羌饼Qiang Bing: Shanghai’s Giant Sesame Scallion Bread – The “Street Pizza” You Must Try

If you think Chinese flatbreads are always small and delicate, Qiang Bing (羌饼) will completely change your mind. On the bustling breakfast streets of Shanghai, this oversized, golden, and deeply satisfying flatbread reigns as the ultimate Chinese comfort food. Imagine a bread the size of a pizza, packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and chewy inside—this is a true street food legend that every traveler should try.

1. Origins: A Traveler’s Bread with Ancient Roots

The word “Qiang” hints at a connection with the ancient Qiang ethnic group from Northwest China. Qiang Bing may have originated as a portable, filling bread for nomadic journeys. Over time, it spread across China and found a home in Shanghai. Made from humble ingredients—flour, scallions, sesame—it reflects the creativity and resourcefulness of Chinese folk cuisine.

2. A Cultural Symbol of Sharing

Unlike small snacks, Qiang Bing’s large size makes it a bread meant for sharing. At local stalls, vendors often ask, “How many slices?” before cutting and selling it by weight. Families share it for breakfast, coworkers enjoy it during tea breaks—it’s not just food, but a symbol of warmth, community, and everyday happiness in Shanghai.

3. Ingredients: Simple Yet Flavorful

Qiang Bing proves that simplicity can create magic:

• Thick Dough Base – Fermented dough gives it a chewy yet soft bite.
• Fresh Scallions – Generously layered inside, releasing a savory aroma when baked.
• Golden Sesame Crust – Coated with sesame seeds that crisp up into a fragrant shell.
• Final Form – A giant golden disk, crunchy on the outside, savory and layered inside.

4. The Craft of Making Qiang Bing

Creating this flatbread is an art passed down through generations:

1. Layering the Dough – Rolled, brushed with oil, sprinkled with scallions and spices, then folded to create multiple layers.
2. Sesame Armor – The dough is flattened, brushed with water, and pressed into sesame seeds.
3. Pan-Fried to Perfection – Slowly cooked in a large flat pan with oil—crispy on the outside, soft and fragrant inside.

5. Flavor Experience: A Three-Part Symphony

A bite of Qiang Bing takes you through three sensations:

• Crisp – The sesame crust cracks open with fragrance.
• Chewy – The thick bread offers satisfying bite and subtle sweetness of wheat.
• Savory – Warm scallion oil fills your mouth with irresistible aroma.

6. How to Eat: For One or to Share

The classic way? Tear off a steaming piece and eat it straight from the stall. Pair it with soy milk or tea for breakfast, or enjoy it as a side with porridge or soup. Whether solo or shared, it’s always delicious.

7. Where & How to Try Qiang Bing in Shanghai

• Where to Eat: Skip fancy restaurants—look for local breakfast stalls, snack shops, or canteens.
• How to Buy: Sold by weight—just tell the vendor “five yuan worth” and they’ll cut a piece.
• Price: Very affordable! Usually 5–15 RMB for a big slice—perfect for budget travelers.
• Tip: Eat it hot! Once it cools, the texture loses its magic. Some stalls even sell a sweet version with sugar (Tang Qiang Bing).

8. Easy Home Recipe (Simplified Version)

Want to try at home? Roll out fermented dough, brush with oil, sprinkle scallions and spices, fold, and flatten into a round. Coat with sesame, pan-fry with a little oil, cover to steam until cooked through, then crisp both sides. Voilà—a homemade Qiang Bing!

Final Bite: Add Qiang Bing to Your Shanghai Must-Eat List

So, dear traveler, when wandering the alleys of Shanghai, follow the aroma and look for this golden sesame bread. Point to the giant round flatbread and say: “Five yuan, please!” It might just become one of your most memorable street food experiences in China—affordable, authentic, and absolutely unforgettable.