At the table
Handle gently over a plate and take small bites; these thin rounds break easily. Ask “甜的还是咸的？” (“Sweet or salted?”) before choosing.
Contains wheat and sesame. It makes dry, brittle crumbs; choose pieces suited to the eater's chewing ability. Ask the maker about other ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
Sweet and salted versions share a wheat-flour and sesame base; sugar or salt changes the seasoning. The plain traditional versions have no chilli. Check the particular recipe or package for other flavourings.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Both sweet and salted versions are made.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet or salty
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Very thin and crisp.
- How it’s made
- Form wheat-flour dough into thin rounds, coat with sesame and bake.
Both sweet and salted versions are made.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shandong.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有周村烧饼吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Baking a paper-thin crisp
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Zhoucun's crispbread depends on skilled stretching and baking. A short ingredient list becomes a very thin round through careful shaping and control of oven heat. Its sesame-covered face and porous reverse are part of the familiar local form, while its fragile texture calls for gentle handling.