Skip to content

Welcome guest

Please login or register

A Culinary Journey: Discovering Crêpes Across Asia

Crêpes, known for their thin and delicate texture, are not only a popular dessert in Europe but also a beloved street food across Asia. Each country in Asia has its own unique style of crêpes, which are often made with local ingredients and flavored with regional spices. In this article, we'll take a tour of Asia to explore the different types of crêpes and their origins.

  1. Japan – Okonomiyaki In Japan, crêpes are called 'yaki'. One of the most popular types of yaki is okonomiyaki, which translates to "grilled as you like it." It's a savory crêpe made with flour, eggs, dashi, and shredded cabbage, and filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork belly, shrimp, octopus, and cheese. Okonomiyaki is then drizzled with mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce), and sprinkled with dried seaweed and bonito flakes. Japan is also know for their trending Harajuku-style crêpes, particularly in the Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo. They are a unique twist on traditional French crepes, filled with a variety of sweet ingredients such as fresh fruit, ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate, and other sweets. The crêpes themselves are often flavored with matcha or cocoa, and are folded into a cone shape for easy eating on the go. The toppings are often arranged in a decorative and colorful way, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

  2. China – Jianbing In China, crêpes are called 'jianbing'. This Chinese street food is a breakfast staple, and it's made with a thin and crispy batter of wheat and mung bean flour. The batter is then spread over a hot griddle and topped with an egg, crispy fried dough, scallions, cilantro, and a sweet bean sauce. The crêpe is then folded and eaten like a sandwich.

  3. India – Dosa In India, crêpes are called 'dosa'. Dosa is a popular breakfast dish made with fermented rice and lentil batter. The batter is spread on a hot griddle and cooked until it's crispy and golden brown. It's usually served with a variety of chutneys and sambar, a lentil soup with vegetables.

  4. Thailand – Khanom Buang In Thailand, crêpes are called 'khanom buang'. These sweet crêpes are made with a crispy and delicate rice flour batter, and filled with sweetened coconut cream or savory fillings such as minced pork and shrimp. Khanom buang is then topped with a sprinkling of shredded coconut, and sometimes sesame seeds.

  5. Vietnam – Bánh Xèo In Vietnam, crêpes are called 'bánh xèo'. Bánh xèo is a savory crêpe made with a batter of rice flour and turmeric powder, which gives it its signature yellow color. The batter is then filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork, shrimp, mung bean sprouts, and mushrooms. It's usually served with lettuce leaves and herbs, and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili peppers.

  6. South Korea – Hotteok In South Korea, crêpes are called 'hotteok'. These sweet crêpes are made with a batter of wheat flour and filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped peanuts. The crêpes are then fried until crispy and chewy.

Overall, crêpes in Asia have a distinct flavor and texture that sets them apart from their European counterparts. Each country has its own unique twist on the crêpe, and they are a popular street food enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

References:

  • Matsumoto, M. (2018). "Mille crepe": The Japanese take on French dessert. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2018/06/02/food/mille-crepe-japanese-take-french-dessert/
  • Li, J. (2019). Jianbing: A guide to China's favorite breakfast. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/jianbing-chinese-breakfast-crepe/index.html
  • Latest Recipes Articles!

    Great crêpe recipes & Inspirations :)

    • Fluffy Chocolate Crêpe Cake

      Fluffy Chocolate Crêpe Cake

      Indulge in a unique twist on the classic Crêpe cake with this Fluffy Chocolate Crêpe Cake. What sets it apart is the incredibly light and airy texture of the crêpes, achieved by beating egg whites and folding them into the batter. While cooking crêpes soufflé may require a bit more time and effort, the end result is absolutely worth it!

    • Crêpes Suzette

      Crêpes Suzette

      Crêpes Suzette is a classic French dessert that has been enjoyed for over a century. It is said to have originated in the late 19th century, when a young waiter accidentally set fire to a dish of crêpes he was preparing for the Prince of Wales' entourage. The quick-thinking chef who came to his rescue managed to turn the mistake into a delicious dessert by adding sugar, butter, orange juice, and Grand Marnier to the pan, creating a caramelized sauce that he poured over the crêpes. The dish was named after the young prince's companion, Suzette, and became an instant hit among French aristocrats and high society. Today, Crêpes Suzette is still considered a luxurious and elegant dessert, often served in fine dining restaurants and special occasions around the world.
    • Cherry & Cream Crêpe Cups

      Cherry & Cream Crêpe Cups

      If you're looking for a delightful treat to serve at your next party, our mini Cherry & Cream Crêpe Cups are an excellent choice, particularly for events where food is passed around on trays. These crêpe cups have a crunchy texture and are sturdy enough to hold a creamy or mousse-based filling without becoming soggy, especially if you assemble them at the last minute. While Amarena Cherries are an excellent ingredient for this recipe, feel free to use any seasonal fruits of your choice, such as blueberries, kiwi, or mango.
    • Crêpe lasagna with goat cheese and Bolognese

      Crêpe lasagna with goat cheese and Bolognese

      Introducing a unique and indulgent twist on a classic Italian favorite - Goat Cheese Bolognese Crêpe Lasagna made with the Gluten-Free Flipcrêpes Buckwheat-Millet crêpe mix. This decadent dish combines layers of savory Bolognese sauce, creamy goat cheese, and delicate crepes made with the finest gluten-free ingredients.
    • Frangipane Crêpes

      Frangipane Crêpes

      Despite its association with fancy pastry chefs, Frangipane is actually one of the simplest and most versatile recipes in a chef's toolkit. This delectable ingredient can be used in numerous ways, beyond just tarts, and it pairs particularly well with fall fruits such as pears, as well as stone fruits like cherries and apricots.
    • La complète on buckwheat galette

      La complète on buckwheat galette

      Definitely on of the most popular galette in France is, La Complète which consist of grated Emmental cheese, a slice of ham, and an egg cooked on top.

    Your Cart

    Your cart is currently empty

    Your Wishlist