Shanghai Double-Filled Rice Dumpling – A Soft and Sweet Taste of Shanghai

Walking through the stone alleys of Shanghai’s Shikumen neighborhoods or along the bustling Nanjing Road, you’ll often come across a delicate and lovely glutinous rice dessert — the Double-Filled Rice Dumpling (Shuangniangtuan). Its round, snow-white exterior looks simple, but inside hides a delightful secret: a layer of sweet red bean paste wrapped around rich black sesame filling. With one bite, the softness of glutinous rice and the double-layer sweetness unfold in harmony — a perfect fusion of taste and texture. For travelers exploring Shanghai, tasting this dessert is one of the best ways to understand the city’s refined yet inclusive character.

1. Origin and Heritage

The Double-Filled Rice Dumpling is a traditional Shanghai-style pastry that dates back to the late Qing Dynasty. As Shanghai became a thriving trading port, diverse culinary cultures blended together. Local pastry chefs, eager to satisfy increasingly sophisticated tastes, creatively combined two beloved Jiangnan fillings — sweet red bean paste and aromatic black sesame — into one glutinous rice dumpling. The word “double-filled” (“shuangniang”) literally means “two fillings inside,” symbolizing abundance and happiness. Loved for its rich flavor and auspicious meaning — representing “double blessings” and “sweet harmony” — this dessert quickly became a star item in Shanghai’s pastry shops and remains a symbol of local culinary craftsmanship.

2. Cultural Symbolism

In Shanghai, where attention to detail and symbolism are part of everyday life, the Double-Filled Rice Dumpling is more than just food — it’s a token of good wishes. Its perfectly round shape symbolizes unity and completeness, often served during family gatherings and festive celebrations. The phrase “double-filled” also conveys luck and prosperity. For locals, buying a box of these dumplings from old pastry brands like Shen Da Cheng or Wang Jia Sha is a way to express affection and respect when visiting family or friends. Tasting this sweet treat is like savoring the warmth, nostalgia, and refined humanity that define Shanghai’s cultural soul.

3. Ingredients and Craftsmanship

A perfect Double-Filled Rice Dumpling depends on premium ingredients and meticulous handcraft. The outer layer is made from glutinous rice flour, ideally water-milled rice flour for a smoother, chewier texture. The ratio of water to flour must be precise to ensure softness without stickiness. The two fillings are the heart of the dessert:

• Red bean paste is made from high-quality adzuki beans, slowly cooked until smooth and just sweet enough.
• Black sesame filling is created by toasting sesame seeds, grinding them into fine powder, and mixing with lard (or butter) and sugar for a nutty, rich aroma.

Together, the red and black fillings form a delicious contrast — light and fragrant meets deep and nutty — achieving perfect balance.

4. Flavor and Texture

Tasting the Double-Filled Rice Dumpling is a delightful journey. The first impression is the glossy, white, almost translucent rice skin. Bite gently, and you’ll first taste the soft sweetness of red bean paste. As you go deeper, the roasted black sesame aroma blooms, adding warmth and richness. The chewy rice, smooth bean paste, and creamy sesame filling combine into a layered, sweet-but-not-greasy harmony. Each bite feels like a soft melody playing on your tongue — this complexity of flavor is exactly why it has remained beloved for generations.

5. How to Enjoy

For the best experience, enjoy the dumpling fresh — ideally made and eaten on the same day. Pair it with a cup of Longjing (Dragon Well) or Jasmine tea, whose subtle bitterness balances the dessert’s sweetness beautifully. Because of its soft, sticky texture, it’s best eaten with chopsticks or a small spoon. Take small bites to savor how the two fillings melt together. Visitors new to Shanghai can easily find authentic versions at reputable pastry shops and historic bakeries.

6. Where to Find the Best Double-Filled Rice Dumpling in Shanghai

To taste the most authentic version, visit Shanghai’s famous old pastry shops. Shen Da Cheng on East Nanjing Road is a top choice — their dumplings have thin skins and generous fillings. Wang Jia Sha on South Shaanxi Road is another time-honored name, known for traditional craftsmanship and rich flavors. You can also try the Hongkou Pastry Factory for an affordable local favorite. Be prepared to queue — these shops are always busy! Remember to check freshness and enjoy within the same day.

7. Simple Homemade Recipe

Can’t forget the taste after your trip? Try a simplified homemade version!
Ingredients: glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, black sesame powder, sugar, and lard (or butter).
Steps:

1. Mix warm water with rice flour into a smooth dough.
2. Combine black sesame powder, sugar, and softened lard into a paste.
3. Take a piece of dough and flatten it. Wrap in a small ball of red bean paste, seal and round it.
4. Flatten slightly and wrap again with black sesame paste. Seal carefully.
5. Steam for 10–15 minutes until soft and glossy.

While not as refined as the traditional version, it’s a fun and satisfying way to relive the taste of Shanghai at home.

8. A Sweet Taste of Shanghai’s Soul

Each small Double-Filled Rice Dumpling embodies Shanghai’s century-old culinary wisdom and aesthetic of life. Using the simplest ingredients, it creates a multi-layered flavor experience that captures the city’s warmth, refinement, and creativity. On your next trip to Shanghai, beyond the Bund and Lujiazui skyline, step into a local pastry shop and taste this soft, sweet delicacy. Let this “double sweetness” become a warm, authentic memory of your Shanghai journey.