蜂蜜麻糖The Golden Sweet of Northern China: Honey Sesame Candy — A Crunchy Work of Art

Dear travelers, if you’ve already explored the fiery world of Sichuan dishes like Twice-Cooked Pork, it’s time to discover a completely different kind of delight — Honey Sesame Candy (蜂蜜麻糖, Fēngmì Mátáng)!

This traditional specialty from Tangshan, Hebei Province, has been treasured for centuries thanks to its golden, translucent glow and crisp, sweet flavor. Imagine strolling through the old lanes of a northern Chinese town, sunlight glimmering on sugar syrup like amber, and each bite of this candy tasting like an edible piece of art. It’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes!

1. Origins and History

Honey Sesame Candy dates back over 400 years to the Ming Dynasty (around 1577). It was first created in Qishuzhuang Village of Fengrun County by the Zhang family and was originally called “Honey Layered Candy.” The recipe was a brilliant invention: combining the natural preservative power of honey with premium local sesame seeds, people created a sweet that could be stored for a long time yet stayed delicious. In times when resources were limited, it became a treasured treat for festivals and celebrations.

2. Cultural Significance

In northern China, this candy is known as the “Messenger of Sweetness.” It’s not only a beloved snack but also a popular gift for friends and family, symbolizing happiness and sweet life. During festivals like Spring Festival or weddings, it’s considered essential — as the saying goes in Tangshan: “No Honey Sesame Candy, no proper gift.” In 2013, its traditional making technique was listed as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Hebei.

3. Ingredients

The ingredients are carefully chosen: high-quality honey, refined white sugar, fine flour, and plump sesame seeds. The type of honey is especially important, often jujube flower honey or Vitex honey, known for their clear color and rich aroma. The finished candy is pale yellow, layered like delicate wings, and shines like crystal. The perfect Honey Sesame Candy must be bright, thin, crisp, and fragrant — translucent under light, no thicker than a sheet of paper, shattering in your mouth with lingering fragrance.

4. Crafting Process

Making Honey Sesame Candy is a true handmade art requiring great skill. The process involves 12 precise steps. First, honey and sugar are boiled into syrup at around 160°C. Then comes the dramatic “sugar pulling” — masters stretch and fold the syrup repeatedly, creating thousands of paper-thin layers. Roasted sesame is sprinkled in, and finally, the sheets are cut into shape. Timing and temperature are critical — even the smallest mistake can ruin its crisp texture.

5. Flavor and Texture

The experience is unforgettable: the candy shatters crisply at first bite, then melts instantly on your tongue. Honey’s sweetness blends perfectly with sesame’s nutty aroma. Each delicate layer makes a light crackling sound as it breaks, leaving you with a taste that is sweet but never cloying, rich but not heavy. It’s the kind of treat that makes you reach for piece after piece without realizing it.

6. How to Enjoy

The best pairing is with Chinese tea, especially Longjing or Jasmine tea — their floral fragrance balances the sweetness beautifully. It’s also perfect as an afternoon tea snack. Since the candy is very moisture-sensitive, it’s best eaten quickly after opening to enjoy its crispness at its peak.

7. Where to Try It

In Tangshan, nearly every traditional pastry shop sells Honey Sesame Candy. For the most authentic experience, visit time-honored brands like Xinxin Matang or Jiumeizhai, which still preserve the classic methods. Prices are very affordable, usually 20–40 RMB per jin (about $3–6 USD). Simply ask, “Lái yī jīn fēngmì mátáng” (来一斤蜂蜜麻糖, “One jin of Honey Sesame Candy”), and the shopkeeper will know exactly what you want. For maximum freshness, ask if they have candies made that very day.

8. Traveler Tips

Its English name is “Chinese Honey Sesame Candy.” Because it’s fragile and easy to break, make sure to choose well-packaged boxes for travel. This is a must-try for anyone who loves sweets, especially dessert lovers. However, since it’s high in sugar, diabetics should enjoy it in moderation.

Easy Home Recipe

Want to try making it yourself? Here’s a simplified version:

• Heat 100g honey with 50g sugar and a spoon of water over low heat until about 130°C (test by dropping a little syrup into cold water — it should harden instantly).
• Stir in roasted sesame quickly, pour into an oiled tray, flatten, and cut while warm.

Though you won’t get the traditional thousand-layer effect, you’ll still capture the sweet essence of this northern Chinese treat.

Final Thoughts

Honey Sesame Candy is more than just food — it’s a living fossil of Chinese craftsmanship. Every thin, golden shard represents the dedication of artisans who’ve passed down their skills for generations. When you travel to northern China, don’t miss this golden delight. Let its crisp sweetness become one of your sweetest memories of Chinese cuisine — a gift from the East that your taste buds will never forget.