Tomorrow (March 4) is Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, marking the final day before Lent in the Christian calendar. The tradition dates back to the 16th century when British Christians would consume pancakes to finish off eggs, butter, fat, and other rich ingredients in preparation for Lent. Today, it has largely turned into a reason to indulge in pancakes.
In celebration of Pancake Day, we've compiled a list of some of the best spots in Beijing to satisfy your pancake cravings. Whether you prefer traditional French crêpes, fluffy American pancakes, or a classic jianbing, there are plenty of options to explore.
**Panorama**
For crêpes, Panorama in Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4 is hard to beat. This French restaurant offers both savory and sweet crêpes, with numerous filling options available. Their savory crêpes, known as galettes in French, feature many variations. Our favorites include the Captain (RMB 82), filled with smoked salmon, red onion, dill, capers, and cream, accompanied by a lemon slice for drizzling, and the Goat Father (RMB 82), packed with goat cheese, diced bacon, walnuts, honey mustard sauce, and salad leaves. Their sweet crêpes are not to be overlooked, with ten options, including traditional choices like Lemon and Sugar (RMB 42) and indulgent options such as Banana and Nutella (RMB 52). Additionally, they have a winter special, the Raclette (RMB 98) galette, featuring roasted potatoes, raclette cheese, bacon, onions, and a creamy drizzle.
Panorama
81 Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4, Chaoyang District
Hours: Sun-Thu, 10am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 10am-1am
Phone: 010 6506 1893
**Hana Crepes**
Hana Crepes, which opened last year in the 团结新里·Together complex near Sanlitun, is another great spot for crêpes. They serve a variety of both sweet and savory buckwheat crêpes. Savory selections include Ham, Cheese, and Egg (RMB 49) and Chicken, Oyster Mushroom, and Red Onion (RMB 49). For sweet options, try the Nutella, Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Banana (RMB 39) or Oreo and Strawberry (RMB 39).
Hana Crepes
Donglang Tuanjie Xinli, 10, Tuanjie Hu Dongli, Chaoyang District
Hours: noon-8pm
Phone: 138 1025 5635
**Tigers**
Formerly known as Tiger Pancake House, Tigers specializes in American-style pancakes. Their thick, fluffy pancakes are perfect for those with a sweet tooth, topped with a variety of ice cream, fruits, and whipped cream. The Special Strawberry Pancake (RMB 68), adorned with fresh strawberries, strawberry ice cream, whipped cream, freeze-dried strawberry pieces, and syrup, is a must-try. For something more savory, you can order brunch dishes containing pancakes, like the Metropolitan Brunch (RMB 78), which includes pancakes alongside French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, and sausage.
Tigers (Sanyuanqiao Branch)
1, B1/F 1959 Shijianli, Fenghuang Lu, Chaoyang District
Hours: 10.30am-9.30pm
Phone: 010 5977 3017
**Peiping Machine**
At Peiping Machine, this Chinese brewery elevates the classic jianbing. The Fangjia location offers various fillings, each with a distinct twist, some combining the jianbing with other beloved Chinese dishes, such as the Shishan Roast Duck Jianbing (RMB 58) or Braised Pork Belly Jianbing (RMB 48). Don't forget to pair your bing with one of their signature craft brews!
Peiping Machine (Fangjia branch)
E101, 46 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng District
Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-1.30am; Sat-Sun 3pm-1.30am
Phone: 132 4023 5240
**Lily's American Diner**
Lily’s American Diner serves classic American pancakes, offering a simple yet satisfying dish: American Pancakes (RMB 59 for two; RMB 69 for three), which come with buttermilk pancakes, two fried eggs, and a side of bacon. You can also add blueberries for an additional RMB 10. Their pancakes are available all day, making it easy to treat yourself to breakfast for dinner.
Lily’s American Diner (Sanlitun branch)
Tomorrow (March 4) is Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday. Here’s where you can satisfy your pancake cravings.
