Meat Pie (Xia Bing) (3 Pieces)
Shaobing (Chinese: 饼, English: Stuffed Pancake) is a type of Chinese cuisine made by wrapping various fillings in a dough primarily made from wheat flour, which is then baked or pan-fried. It originated mainly in northern China and has been a familiar food in regions such as Beijing and Shandong Province for many years. In recent times, it has also become widely popular in Taiwan, especially at street stalls and night markets. In bustling districts like Ximending in Taipei, it is established as a popular street food among both tourists and locals, known for its crispy outer layer, chewy interior, and juicy filling. There are various regional variations in the choice of fillings and seasonings, and unique Taiwanese adaptations also exist.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- 40 New Taiwan Dollar
- Meal Date
- 5/3/2023
- Food Travel Log
- What’s a dish with dough and fillings cooked on a griddle? So many globally that it might annoy quiz takers. In Taiwan, I discovered "Shaobing," a street food. It had a perfect tan and a firm, stretchy texture, with a hot, soupy filling. The slightly thickened green onions and meat made me crave beer. Taiwanese wheat-based dishes seem profound.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Anbing (Shaobing, Chinese: 饼, English: Stuffed Pancake) is a type of traditional wheat flour dish that is widely found throughout the Chinese-speaking world, and is an extremely popular street food in Taiwan. Especially in bustling areas such as Ximending in Taipei, it is beloved by both tourists and locals as a convenient street food. It is characterized by a well-browned wheat-based wrap filled generously with ingredients such as meat and scallions; when freshly made, the exterior is crisp and the inside has a chewy texture. Occasionally, plenty of meat juice is sealed inside. While originating in Northern China, many uniquely Taiwanese variations have evolved, reflecting local ingredients and seasoning preferences.
History and Origin
Anbing traces its roots to wheat-based dishes from Northern China, particularly those known as “shaobing” (烧饼) in places like Beijing and Shandong Province. Through immigration and cultural exchanges, it was introduced to Taiwan, where it was modified and further developed, becoming established as a local delicacy. Traditional shaobing are round or semi-circular, made by wrapping a variety of fillings in wheat dough and baking or pan-frying them, sometimes even deep-frying. In Taiwan, scallion and pork-based filling is especially popular, although beef and vegetarian versions have also become common.
Preparation and Characteristics
The basic preparation method for anbing involves kneading wheat flour with water and salt, rolling the dough thin, then wrapping meat or vegetables in the center, shaping it into a round form, and pan-frying both sides on a griddle or skillet. At Taiwanese food stalls, anbing is usually grilled over high heat for a short time to develop a distinctive sheen and browning on the surface, resulting in a crispy exterior and chewy interior. The filling commonly contains large amounts of scallions and pork, and sometimes the juices are sealed inside, so caution is advised as the hot filling may cause burns when eating. The juiciness of the filling is a hallmark of the Taiwanese style of anbing.
Variations of Anbing in Taiwan
| Example Ingredients | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Scallion & Pork | The most popular combination. Juicy and aromatic. |
| Beef | Richer flavor. Uses sliced or stewed beef. |
| Various Vegetables | Popular with vegans and vegetarians, with fillings like cabbage, chives, or takana (pickled mustard greens). |
| Sweet Fillings | Dessert versions exist, filled with sweet bean paste, sesame, or similar ingredients. |
Relation to Taiwanese Street Food Culture
In bustling districts like Ximending in Taipei, anbing is a popular snack often seen at street stalls and food vendors. Its convenient shape and substantial volume make it beloved by all ages. In Taiwanese night markets, one can enjoy an assortment of anbing and, because each order is freshly cooked, their warmth and aroma have become a common part of everyday scenery. In Taiwan, it is customary to eat anbing with special chili oil or vinegar, and people enjoy experimenting with different local condiments and seasonings. Such wheat-based dishes symbolize the depth and regional richness of Taiwanese food culture.
Conclusion
Anbing (Shaobing) is a wheat flour dish that has continued to develop beyond historical and geographical boundaries. In Taiwan, it has particularly become an integral part of street food culture and daily life. For tourists, it is a representative street food that offers an easy way to experience authentic local tastes, and the wide variety of ingredients and the lively atmosphere of fresh cooking symbolize the depth and vibrancy of Taiwanese cuisine.