Geji Braised Pancake

Geji Braised Pancake

　　Geji Braised Pancake is made by braising pancakes with specially prepared cask meat and vegetables. The pancake is a flaky layered flatbread made from soft dough, which is cooked, cooled, then cut into stick-like strips for later use. The cask meat is made from skin-on pork belly, cut into two-centimeter cubes. The meat is first boiled in water to remove scum and impurities, then fished out and placed in a cask. A generous mix of eight spices is added, along with fermented tofu, then topped with meat broth and sealed. After boiling over high heat, it is simmered over low heat until fully tender.

　　When braising the pancake, vegetables are placed at the bottom of the pot, followed by pancake strips and cask meat. A bit of broth is added and simmered briefly to finish. In addition to mung bean sprouts, more seasonal vegetables are used as sides, such as garlic shoots, bok choy, flowering Chinese cabbage, and water bamboo. The broth used for braising includes not only pork broth but also chicken broth and duck bone broth.

　　In 1926, the first-generation inheritor of Geji Braised Pancake came from Beijing to Zhengzhou, opening a shop under the "Ge" brand near the train station. The business later moved to Qiaojiamen, Dunmu Road, Dehua Street, and Xitai Kang Road in Zhengzhou. In 1994, a flagship store was established on Datong Road, named Geji Braised Pancake Flagship Store. On this basis, three chain stores were opened on Zhongyuan Road, Chengdong Road, and Wenhua Palace Road. In 2002, the third-generation inheritors, Ge Yongzhi and Ge Suyun, opened an independently operated branch on Gongren Road. It moved to Funiu Road in 2004, and in 2005, another chain store was added on Huanghe Road.

　　In 1995, Geji Braised Pancake won the title of “Famous Snack of Central Plains” at the 4th Zhengzhou Food Festival. In December 1997, it was awarded the honor of “Chinese Famous Snack” at the first national famous snack recognition event in Hangzhou.

　　The pancakes of Geji Braised Pancake are exquisitely made, fragrant, soft, and slightly sweet. The meat, selected from pork belly, is cut into half-inch cubes. With carefully chosen eight spices, a unique formula, proper water content, and precise heat control, the meat is simmered to tenderness in the cask. Once ready, it is served in the opened cask, offering a rich flavor that isn’t greasy. It enjoys widespread fame as a renowned snack of the Central Plains.

　　Geji Braised Pancake is a unique gem within the social dining culture of northern China. It holds significant reference value for studying the culinary customs and commercial culture of North China’s diet, and has made a distinct contribution to the diversity of Chinese cooking techniques, showcasing notable commercial value.

　　In 2009, it was included in the Henan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List.