Bing Bros Brings Jian Bing Street Food Crepes to Chinatown

Photo: Thomas Obungen

July 2021 feels like a long time ago. Protocols were strictly enforced, QR code menus were taking over and Bing Bros had just introduced jian bing to Hawai‘i. The Bros’ savory, stuffed Chinese-style crepes elevated them from a humble pop-up tent in front of Teapresso in Salt Lake to a coveted space in Pearlridge. Locations on two military bases followed, they started appearing at foodie events around town, and in July 2023, Bing Bros opened a storefront on North King Street in Chinatown.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

With the new shop comes a menu refresh and an update to the jian bing crepes themselves. Co-owner Beldon Lee hired a chef to help streamline the menu and rework recipes for easier sourcing without sacrificing the taste.

SEE ALSO: Captivating and Crunchy: Chinese Breakfast Crepes Pop Up in Salt Lake

For the most part, the revamped crepes are close to the irresistible envelopes of texture, spice and aroma that Bing Bros started out with. A popular street food in China, jian bing, like crepes, start with a thin batter cooked on a griddle. Eggs are broken and slathered on top, drizzles of cilantro and wonton crisps follow, then hoisin-style sauce is brushed on, savory fillings are added and the crepe is folded into a neat packet and served.

The major change now is the sauce: The previous one used an imported Chinese-style soybean paste that was increasingly difficult to find, so while the new bing sauce has a lot of the same characteristics, it uses miso and other savory and sweet flavors that appeal to local palates.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

The menu refresh includes four protein options, the ability to make a combo meal and now salads and tacos. While I’m still a fan of the pork belly bing ($14.40), Lee tells me his new favorite way to eat jian bing is to upgrade the pork belly with a firecracker spicy add-on ($1), described on the menu as a Chinese spicy barbecue blend.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

The mixture is reminiscent of Chinese shaokao barbecue sticks, with spices including cumin, fennel seed and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. Basic bing options include steak, Spam and chicken ($13.40 to $14.40). Specialty bings include Da Hawaiian Spam and Cheese from the early days, and newer options like Philly Cheesesteak ($15.90) and the All-American chicken and cheese ($15.15).

The OG Bing forgoes meat altogether for a simpler experience of egg, wonton crackers and veggies. Perfect for the bing beginner.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

In perhaps the most American move, there are now combo meals (an additional charge of $6.89) that include flavored Wonton Crispers with seasonings and a flavored soda called Bing Bang.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

The crispers remind me of the Shaka Shaka fries at McDonald’s in Japan, which you shake in a bag with seasoning from the provided flavor packet, except these come with more options, including garlic Parmesan, ranch, cinnamon sugar and sweet and spicy.

The Bing Bang soft drinks are Lee’s homage to Zippy’s Orange Bang. Flavors skew more Asian with options of Ramune, Kyoho Grape, Melona and strawberry-coconut Tiger’s Blood. You can make it a float for $1.50 more.

SEE ALSO: Chinatown’s New HK Café Has Retro Vibes and Legit Noodles

Downtowners in search of a salad option have one more: Bing Bros’ salad bowls are essentially greens topped with chicken, steak or pork belly ($13.40 to $14.90).

Lee’s parents own the building the shop is in, so the move to Chinatown is somewhat of a homecoming. While it might be a longer walk for many in Downtown, Bing Bros’ new storefront brings it a lot closer to foodies in both neighborhoods who might appreciate the flavors and textures jian bing brings to the table.

Open Thursday to Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 174 N. King St. #2, bingbroshi.com, @bingbroshawaii