Shanghai & Jiangnan
Scallion pancakes
葱油饼
Cōng yóu bǐng
A savory, layered flatbread with scallions tucked into crisp golden folds.
Regional starting pointShanghai & Jiangnan
On the menuSmall plates
Typical heatMild
Flavor & textureCrisp · Flaky · Oniony
Get to know the dish
Scallion pancakes start with dough, not the pourable batter of a breakfast pancake. Folding and rolling create layers, with scallions adding their distinctive aroma. They make an easy shared snack or a textural contrast to a bowl of soup.
What to look for
A crisp outside and a layered interior. Thickness and chew differ between regional and household styles.
Every kitchen has its version
Some preparations use animal fat, and sauces can add chili or sesame. Do not assume a plain-looking pancake meets a particular dietary requirement.
Sources & further reading
Background and preparation references. Our descriptions are editorial summaries, not restaurant reviews.
