Gao Bing

Gao Bing (simplified Chinese: 糕饼; traditional Chinese: 糕餅; pinyin: Gāo bǐng) refers to a category of baked or steamed wheat flour-based cakes and pastries in Chinese cuisine. The term encompasses a wide variety of sweet and savory items, often characterized by their relatively flat shape and dense texture.

Gao bing differs from mantou (steamed buns) and baozi (filled steamed buns) in that it is typically thinner and more compact. It also differs from jiaozi (dumplings) in that it is baked or steamed as a complete unit, rather than boiled.

The filling and flavoring of gao bing vary greatly by region and specific type. Common ingredients include red bean paste, lotus seed paste, dates, nuts, sesame seeds, sugar, meat (such as pork or beef), and vegetables. Some gao bing are savory, while others are sweet.

Gao bing are often associated with special occasions and festivals, and certain varieties are particularly popular during specific times of the year, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are also commonly consumed as a snack or dessert.

Regional variations abound, with different areas known for their unique styles and recipes. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Mooncakes (月饼; yuèbǐng): A type of gao bing traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

• Shaobing (烧饼; shāobǐng): A baked flatbread, often filled or topped with sesame seeds.

• Doubing (豆饼; dòubǐng): A type of gao bing made with bean paste.