Zhongli scallion pancake is a signature flatbread snack sold at Zhongli's two night markets, Zhongyuan and Zhongli, rolled and fried to order with a crispy exterior, soft interior, and generous scallions. Ribao Scallion Pancake at Zhongli Night Market has been operating for nearly 40 years and is a shared memory for longtime market regulars; its low price keeps students coming back daily, making it the most self-explanatory local snack in Zhongli.
Ribao Scallion Pancake at Zhongli Night Market (Zhongyang West Road Section 2, No. 132) has been in business for nearly 40 years.
What is scallion pancake
Taiwanese-style scallion pancake (cong you bing) uses medium-gluten flour mixed with hot water for a scalded dough, which is kneaded smooth and divided into portions. Each portion is rolled thin, spread with a generous amount of fresh minced green onion, brushed with lard or vegetable oil, then rolled up, flattened, and rolled thin again before being pan-fried in a cast-iron pan with a small amount of oil until golden on both sides. The crust is crispy and layered, the interior is moist and soft, and the green onions soften with heat and turn slightly sweet as their aroma fills the air. The Zhongli old-stall version uses a generous amount of green onion, is rolled and pressed to order, and even thickness is the mark of skill — the dough should be firm and not hollow.
Zhongli is a major commercial and student hub in greater Taoyuan; the student population from Chung Yuan Christian University and National Central University provides a steady customer base for the night markets, allowing affordable staple snacks like scallion pancake to take long-term root here. Appletree Travel Blog and Lite Travel's "Complete Guide to Local Zhongli Street Food" both confirm the current status of Changfa Uncle's Scallion Pancake at Zhongyuan Night Market and Ribao Scallion Pancake at Zhongli Night Market (40-plus years old); the Shi Shang Wan Jia Zhongli Night Market food map also includes them.
How to eat it authentically
Local knowledge
Verified sources
- Lite Travel's "Complete Guide to Local Zhongli Street Food" and Appletree Travel Blog both confirm the current status of Changfa Uncle's Scallion Pancake at Zhongyuan Night Market.
- Ribao Scallion Pancake (Zhongli Night Market), in operation for over 40 years, is included in the Shi Shang Wan Jia Zhongli Night Market food map — an old stall with media documentation.
- Both Zhongli night markets have long-standing scallion pancake stalls, providing cross-verification rather than relying on a single vendor's claims.
Visitor tips
- Zhongyuan Night Market and Zhongli Night Market are at different locations (the former is on Shitou Road in Zhongli District; the latter is on Zhongzheng Road). Do not confuse the two — confirm your destination before navigating.
- Scallion pancake stalls typically accept cash only, although some now support mobile payment. Having small change (NT$100 bills) is still the safe option.
- On weekday evenings (Monday to Thursday), some stalls at Zhongli Night Market do not operate. Ribao Scallion Pancake has a relatively stable schedule; if in doubt, check its current status on Google Maps.
Sources: Appletree Travel Blog field investigation; Lite Travel "Complete Guide to Local Zhongli Street Food"; Shi Shang Wan Jia Zhongli Night Market food map. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Zhongli scallion pancake stall is the oldest?
Ribao Scallion Pancake at Zhongli Night Market has been operating for nearly 40 years and is a shared memory for longtime market regulars.
How many night markets in Zhongli sell scallion pancake?
Zhongli has two night markets — Zhongyuan and Zhongli — and both have long-standing scallion pancake stalls.
What is the authentic way to order it?
Adding an egg is the standard upgrade, cracked in before the pancake finishes cooking for an extra crispy, eggy layer.
Sources
- 中壢觀光夜市美食－日寶蔥油餅｜WalkerLand窩客島 — 田調報導，確認經營年數與地址