July 12, 2010

Chinese breakfast

Beijing Hutong bread © Evelyn Howard 2010

I am not sure if “bread” is the official term for this. It’s firm, bitey and crunchy. The coating of sesame seeds gives it a lovely aroma…

(Visit Macro Monday for more macro/close-up shots)

I found this breakfast “bread” in a hutong (narrow streets with traditional houses) in Beijing. I was looking for some breakfast one morning when I spotted a particularly busy shop. There was a long queue, so I figured the food must be good. I joined the queue not knowing what was on offer. With sign language, I managed to order my breakfast.

Beijing queue © Evelyn Howard 2010 
The queue outside the shop.

Beijing hutong breakfast © Evelyn Howard 2010 
My bowl of soup with beancurd and “bean balls” (not its official name – I made up the name because they are made of beans).

I sat on a bench, and ate my breakfast with the locals. Everyone around me seemed to be enjoying their meal. The wrinkled old lady next to me dipped her bread into the soup, and ate quickly. She slurped loudly and left when her food was gone. Many people asked for additional soup, which was free (only the liquid).

I had a great time people-watching. I didn’t like the soup much, but I enjoyed the bread, and loved the atmosphere.

14 comments:

Kala said...

The soup and bread both look delicious!

Christina, Sweden said...

Looks like something I really would like to try, nice photos and story

Hootin Anni said...

Next time, I will sit down with you and we can talk and eat our breakfast together!! The rolls look so so delicious.

Macro Monday Parrot Do stop by if you can find time today.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

You have the same idea as Singaporeans, if the queue is long, the food must be good.

Vicki said...

The bread looks a bit like one of the dishes we get at yum cha. They have either red or yellow beans in the centre. They look great.

Anonymous said...

Mouth watering delicious images...now you have me hungry for breakfast!

cat said...

The bread looks really tasty.

Dani said...

Oh, I had the same moments. People enjoying their meals, slurping and simply dont care about anything else. I havent had such bread. Looks yummy. I lived in China, Tianjin for a year. Couldn't have enough of those people-watching moments.

I really enjoyed your China pictures.
I havent posted many of mine.

Following you.
Thanks a lot for stopping by.

Unknown said...

Looks very yummy! Love the bread!

Steve Asbell said...

I've had those before but never saw a name assigned to them before. They are rather scrumptious though.

Anonymous said...

The soup looks delicious, the 'bean balls' unusual.

Ebie said...

One of my favorite "bread". It has a sweet taste and a little bit sticky.

Reanaclaire said...

Added you in my blogroll too.. do keep in touch with me in my caring blog.. thanks!!

Reanaclaire said...

hi Evelyn.. i have been to Hutong. looking at your pics reminded me of them.. sitting on a trishaw for one around was very memorable :

read me in my active blog at reanaclaire.com

thanks!!

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