In France, breakfast is sweet: coffee, croissant, bread and jam. In China, it is often savoury and hot. A golden fritter dipped in soy milk, a steamed stuffed bun, the street vendor's egg pancake, rice porridge… For many Chinese people living here, it is the first taste they miss in the morning. Here are the classics, explained simply.
The great classics
| Name | What it is | How it is eaten |
|---|---|---|
| Youtiao (油条) | long savoury fried dough stick, light and crispy | dipped in soy milk, or in rice porridge |
| Doujiang (豆浆) | fresh soy milk, hot or cold, sweet or savoury | with youtiao, in a bowl |
| Baozi (包子) | soft steamed bun with a filling (pork, vegetables, red bean…) | by hand, often on the go |
| Jianbing (煎饼) | large thin pancake cooked in front of you, with an egg, spring onion, a sauce and a crispy piece | folded, to take away: the star of the street |
| Zhou (粥) | rice porridge (congee), plain or topped | with pickled vegetables, a salted duck egg, meat |
| Mantou (馒头) | plain steamed bun, with no filling | as a side, like bread in France |
Depending on the region, people also have noodle soup, dumplings or, in the south, small dim sum dishes. China is big: breakfast in Beijing does not look like breakfast in Guangzhou.
Why is it missed so much?
Because Chinese breakfast is a street and neighbourhood habit: it is bought hot, early in the morning, at a counter or a cart, for a few coins. In France, these morning counters are rare. Baozi and soy milk can be found in some Asian grocery shops and bakeries, but a jianbing cooked in front of you at 7 a.m. is still exceptional.
Making it at home
- Soy milk: dried soybeans are sold everywhere; soaked overnight, blended with water, strained and well cooked, they make fresh soy milk.
- Baozi: a simple leavened dough and a bamboo steamer are enough; they freeze very well.
- Jianbing: a large very hot pan, a thin batter, an egg spread on top, spring onion and a sauce.
An idea for businesses
A Chinese breakfast counter near a station, a university or an office district would meet a real habit, and would also interest curious French people. It is the same spirit as our trades from elsewhere: a simple idea that works over there and is missing here. Looking for a supplier of equipment or ingredients in Asia? Publish a request.