While Everyone that I know on the other side of the world is closing down the day, things are just getting started over here. Let’s remember that the sun does rise in the East. And because the sun has indeed risen to the first sunny day that I have seen since arriving, it was a great morning to head out and take a few pictures while getting a classic street breakfast.
I don’t remember the name of this particular specialty, but it is basically a Chinese version of your classic omelet. This one starts with a pancake-like batter that is spread on a large hotplate (as seen above). It is then coated with a thin layer of egg, covered in chives and a variety of strange spices. The final touch is that a large, deep fried piece of bread of some sort is placed in the middle, at which point it is all folded on itself. I hate eggs, but this thing is a decent option, and at about sixty cents a pop, you can’t go wrong.
The street food scene in China is a thriving one, and provides a great venue not only for cheap food, but also for a number of opportunities to interact with a local population. Although many of the things purchased on the street are large enough to be considered a meal, they are, in many cases, referred to as snacks. At some point, I will probably do a better series on the massive variety that exists within the street food world. Until then-
Very true that in most cultures, grabbing a bite to eat is a great way to possibly engage with locals. In Germany, an open seat at a table is anyone’s for the taking. You just ask if the seat is free and usually conversation ensues.
This was my favorite breakfast food when we visited Beijing about 10 years ago. I found it odd that other cities we visited did not have this same street breakfast food. Very regional in their food.
I have tried to find this in the states and have had no luck at all.
True enough, and from what I have read and heard, this snack is slowly disappearing, along with many other bits of street culture. The differences in regional culture are part of what make China fantastic, and as you said, these differences are especially pronounced in food. It is unusual to go somewhere in China and not find a local specialty.