Springtime Means Spring Rolls: Where to Eat Chunbing in Beijing
With daytime temperatures in the mid-teens and blue sky days seemingly more frequent, it's safe to say that spring is on its way in Beijing. There is no better time, then, to eat one of northern China's most traditional spring dishes: chunbing (春饼), or "spring pancakes." This simple, rustic dish refers to plain wheat flour wrappers (sometimes colored with spinach or carrot) that are served alongside a variety of small stir-fried dishes, which diners then wrap in the pancakes and eat (a bit like Peking duck).
Chunbing are typically associated with two traditional festivals: Lichun (立春), the first solar term of the Chinese agricultural calendar, which marks the beginning of Spring, and Longtaitou (龙抬头), the second day of the second month of the Chinese calendar. However, we'll take any excuse to devour these delicious morsels so we've put together a list of our favorite places to eat them.
Laolao Jia Chunbing Dian
Dianping previously named the Shilipu branch of this local chain as one of Beijing's "Must-Eat Restaurants" so you know it must be good. The pork hock, which is braised and then chilled and sliced, is particularly good here. There are also branches in Sanyuanqiao, Wangjing, and Huixin Dongjie.
Just south of Beijing Railway Station, this little shop looks humble, but it's actually one of Beijing's top-rated spots for chunbing. Diners also favor that other Beijing self-wrap dish, saucy meat strips with tofu wrappers.
Er Yue Er Chunbing
Named after the date on the agricultural calendar when it is traditional to eat chunbing, the simple decor at Er Yue Er belies the quality of its cooking. The pancakes are thin yet elastic and the accompanying dishes – pork strips stir-fried with sweet bean paste, stir-fried eggs, and beansprouts – are fresh and simple. Apart from chunbing, the restaurant also serves classic Beijing dishes like zha guanchang (deep-fried sweet potato starch).
Down in the Dongzhimen hutongs, the spot to go is Laojia Chunbing Jiaozi. This spot is known for its eggy chunbing as much as it is for its deep-fried chive dumplings as well as other typical barbecue menu items.
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Photos: xiachufang.com, Patrick Li, Dianping
