At the table
Eat on its own or with soy milk. Wrapping a youtiao inside is a classic Shanghai combination.
Contains wheat and sesame. Ask about the fat and filling; sweet fillings may be very hot.
The pictured recipe uses olive oil. This does not establish that all Shanghai dabing is vegetarian or vegan.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Shapes vary by maker. Sweet versions use sugar fillings; some savoury versions use lard instead of plant oil.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Toasted sesame, scallion and a little black pepper.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Crisp surface with a soft, layered centre.
- How it’s made
- Yeasted wheat dough is folded with scallion, olive oil, salt and black pepper, topped with sesame and cooked on both sides.
Shapes vary by maker. Sweet versions use sugar fillings; some savoury versions use lard instead of plant oil.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanghai.
About this regional connection
Shanghai: Shanghai breakfast version; not genericregionaldabing.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有上海大饼吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A Shanghai breakfast staple
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Dabing belongs to Shanghai’s familiar breakfast group with youtiao, rice rolls and soy milk. Ask for sweet or savoury rather than relying on shape alone.
