Chinese Food Treasure: Guangxi Taro Cake, A Must-Try Snack!

Intro

If you love Chinese food, this Guangxi taro cake is a must-try. Known as a traditional Chinese dish and a favorite in many Asian restaurants, this golden treat represents authentic Chinese cuisine. It is soft inside, crispy outside, and a true symbol of popular Chinese food culture in South China. For travelers exploring Asian cuisine, this dish is a perfect stop between dim sum, street food, and home-style cooking.

1. Origin and History of Taro Cake

This dish comes from rural Guangxi, created by the Zhuang and other ethnic groups. It is tied to harvest celebrations and local festivals, showing the farming wisdom of using ingredients from the land. Taro cake is often called the king of Guangxi dim sum, a classic Chinese dish loved in both small towns and busy cities.

2. Ingredients and Unique Cooking Process

The star ingredient is lipu taro, known for its soft, starchy texture. It is mixed with rice flour, dried shrimp, sausage, and pork belly. The unique “steam then pan-fry” method gives the cake its golden crust and tender heart. This balance of crisp and chewy makes it one of the most famous Chinese dishes served in many Chinese restaurants.

3. Flavor, Eating Style, and Travel Tips

The taste is savory, soft, and fragrant, with a rich taro aroma and smoky sausage flavor. It is often served with Guangxi chili sauce or sweet tomato sauce, making it a traditional Chinese food for breakfast, night markets, or casual snacks. Tourists can find it in nearly every tea house or dim sum shop across Guangxi, usually for just 5–15 RMB. Simply say “One taro cake, please!” and if you like it extra crispy, ask for it “jin heng di” in Cantonese. Its English name is “Taro Cake” or “Steamed Taro Rice Cake”, a safe and tasty choice even for travelers who don’t eat spicy food.

How It’s Made (Cooking at Home)

• Peel and shred taro.
• Fry sausage and dried shrimp until fragrant.
• Mix rice flour with water into a batter.
• Add taro and meats, season with salt.
• Steam for 40 minutes, let cool, then cut into slices.
• Pan-fry until golden, sprinkle with green onion and sesame.

Final Note

Don’t miss this golden, crispy-soft snack when exploring Guangxi. It may not be spicy, but its gentle, savory flavor will win your heart. Taro cake is more than just authentic Chinese food—it’s a taste of South China’s warmth and simplicity.