For many of Beijing’s multitude of office workers, jian bing is the breakfast of choice. It’s simple, hot, fresh, and highly mobile– meaning it’s ideal if you hit snooze one too many times, and munching on the go becomes essential. Even if waiguoren are in on the jian bing secret, we may not know the best spots to score this timeless snack. Never fear: we’ve got your back.
1、王妈妈菜煎饼 Wang Mama Cai Jian Bing
Widely considered one of the healthiest jian bing joints in all of Beijing, when it comes to jian bing Mama Wang holds her own. Many vegetables are added, along with minced meat or salted duck egg. It’s worth mentioned that the salted egg is home cured, and that the crepe itself is five-grain.
ADD: No.13, Xinzhong Street, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng District, Beijing
地址：北京市东城区东直门外新中街13号
2、永记杂粮煎饼 Yongji Grains Jian Bing
Although the environment is simple and crude in its way, the owner gets up early everyday to specially select her heads of lettuce, in order to guarantee the necessary crunch and fresh taste. With peanuts and sufu (fermented tofu), this is a good one.
ADD: No. 18, Panjiayuan Dongli, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址：北京市朝阳区潘家园东里18号楼（近龙鼎盛市场东门）
3、南城煎饼-长椿街店 Nancheng Jian Bing – Changchun Street
This jian bing stall hidden up a hutong always attracts plenty of customers, and it’s easy to see why. The owner makes the sauce on his own, and is creative in promoting all different kinds of flavors. Flavor innovations include chocolate, salad, tomato sauce and so on.
Opening Hours: 7:00 – 12:30; 17:00 – 20:00
ADD: 10m South of Changchun Street Crossroads, Xuanwu District, Beijing
地址：北京市宣武区长椿街十字路口往南10米
The honest and hardworking couple that run this place carefully select the cleanest and freshest ingredients to make their jian bing delicious, soft on the outside and crunchy on the inside. Their jian bing is traditional if nothing else, made with mung bean flour and costing only 5 RMB. Xuji’s jian bing has a slight cumin flavor and its sauce is distinct.
Add: 15-3 Dongli, Yuetan West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
地址：北京市西城区月坛西街东里15-3、15号楼底商
This stall is small, and you’re going to have to get in line almost every time. That’s because the locals know what’s up: the owner is generous, adding lots of peanuts and sesame. You’re only going to wind up dropping 8 RMB, but this will fill you up. The owner is an old white-haired man and a decent conversationalist.
ADD: Yongan Road, Xicheng District, Beijing
地址：北京市西城区永安路（近友谊医院门诊楼西门）