Eastern Asia:
CHINA
“BING”
Bing is a savory Chinese pancake that are usually made with wheat. The consistency varies from region to region, ranging from thick and chewy to paper-thin.
Often eaten as a snack, they can be stuffed with minced meat, or fried with scallions. One of the most popular variations is the cong you bing, or the flaky scallion pancakes. These types of pancakes are often served with soy sauce for dipping.
Known as Chinese crepes, Jian Bing is one of the most popular breakfasts sold at street stalls in China. It consists of wheat and grain-based crepe, an egg, deep-fried crackers (known as Bao Cu in Chinese), 2-3 savoury/spicy sauces, chopped scallions & coriander.
Folded into an envelope, Jian Bing is usually eaten as finger food while people travel to work/school on busy mornings .
As a humble and cheap food, Jian Bing won its nation-wide popularity for its freshness (always made in front of the customers) and its complex, multi-layered flavour and texture. It’s an absolute must-try when visiting China!
In recent years, it’s also getting international recognition. You can find it in eateries in megacities like London, New York, Sydney, etc.
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JAPAN
“OKONOMIYAKI”
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that translates to "grilled as you like it" or "what you like" in English. It's a popular dish that originated in the Kansai region of Japan, particularly in Osaka and Hiroshima, but is enjoyed throughout the country.
The basic ingredients for okonomiyaki include flour, grated yam or grated nagaimo (a type of mountain yam), shredded cabbage, eggs, dashi (Japanese soup stock), and various toppings such as thinly sliced pork belly, seafood, green onions, and pickled ginger. The dough is mixed together to form a thick consistency, and then it's cooked on a hot griddle or pan.
There are two main styles of okonomiyaki: the Osaka style and the Hiroshima style:
1. Osaka Style: In Osaka style, the ingredients are mixed together to form a batter, which is then cooked on the griddle in the form of a thick pancake. The toppings are mixed into the batter or added on top of the pancake as it cooks. Once cooked, it's typically topped with a savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, and sprinkled with bonito flakes and dried seaweed
2. Hiroshima Style: In Hiroshima, the ingredients are layered rather than mixed together. First, a thin crepe-like layer is cooked on the griddle, followed by a layer of cabbage, bean sprouts, and other fillings. Then, a layer of noodles (usually yakisoba noodles) is added on top. Finally, it's topped with an egg and flipped over to cook everything together. Once cooked, it's also topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and other condiments.
Okonomiyaki is often cooked at the table on a hot plate or teppanyaki grill, allowing diners to customize their toppings and cook the pancake to their liking. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Overall, okonomiyaki is a versatile and delicious dish that reflects the creativity and flavors of Japanese cuisine. It's enjoyed by people of all ages and is a beloved part of Japanese food culture.
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“DORAYAKI”
Dorayaki is a popular Japanese sweet snack consisting of two fluffy pancake-like layers filled with sweet red bean paste (anko).
It is a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan and has also gained popularity in other parts of the world.
Here's a closer look at Dorayaki:
1. Ingredients: Dorayaki pancakes are typically made with flour, eggs, sugar, and honey. The batter is mixed until smooth and poured onto a hot griddle or pan to cook. The pancakes are then filled with sweet red bean paste, which is made from azuki beans cooked with sugar until they form a thick, sweet paste.
2. Preparation: To make Dorayaki, two pancakes are cooked separately on a griddle or pan until golden brown and fluffy. Once cooked, a dollop of sweet red bean paste is placed in the center of one pancake, and then the other pancake is placed on top, creating a sandwich-like structure.
3. Variations: While sweet red bean paste is the traditional filling for Dorayaki, there are also modern variations that use other fillings such as custard, chocolate, matcha (green tea), or canned fruit. These variations offer a creative twist on the classic Dorayaki and cater to different tastes.
4. History: Dorayaki has a long history in Japan and is often associated with the popular Japanese cartoon character Doraemon, who is known for his love of Dorayaki. The snack has been enjoyed in Japan for many years and is a nostalgic treat for many people.
5. Availability: Dorayaki is widely available in Japan and can be found in supermarkets, convenience stores, bakeries, and specialty shops. It is also often made at home by families as a special treat or dessert.
6. Cultural Significance: Dorayaki has cultural significance in Japan as a symbol of comfort and nostalgia. It is often eaten as a snack with tea or coffee, as a dessert after meals, or as a treat during special occasions and festivals.
Dorayaki's simple yet delicious combination of fluffy pancakes and sweet red bean paste filling makes it a popular and iconic snack in Japanese cuisine. Its popularity continues to grow both in Japan and internationally, making it a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
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KOREA
Jeon and Hotteok are both popular Korean dishes, each offering unique flavors and textures.
“JEON” (전)
Jeon refers to a variety of savory Korean pancakes made with a batter of wheat flour, eggs, and water or broth.
These pancakes are typically pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and savory on the inside. Jeon can be made with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables (e.g., scallions, zucchini, carrots), seafood (e.g., shrimp, squid, oysters), meat (e.g., beef, pork), or even kimchi.
The ingredients are mixed into the batter and cooked together, resulting in a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.
“HOTTEOK” (호떡)
Hotteok is a popular Korean street food and sweet pancake filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and chopped peanuts.
The dough for hotteok is made from wheat flour, water, milk, sugar, and yeast, which is allowed to rise before being filled with the sweet filling and fried until golden and crispy. Hotteok is often served hot and fresh from the griddle, making it a popular winter snack or dessert.
The combination of the crispy exterior and the gooey, sweet filling makes hotteok a favorite among Koreans and visitors alike.
Both Jeon and Hotteok are popular dishes in Korean cuisine, offering a wide range of flavors and textures to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether savory or sweet, these pancakes are enjoyed by people of all ages and are an integral part of Korean food culture.
