Sweet Encounter in Chongqing: Rice Wine Soup with Glutinous Rice Balls(醪糟汤圆)

1. Origin and History

Rice wine, or “Laozao,” has been made in China for thousands of years.
Combining it with rice balls became popular in Chongqing households.
This tradition shows local wisdom in using fermentation for flavor.
In cold winters, a hot bowl warms body and soul.

2. Cultural Meaning

This dessert symbolizes reunion and happiness.
It is essential during festivals like Spring Festival and Lantern Festival.
Families share it as a symbol of warmth and togetherness.

3. Ingredients and Features

The star is chewy handmade glutinous rice balls.
The soul is fermented rice wine, sweet with a mild aroma.
Goji berries and egg flowers often add extra flavor and color.

4. Cooking Process

Boil water, drop in rice balls, and cook until floating.
Add rice wine and rock sugar, then stir gently.
Pour in beaten eggs to create soft egg flowers.
The dish is ready to serve warm.

5. Flavor and Texture

The soup is sweet, smooth, and lightly aromatic.
The rice balls are soft and pleasantly chewy.
A hint of rice wine adds gentle warmth.
It feels comforting and never too heavy.

6. How to Enjoy

Often served as dessert or afternoon treat.
It perfectly balances spicy meals like hotpot or Sichuan dishes.
One bowl cools down fiery taste buds instantly.

7. Where to Try

Found everywhere in Chongqing, from street stalls to fine restaurants.
A bowl costs about 8–15 RMB, budget-friendly and tasty.
Simply order by saying “Laozao Tangyuan, please.”
Famous hotpot restaurants also list it as a dessert.
Try it after hotpot—it’s the perfect ending.

8. Travel Tips

In English, it’s called “Chongqing Sweet Rice Ball Soup” or “Fermented Rice Balls.”
It contains trace alcohol, but most evaporates while cooking.
Safe even for those sensitive to alcohol.

9. Easy Recipe at Home

Boil water and add frozen rice balls.
Cook until floating, then add rice wine and sugar.
Bring to boil, pour beaten eggs along the side.
Add a few goji berries and simmer briefly.
Serve hot and enjoy its gentle sweetness.

👉 Dear traveler, don’t miss this sweet treasure of Chongqing.
It may not be fiery like hotpot, but it’s deeply comforting.
Add it to your food list and taste its gentle charm.