Wheel Pie, also known as Wheel Cake (Chinese: 車輪餅; pinyin: chēlún bǐng), is a popular Taiwanese dessert that consists of a round, pancake-like pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings. It is commonly found in night markets, street stalls, and bakeries throughout Taiwan. The dessert is named for its round, wheel-like shape, which resembles the spokes of a wheel.[1]
Wheel pies are believed to have originated from the Japanese dessert Imagawayaki (今川焼き), which was introduced to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era (1895–1945). While influenced by its Japanese counterpart, wheel pies have since evolved to include distinctly Taiwanese flavours and adaptations, setting them apart from Imagawayaki. The dessert has become a staple snack enjoyed by people of all ages in Taiwan.[12]
Although wheel pies share similarities with the Japanese Imagawayaki, they have developed distinct characteristics that reflect Taiwanese culinary culture. Taiwanese wheel pies are often smaller in size, and feature a wider variety of fillings, including both sweet and savory options, which are less common in Japan.[13] Additionally, Taiwanese vendors frequently experiment with modern flavors, such as matcha, salted egg yolk custard, and mochi, making wheel pies a more versatile snack. The cooking methods and batter recipes may also differ slightly, with Taiwanese versions favoring softer and fluffier textures compared to the denser Japanese Imagawayaki.[14][15]
Preparation
Wheel pies are made using a pancake batter poured into a circular mold on a specialized griddle. The batter is cooked until it forms a golden-brown shell. A generous amount of filling is added to the center, and another layer of batter is poured on top before the two halves are sealed together. The result is a fluffy, round pastry with a rich filling.[16]
Common Fillings
Sweet Fillings
Red Bean Paste (紅豆泥): A traditional and most popular filling made from sweetened adzuki beans.
Custard Cream (卡士達醬): A creamy, sweet custard that provides a smooth texture.
Chocolate (巧克力): A rich, sweet filling often favored by children.
Peanut Butter (花生醬): A nutty, savory-sweet filling.[17]
Taro Paste (芋頭泥): A filling made from mashed taro, offering a mildly sweet and earthy flavor.
Savory Fillings
Cheese and Corn (起司玉米): A popular variation with melted cheese and corn kernels.
Ham and Cheese (火腿起司): A fusion option that blends Western flavors.
Vegetable Curry (蔬菜咖喱): A spiced option with a savory curry taste.
Modern interpretations of wheel pies include innovative fillings such as matcha, mochi, salted egg yolk custard, Earl Grey milk tea[18]. Some vendors also create themed designs for holidays, incorporating unique shapes or decorations.[19]
