Chongqing Brown Sugar Rice Jelly: A Refreshing Summer Treat(红糖凉糕)

Dear travelers, visiting Chongqing in summer? Don’t miss Brown Sugar Rice Jelly!
This cool dessert is perfect for beating heat and enjoying street food.

1. Origin History

Brown Sugar Rice Jelly originated in Sichuan-Chongqing during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Created as a clever way for locals to cool down and stay hydrated in hot weather.

2. Cultural Significance

Known as the “King of Summer Street Desserts,” it’s a summer memory for locals.
Represents simple, direct happiness and Chongqing’s street food culture.

3. Ingredients & Flavor

Main ingredient: rice slurry made from long-grain rice.
The soul: handmade thick brown sugar syrup.
The finished jelly is pure white, topped with amber syrup, visually refreshing.

4. Preparation Method

Soak rice overnight, grind into fine slurry, filter, and mix with a little lime water.
Cook on low heat, stir until thick, pour into bowls, and let cool.
Simmer brown sugar with water until thick; pour over jelly before serving.

5. Taste & Texture

Cold, silky, melts in your mouth.
Light rice aroma with sweet brown sugar that’s not cloying.
Refreshing, smooth, and soothing on a hot day.

6. How to Eat

Best served chilled, eat with a small spoon.
Perfect for relieving heat or cleansing the palate after spicy meals.

7. Where to Try

Available at Chongqing night markets, snack streets, and traditional hotpot restaurants.
Recommended: “Dongzi Zeng Laoyao Fish Restaurant” or “Old Street Rice Cake.”
Price: around 5–10 RMB per serving.
Order by saying “one Brown Sugar Rice Jelly.”

8. Tourist Tips

English names: “Brown Sugar Rice Jelly” or “Chongqing Rice Cake.”
It’s a non-spicy dessert, suitable for everyone.
Pairs perfectly with hotpot or spicy street food.

Traditional Preparation Method

• Soak long-grain rice overnight, drain, grind into fine slurry.
• Filter slurry, add a little lime water, mix well.
• Cook on low heat, stir until thick, pour into bowls, let set in fridge.
• Boil brown sugar with water until thick, let cool.
• Serve jelly inverted in a bowl, pour over brown sugar syrup.

This pure white, sweet, and soothing dessert is more than a taste—it’s a summer ritual in Chongqing.
When walking Chongqing’s hot streets, find a small shop and enjoy this icy treat.
It will become one of your most unexpected, gentle memories of Chinese cuisine!