Taizhou pancake rolls are stuffed with goodness. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

A culinary gem of Taizhou, Zhejiang province, called shibingtong, or pancake roll, encapsulates a tradition of culinary creativity. This dish features a variety of delectable fillings wrapped in a thin and soft pancake skin.

The process begins with the preparation of the pancake skin, which plays a key role in the final product. The dough is expertly shaped into thin, translucent circles before being cooked to perfection on a hot surface.

The appeal of the pancake rolls lies in their various fillings. From pot-stewed meat and scrambled eggs to shrimp meat, bean sprouts, and more, almost anything can be wrapped in the skin.

Legend has it that the pancake roll can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when Qi Jiguang, a Chinese hero, led Ming forces to defend China's eastern coastal regions from raids by Japanese pirates. At that time, Taizhou residents wrapped dishes in pancake skins as a convenient way to transport them to soldiers.

Today, pancake rolls are enjoyed on different occasions across Taizhou. They are eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival in Jiaojiang district while around the Chinese New Year in Linhai.

In Tiantai county, the pancake roll is called jiaobingtong and it is a delicacy for nearly every festive occasion. The traditional techniques of Tiantai's pancake roll is recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item. When cut, the orderly arrangement of fillings in the pancake roll immediately captures attention.