Andrea AbbondanzaWhen it comes to Chinese cuisine, most people immediately think of savory dishes like noodles and dumplings. But China is also known for its delectable, mouth-watering desserts — calling out the sweet-tooth community!
So what are the most famous Chinese desserts? From sweet pastries to refreshing shaved ice, we’ll take a look at the top five most famous traditional Chinese desserts. So, let’s dive in!
5 Chinese Desserts Worth Trying
What are the most famous Chinese desserts? Here are our picks, from the classic mooncake to soft mung bean cake!
Mooncake
Have you ever tried a mooncake? It’s a super popular Chinese pastry typically eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The pastry is round and can be filled with all kinds of sweet and savory fillings like lotus seed paste, sweet red bean paste, or even egg yolks. Some people even say the pastry symbolizes the full moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Tong Sui
Tong sui is a type of Chinese sweet soup dessert. This dessert soup can be made with various ingredients like beans, fruits, and even fungi.
It’s the perfect treat to warm you up on a cold day or to satisfy your sweet tooth after a meal. Plus, there are various flavors to choose from, so you’ll surely find one you love.
Dragon’s Beard Candy
Dragon’s Beard Candy is a popular candy from China that has been around since the Han Dynasty. It is created by stretching a combination of sugar and maltose syrup into thin strands that resemble a dragon’s hair.
After that, different sweet fillings like nuts and coconut are added before the candy is rolled into bite-sized portions — it’s sweet and tasty!
Red Bean Soup
Red bean soup is a traditional, rich, and slightly sweet dessert made from azuki beans, which are small red beans cooked in water with sugar and served hot or cold.
In traditional Chinese medicine, red bean soup is considered to have a cooling effect on the body and is often consumed cold during the summer and hot during winter.
Mung Bean Cake
Mung bean cake is a type of traditional Chinese dessert made from ground mung beans, sugar, and coconut milk. It is a popular Asian sweet dish known for its spongy texture and slightly nutty flavor.
It is often served during celebrations, such as weddings and festivals. It can also be found in Asian bakeries and dessert shops. Overall, mung bean cake is a delicious and unique dessert that is definitely worth trying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Chinese cake?
The most popular Chinese cake is the mooncake. It is a traditional sweet treat eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated in China and other Asian countries.
What is the Chinese favorite dessert taken after dinner?
In traditional Chinese cuisine, a popular dessert enjoyed after dinner is called tong sui. Tong sui is a sweet soup often made with various ingredients, such as beans, taro, and sweet potato. It can be served both hot and cold, depending on the season and preference.
Is mochi a Chinese dessert?
Yes. In the Western world, mochi is commonly known as a Japanese dessert. However, mochi actually originated in China and was brought to Japan in the 8th century.
Conclusion
After exploring some of the most popular Chinese desserts around, we can conclude that these recipes and treats are interesting and delicious and an important part of China’s vibrant culture. Whether you choose sweet mooncakes or comforting sweet bean soup, there’s something for everyone.
Chinese desserts and popular Chinese foods are a great way to explore a new culture, experience a variety of flavors, or just treat yourself to something special. Now that you know about these incredibly delicious desserts, why not try them now?
