Beijing Breakfast Delight: Sweet Fried Dough in the Morning(糖油饼)

1. The Golden Temptation of Beijing Mornings

Wake up in Beijing and follow the sweet fried aroma.
It’s probably Tang You Bing, also called Beijing Sugar Oil Cake.
This simple snack is a favorite morning treat for many locals.

2. Origins and Culture

Tang You Bing comes from northern China, especially Beijing and Tianjin.
It began as a homemade snack but later ruled breakfast stalls.
Locals call it the “coffee partner of the hutongs.”
It represents warmth, simplicity, and the sweet taste of daily life.

3. Ingredients and Making

Main ingredients are flour and brown sugar.
Some recipes use baking soda to make it fluffy.
The dough is rolled, brushed with sugar syrup, then fried golden brown.
Controlling oil temperature is the key to its caramel flavor.

Taste and Eating Style

Crispy outside, soft and chewy inside.
Brown sugar gives a rich caramel sweetness, not overly heavy.
Best enjoyed hot, with soy milk or tofu pudding.
A classic Beijing breakfast combo of sweet and savory.

Where to Try It

You can find it at almost every breakfast stall in Beijing.
Old brands like Zeng Sheng Kui or Lao Hui Hui Snacks are recommended.
Very affordable—only 3 to 8 RMB each.
Order by saying: “One Tang You Bing.”
If you like it crispier, say: “Fry it longer.”

Traveler Tips

English names are Sweet Fried Dough or Beijing Sugar Oil Cake.
Eat it while hot—once cool, it turns hard.
Perfect for travelers who love sweet fried foods.
Add it to your Beijing food bucket list for an authentic experience.