Ai Wo Wo – Classic Halal Glutinous Rice Dessert from Beijing

Shaped like a tiny snowball with a red fruit topping, Ai Wo Wo is one of Beijing’s oldest imperial desserts. Break open its soft, chewy skin and you’ll find sweet red bean paste inside. Light, refreshing, and mildly sweet, it’s a traditional treat Beijingers have enjoyed for centuries.

1. Origin and History

Ai Wo Wo dates back to the Ming Dynasty, where it was called “Imperial Ai Wo Wo” and loved by emperors. It later spread to the public during the Qing Dynasty and became a signature snack in halal teahouses. Its pure white shape symbolizes reunion and happiness, making it a must-eat for Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival.

2. Cultural Significance

To old Beijingers, Ai Wo Wo represents sweetness and family unity. Elders would tell children, “Eat one and stay together as a family.” Among halal desserts, Ai Wo Wo is considered a special treat for guests, reflecting Beijing’s multicultural food culture.

3. Key Ingredients

Made with high-quality glutinous rice from northeastern China, soaked and steamed for a soft, chewy texture. The red bean paste uses Hebei red beans, hand-stirred with osmanthus sugar for fragrance. The outer coating is made with Thai glutinous rice flour, fine and snow-white, melting in the mouth.

4. How It’s Made

The steamed glutinous rice is pounded until smooth, filled with bean paste, and rolled into balls. Each is coated in white rice flour and topped with a small piece of candied plum or hawthorn for a red accent — like a red blossom on snow.

5. Flavor and Texture

The outer layer is cool and powdery, the rice skin soft and chewy, and the bean paste sweet and smooth. Osmanthus aroma balances the sweetness, making it light and refreshing — perfect for spring and summer.

6. How to Eat

Best eaten with a bamboo skewer to keep the flour intact. Pair with jasmine or green tea. Chilled Ai Wo Wo tastes even better, offering a stronger cooling effect — an ideal summer dessert.

7. Where to Try

The most authentic places in Beijing: Huguosi Snacks, Daoxiangcun (gift boxes), Baiji Rice Cake (made fresh), and Niujie Halal Supermarket. Prices are about 3–5 RMB per piece or 25–40 RMB per box. Choose fresh-made ones for the best texture.

8. Travel Tips

The English name is Ai Wo Wo. Best enjoyed in spring and summer. It’s vegetarian, containing no animal products. Can be stored at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for 3 days — no reheating needed.

9. Easy Home Version

You can make it at home by steaming glutinous rice flour, filling it with store-bought bean paste, and rolling it in cooked rice flour. It’s simpler than the traditional version but still a fun way to try this Beijing dessert.

Let this little snowball of sweetness bring you a taste of Beijing’s gentle charm. When you bite through the white skin and see the red bean center, you’ll experience a bite of edible art. Don’t forget to enjoy it with tea for the full imperial dessert experience!