Instant-Hit Chinese Street Food Hatch Secures Market Stall in Spitalfields

Pleasant Lady Jian Bing Trading Stall, the small street-side hatch on Greek Street in Soho has confirmed that it will open a second site — at The Kitchens, in Old Spitalfields Makret in east London. Founder and chef Z He serves traditional Chinese-style crepes; the kiosk has proved an instant hit, having only opened in mid-April. The new site will open on Monday 11 June and for three days — presumably in a bid to attract the market’s longest queue — will offer jian bing for £1.

Jian bing is a a thin crispy pancake — covered in a mixture of egg, fermented bean paste, chilli oil, herbs and protein — folded up and eaten immediately, traditionally for breakfast. A restorative and fortifying Chinese streetfood that is sometimes compared to a burrito or savoury crepe. Fillings offered by He include: Iberico char siu pork, cumin-spiced lamb or grilled miso chicken.

He, who also launched Bun House and Tea Room on Greek Street last year with husband Alex Peffly, said: “Old Spitalfields Market is the perfect east London home for Pleasant Lady Trading Stall. The spirit of the market is a great match for our jian bing, which is designed to be eaten on the go. It will be exciting to bring a much-loved taste of my childhood in Canton to the hustle and bustle of east London.”

The Kitchens in Spitalfields launched last autumn, curated by the celebrated Portuguese chef Nuno Mendes. It is a collection of street food stands and semi-permanent restaurant hatches, and includes a number of cult and favourite London-based brands, including Dumpling Shack, Monty’s Deli, Taberna do Mercado, Berber & Q - Shawarma Bar and Lahpet.

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