In the Chinese culture, eating is not just nourishment. It is shaped by our emotions, which greatly influence our food choices and intake.

As this year's Mid-Autumn Festival (Oct 6) coincides with the National Day holidays (Oct 1-8), treat yourself to a unique culinary experience with the Shanghai Su Bing. This special flaky pastry not only captures the beloved flavors of Mid-Autumn in Shanghai, but also serves as an exquisite token of appreciation. Whether shared with loved ones or presented to friends as gifts, the Shanghai Su Bing is an ideal way to celebrate this harmonious blend of tradition and festivity.

Taste of history

Shanghai Su Bing traces its roots to the Jiangnan region's Su-style pastries, which originated in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, and have evolved over generations.

As early as the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties, Su-style pastries flourished, forming a sophisticated production system. By the Song Dynasty (960-1279), they had become a culinary staple, embracing various cooking methods like roasting, baking, frying, and steaming.

In the early 20th century, Shanghai embraced these pastries, leading to the birth of the Shanghai Su Bing, blending the rich heritage of Suzhou's pastry-making techniques with local innovations. Initially crafted by manually flipping pastries over a boiler, the method later evolved to oven-baking, making it a beloved treat for hosting guests.

Culinary craftsmanship

In 2024, Shanghai Su Bing craftsmanship was officially recognized as a representative intangible cultural heritage project in Huangpu district, with Jin Jiang Tower Shanghai appointed as the custodian. Kang Le, the inheritor of this tradition, currently serves as head chef at the Blue Sky Revolving Restaurant within Jin Jiang Tower hotel. Drawing on traditional techniques, he has creatively developed 66 distinct flavors of Su Bing, earning a national record for the most flavors produced.

To achieve this diversity, pastry chefs have refined traditional methods, selecting premium ingredients to enhance flavor and texture. The filling features a carefully balanced mix of pork belly and lean pork, ensuring a tender, juicy, and rich taste. The pastry dough, enriched with yellow butter sheets, adds fragrance and maintains flakiness even after reheating.

The wrapping process is meticulous. The dough and pastry are folded and rolled by hand, and the seasoned meat filling is carefully enclosed within.

The baking process requires precise temperature control and a special glaze, resulting in a golden, crisp pastry with an irresistible aroma.

Unique appeal of Shanghai Su Bing

The finished Su Bing is plump and round, with a light yellow edge and a flat, unburnt bottom. Its layers are fine and even. Each bite reveals a perfect blend of crispy crust and juicy filling. Moreover, it retains its freshly baked crispness and flavor even after reheating the next day.

Where to find Shanghai Su Bing

To taste this exquisite pastry, visit the Jin Jiang Tower Shanghai. The hotel offers online orders with in-store pickup, priced at 68 yuan ($9.56) for a box of eight. This promotion lasts until Dec 31, 2025.

Hotel address: No 161 Changle Road, Huangpu district

Online store: Search for the "上海新锦江大酒店 (Jin Jiang Tower Shanghai)" service account on WeChat and click on the "非遗上海酥饼 (Intangible Cultural Heritage Shanghai Su Bing)" option to access the online store and purchase the Su Bing.

Sources: Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, Jin Jiang Tower Shanghai