How to make an authentic Chinese pancake: jianbing makers set the rules
The catering association in Tianjin, where the breakfast crepe was invented, has come up with a set of rules to preserve the original as an increasing variety of recipes are found around the world
Jianbing makers in Tianjin, the home of the famed Chinese breakfast crepe, have joined forces to agree on a set of production standards to preserve its authenticity as it grows in popularity around the world.
The breakfast favourite can be bought every morning from tiny carts or stalls at street corners across China for around 5 to 10 yuan (US$0.80-1.60) in the major cities.
Although recipes vary from place to place, the catering association in the northern megacity, where the snack is believed to have been invented, wanted to protect the original taste.
According to a new set of technical specifications, which came into force on Saturday, the authentic recipe should really be called a jianbing guozi after its two core elements: the jianbing itself, a pancake made using mung bean flour and egg, and the crispy guozi, the main filing made from soft wheat flour.
Other ingredients such as chopped spring onions, eggs and sauces must also be folded into the snack with the guozi before serving.