Beijing Delights: Sugar Rolled Fruit, Must-Try Chinese Snack!
Hey food explorers! Visiting Beijing? Besides the famous Peking Duck, don’t miss another must-try traditional Chinese dish: Sugar Rolled Fruit. This classic Beijing snack is a hidden treasure and a true example of authentic Chinese cuisine.
1. Origins & History
Sugar Rolled Fruit has a long history. It comes from Beijing’s Hui community, reflecting traditional culinary wisdom. Originally a homemade festive treat, it became a popular Chinese dish for everyday enjoyment.
2. Cultural Significance
This famous Chinese dish is more than food—it’s a cultural experience. It represents luck and health and holds the simple, homey flavors remembered by locals. It’s truly a gem among Asian snacks.
3. Key Ingredients
The main ingredients are special: yam and red dates, rich in nutrients and health benefits. Extras like sesame and green plums add flavor. Coated in a glossy sugar layer, it’s incredibly inviting and perfect for vegetarians looking for authentic Chinese food.
4. How It’s Made
The preparation is unique. First, steam the yam and red dates, mash them together, and shape into rolls. The crucial step is “coating with syrup,” giving the dessert its sweet shine and the name Sugar Rolled Fruit.
5. Taste & Texture
Get ready for a flavor explosion! The outer layer is slightly crisp and sweet, while the inside is soft and chewy. The yam’s creaminess blends perfectly with the red dates’ sweetness. It’s rich but never overwhelming, making it a satisfying traditional Chinese snack.
6. How to Enjoy
Enjoy it as a dessert or with afternoon tea. Pair it with fragrant Chinese tea, like jasmine, for the perfect combination. The tea balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of this popular Chinese dish.
7. Where to Try
In Beijing, you can find it at local halal restaurants or traditional snack shops like Huguo Temple Snacks. It’s affordable, costing about 15–25 RMB per portion. Simply order “Sugar Rolled Fruit,” and you’re good to go!
8. Visitor Tips
In English, it’s called Beijing Sugar Rolled Fruit or Sweet Potato and Date Rolls. Sweet lovers will adore this treat, but share it if you prefer milder sweetness.
9. Traditional Recipe
Steam and mash yam and pitted red dates. Mix with a little flour, roll into long cylinders, steam to set, then slice thickly. Fry until golden and crisp. Finally, coat with thick sugar syrup and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
So, be adventurous! Add this unique Beijing snack to your China food tour. Visit Huguo Temple Snacks for multiple authentic Chinese dishes. With 30–50 RMB per person, you can enjoy a delicious experience, and the Sugar Rolled Fruit is both affordable and authentic.
