Handheld eats are always on-trend and anxiously awaiting the next showcase to tempt our cravings. The jianbing is packed with the winning combination of bold flavors and contrasting texture. Chefs continually look to proven global street food to spark menu innovation as there is beautiful culinary sophistication with simplistic street-food builds.
Jianbing are traditionally served at breakfast, but they could easily fit any time of day. I could especially see these going big at late night. Offer a traditional jianbing base, then let your guests customize their fillings, adapting the classic to best fit your audience. Daypart ideas include:
- Breakfast Bing—green chile crema, plus chorizo, avocado and Cotija cheese
- Lunch Bing—hoisin sauce, roasted sweet potato and kimchi
- Dinner Bing—smoked red pepper sauce, barbecue carnitas and cheese curds
Consider back-of-house ingredients that could be crafted into a jianbing-style format, inspired to mimic the folded lightness and crêpe-like texture. Experiment with what else you can griddle and fold to create a unique sandwich or handheld offering.
The Big Bing Theory – the full story about how this savory Chinese crêpe is poised to be the next big global breakout on American menus.
If nothing else, the bing is a reminder to develop memorable handhelds that are popping with layered flavor, varying and distinct textures and solid value.
