Cantonese Cuisine: Hakka Grass Jelly (Xian Ren Ban)
Hakka Grass Jelly, also known as Xian Ren Ban, is a refreshing traditional dessert from Guangdong. Made from simmered mesona (grass jelly herb), this black, jelly-like sweet treat is smooth, springy, and cooling. Served with honey or syrup, it’s one of the most popular natural summer desserts in Cantonese cuisine, perfect for quenching thirst and beating the heat.
1. Origin and History
Hakka Grass Jelly originated in Meizhou, Guangdong, where the Hakka people crafted it using wild mesona plants found in the mountains. With a history of several hundred years, it reflects the Hakka’s wisdom in adapting to nature and their knowledge of combining food and herbal remedies.
2. Cultural Significance
Praised as the “Hakka cooling treasure,” this dessert is an essential summer delicacy. It symbolizes the Hakka food philosophy of “medicine and food from the same source”, blending health benefits with culinary enjoyment.
3. Ingredients and Features
The main ingredient is mesona (grass jelly herb). Tapioca starch is added for texture, and honey or sugar syrup is the perfect topping. The final product is dark green to black in color, crystal-clear, and beautifully smooth.
4. Making Process
The unique “boil and condense” method involves simmering mesona leaves for hours until they release their natural gelatin. The liquid is filtered, mixed with starch, and left to cool naturally until it solidifies. Entirely additive-free, it is a pure, natural dessert.
5. Flavor and Texture
The jelly is cool, slippery, and melts in the mouth, with a gentle herbal aroma. Paired with honey or syrup, it is sweet yet light, leaving a refreshing aftertaste that’s perfect for hot summer days.
6. How to Eat It
The best way to enjoy Grass Jelly is chilled, topped with honey or sugar water. It can also be served with diced fruit for extra freshness. This makes it a favorite afternoon summer snack for both locals and travelers.
7. Where to Try It
You can find Hakka Grass Jelly at dessert shops and night markets throughout Meizhou and other Hakka regions. Specialized stores offering “Hakka Grass Jelly” usually sell it for around 5–10 RMB per serving. When ordering, you can say “one bowl of Xian Ren Ban” and choose extras like honey or condensed milk.
8. Travel Tips
In English, this dessert is known as “Grass Jelly” or “Hakka Herbal Jelly.” It’s a completely natural sweet, perfect for those who enjoy light, cooling desserts.
9. Easy Homemade Version
At home, you can make a simple version by boiling mesona powder with water, pouring it into molds, and chilling for 2 hours. Serve with honey or syrup for a healthy, refreshing treat.
Don’t miss a bowl of this cooling Hakka Grass Jelly! More than just a dessert, it’s a refreshing cultural experience that brings together the flavors of Guangdong and the wisdom of Hakka cuisine. Add it to your Chinese dessert bucket list for a delightful summer surprise!
