Sweet Rolls with Chinese Yam: Beijing’s Golden Halal Dessert(糖卷果)

1. Origin and History

Sweet Rolls with Chinese Yam come from Beijing’s Halal court snacks.
Created by Hui chefs in Ming and Qing dynasties.
Originally made for religious festivals.
It combines imperial elegance with folk wisdom.

2. Cultural Significance

Known as the “King of Beijing Vegetarian Sweets.”
A classic dessert for Ramadan feasts.
Symbolizes good luck, completeness, and Halal culinary creativity.
A must-try for food lovers exploring Beijing culture.

3. Ingredients and Flavor

Main ingredients: mashed Chinese yam and pitted, shredded red dates.
Added green plums and walnuts enhance fruity and nutty aroma.
Coated in glossy sugar and sprinkled with sesame.
Golden bar shape, crispy outside, soft and warm inside.

4. Cooking Method

Unique “steam-and-fry” technique.
Yam-date mixture steamed, shaped, and cut into strips.
Fried until golden and crispy.
Finished with hot sugar syrup and sesame seeds.

5. Taste Experience

Sugar coating cracks delightfully when bitten.
Inside is soft, warm, slightly sweet with a hint of sour plum.
Walnuts add nutty fragrance.
Sweet but not greasy, perfect for afternoon tea.

6. How to Eat

Best served warm with jasmine tea.
Found in Niu Street Halal snack shops or old Beijing restaurants.
Popular 2025 stores: Hongji Snack Shop, Jubao Yuan.
Order saying “one Sweet Roll with Chinese Yam,” reduced sugar optional.

7. Tips for Tourists

English names: “Sweet Rolls with Chinese Yam” or “Beijing Date Rolls.”
Suitable for vegetarians and dessert lovers.
Do not eat cold; rolls harden after cooling.

8. Homemade Recipe

Steam yam, mash into paste.
Pit and shred red dates. Mix with chopped green plums and walnuts.
Add a little flour, knead into dough. Steam 20 minutes to set.
Cut into strips, fry until golden.
Boil sugar to syrup, coat rolls quickly, sprinkle toasted sesame.

This sesame-covered golden dessert is Beijing’s sweet gift to the world.
Bite in, hear the crack, and let yam and dates melt on your tongue.
It’s a delightful surprise on any China food list!