Aug 26, 2024 - Food and Drink

Jianbing Chicago serves up Chinese breakfast

Monica Eng

breakfast pancake — A smoked bacon bing with avocado and cheddar cheese. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Some of my favorite meals in China were breakfasts of jianbing made by street vendors who cook savory crepes topped with egg, scallions and bean paste before your eyes.

I was stoked to hear that a Jianbing Chicago stand opened in downtown's French Market a few years ago, but didn't get to try this delicious breakfast until they opened a second location at Block 37.

The bite: Jianbing's smoked bacon, avocado and cheddar cheese bing ($11.95) features funky fermented bean paste, smoky bacon and smooth avocado on a crispy pancake.

The verdict: I'm not sure what's more enjoyable — watching the cooks make these behind glass or eating them as I rush to my first meeting after getting off at the Red Line exit of Block 37. Super convenient!

I can't wait to return for other flavors, including the vegan bing and crawfish bing.

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Jianbing Chicago serves up Chinese breakfast

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