Scallion Pancake: A Crispy Chinese Classic with a Savory Twist

Introduction

Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and bursting with savory scallion flavor — the Scallion Pancake (葱油饼, cōng yóu bǐng) is a beloved staple in Chinese street food and traditional kitchens. At Oriental Triangle Restaurant & Lounge, this humble dish gets the spotlight it deserves — made fresh, flaky, and irresistibly delicious.

 What Is a Scallion Pancake?

Unlike Western pancakes, scallion pancakes are unleavened, pan-fried flatbreads made with dough (not batter), finely chopped scallions, and layers of flavor.

It’s known for:

• A crispy, golden crust

• Rich, chewy layers inside

• The subtle punch of green onions (scallions)

Simple ingredients, elevated through technique.

 A Snack with Ancient Roots

Scallion pancakes date back over a thousand years to Chinese imperial dynasties. With roots in Northern China, where wheat-based foods are staples, this dish was prized for being affordable, filling, and quick to prepare.

Over time, scallion pancakes have become a global street food favorite, especially in Taiwan, Shanghai, and cities across the U.S.

 How We Make Them at Oriental Triangle

At Oriental Triangle, our chefs follow a multi-step process to achieve the perfect texture and taste:

1. Hand-rolled dough: We use high-quality flour to ensure stretch and elasticity.

2. Oil layering: Before rolling, the dough is brushed with oil and scallions to create flaky layers.

3. Spiral folding: This step ensures that signature chewiness.

4. Pan-frying: Each pancake is fried until perfectly crispy and golden on the outside.

Every pancake is made fresh to order—no shortcuts, just traditional craftsmanship.

 Ways to Enjoy Scallion Pancakes

Our guests enjoy them as:

• A starter – dipped in soy-vinegar or sweet chili sauce

• A side dish – with noodle or rice entrees

• A snack – perfect with tea or a cold beer

Want to elevate it? Add an egg on top, or try our chef’s twist: scallion pancake rolls with savory meat or veggie fillings.

 Fun Fact

Many food historians believe the scallion pancake may have inspired the Italian pizza, introduced through early East–West trade routes like the Silk Road!

 Available Now at Oriental Triangle

Whether you're craving something crispy, comforting, or packed with umami, our Scallion Pancakes hit the spot every time. Come try them fresh off the pan at Oriental Triangle — or order for pickup and enjoy at home.