Happy Pie Day! Well, technically it’s Pi Day, but pie is much more fun to talk about. Mar 14, known as International Pi Day, is a celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Embraced by mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts worldwide, this day pays homage to the infinite and irrational number that plays a fundamental role in geometry, trigonometry, and beyond.

Whether you’re a math aficionado or simply someone with a sweet tooth ready to indulge in a slice of your favorite pie, International Pi Day brings together people of all backgrounds to appreciate the beauty and significance of this transcendent mathematical concept. Now let’s start Pi Day with some delicious Chinese meat pies – or 馅饼 (xiàn bǐng).

Chinese cuisine boasts a rich tapestry of flavors, and among its culinary delights are the diverse and delicious savory pies known as 馅饼 (xiàn bǐng). These savory pastries, filled with various mouth-watering ingredients, showcase regional flavors and offer a delightful experience for food enthusiasts. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to discover the different types of Chinese xian bing.

肉韭馅饼 (Ròu Jiǔ Xiàn Bǐng) – Pork and Chive Pie: A classic in many regions, this savory pie is filled with a delectable mixture of minced pork and fresh chives. The combination of savory meat and fragrant chives creates a harmonious blend of flavors.

三鲜馅饼 (San Xiān Xiàn Bǐng) – Three Delicacies Pie: Featuring a trio of ingredients, typically shrimp, pork, and vegetables, 三鲜馅饼 offers a medley of flavors. The filling is seasoned with various spices, creating a savory and satisfying experience.

鸡肉馅饼 (Jīròu Xiàn Bǐng) – Chicken Pie: For a more gourmet experience, this savory pie incorporates tender chicken and a medley of wild mushrooms. The earthy and rich flavors make it a delightful treat for those seeking a unique taste.

Pro Tip: This chicken pie makes for a great side order with sour spicy noodles (酸辣粉 suān là fen).

土豆牛肉馅饼 (Tǔdòu Niúròu Xiàn Bǐng) – Potato and Beef Pie: A heartier option, this pie is filled with a savory mixture of seasoned beef and diced potatoes. The comforting combination of meat and potatoes appeals to those with a hearty appetite.

海鲜馅饼 (Hǎixiān Xiàn Bǐng) – Seafood Pie: A coastal delight, 海鲜馅饼 features a flavorful seafood filling, often including shrimp, crab, and fish. The pie offers a taste of the ocean, making it a favorite in regions with abundant seafood.

韭菜猪肉馅饼 (Jiǔcài Zhūròu Xiàn Bǐng) – Leek and Pork Pie: Celebrating the vibrant flavors of leek and pork, this pie is a popular choice in many regions. The aromatic leeks complement the savory pork, creating a well-balanced and delicious filling. An even more popular vegetarian option for this is the leek and egg combination. Some restaurants will take it to the next level by mixing dried shrimp and vermicelli noodles into the stuffing. 

Each region brings its own unique twist to these savory pies, inviting food enthusiasts to relish the rich culinary heritage of China. Let’s try out a classic leek and egg pie recipe:

Chinese Chive and Egg Pancake (韭菜鸡蛋饼) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Chinese chives (韭菜), finely chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Soy sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chives:
   • Wash the Chinese chives thoroughly and finely chop them.
2. Make the Batter:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, eggs, salt, and white pepper.
   • Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
3. Add Chives:
   • Add the finely chopped Chinese chives to the batter and mix well.
4. Cooking:
   • Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a bit of vegetable oil.
   • Pour a ladle of the batter onto the pan, spreading it evenly to create a thin pancake.
   • Cook until the edges start to crisp and the bottom turns golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.
5. Repeat:
   • Repeat the process until you’ve used all the batter.
6. Serve:
   • Once cooked, cut the pancake into smaller pieces.
   • Serve the Chinese chive and egg pancakes hot, optionally with soy sauce for dipping.

Images: BingAI

For all you math nerds out there: Happy (Belated)Pi Day! It’s 3.14, which means it’s time to commemorate that sexy, irrational mathematical constant of π. Even if you don’t geek out on numbers, there’s still reason to celebrate: a) who doesn’t love an obscure holiday? b) Two Guys and a Pie are offering free toppings for pie ordered. The deal runs all weekend (pi is infinite, isn’t it?) from today through Sunday’s close at 11pm.

In the mood for more pie? Here are a few more of our top picks for a slice around town.

Pantry’s Best
Their new storefront on the third floor of Ritan High Life serves a dope slice of apple pie (RMB 24) among an assortment of other rotating sweets.
Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm. Unit 92-93, 3/F, Ritan High Life, 39 Shenglu Jie, Chaoyang District (4008-3-14159) 朝阳区神路街39号日坛上街3层92-93

Home Plate Bar-B-Que
For your Sanlitun or Northeast apple pie needs, look to Home Plate where a slice will run you RMB 40. Pro-tip: get a side of pulled pork and a rack of ribs while you’re there.
Sanyuanqiao: Daily 11am-10pm. 35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard (from Dongsanhuan Beilu, head 20m north of Xiaoyun Lu intersection and take the first right), Chaoyang District (5128 5584) 朝阳区霄云路35号院（东三环北路,过霄云路路口,往北走20米,到第一个路口右转
Sanlitun: Daily 11am-midnight. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (4000 967 670) 朝阳区工体北路4号院

Frost
Chef Jeff Powell serves a mean slice of maple walnut pie (RMB 39), suffused with maple syrup and brown sugar. Also available at Back Alley Bistro.
Mon-Fri 7am-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am. 55 Xingfucun Zhonglu (in the alleyway across from April Gourmet), Chaoyang District (6417 5430) 朝阳区幸福村中路55

Stuff’d
The venue reimagined from The Vineleaf has kept its British roots with their steak and ale pie and their creamy chicken and mushroom pot pie, both RMB 78 each.
Wed-Mon 11.30am-2.45pm, 6-10pm. 9 Jianchang Hutong (close to Wudaoying Hutong), Dongcheng District (6407 6308) 东城区箭厂胡同9号（近五道营胡同）

This post appeared on thebeijinger on March 14 but was slightly modified from the original.

Photo courtesy Flickr user Dennis Wilkinson (djwtwo)