filled with bean paste, meat or vegetables.

It is in the news because…

KFC has recently added it to its breakfast menu. Their version is stuffed with pork, egg, veggies and mayonnaise – hardly traditional ingredients.

Where to eat it?

Apart from KFC, try Yonghe, a popular breakfast chain around China (www.yonghe.com.cn). For a more authentic experience, try Da Lian Huo Shao, Address: Near Yang Qiao Building, Ma Jia Bao road No. 55, Beijing (Tel: 8610 8726-5551).

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