Joanna James
In China, desserts are quite different. Instead of puddings and cakes, you will be treated to pumpkin pancakes, egg tarts, red bean buns, and other, rather exotic treats. Sounds divine? Do read on to discover the most popular Chinese desserts to feast on.
This dessert has its origins in the Han Dynasty. It is more than a tasty dessert, as its creation is considered a work of art. This typical Chinese dessert is very similar to candy floss and is prepared the same way with spun sugar. You will find the sweet being sold at roadside kiosks. But mind you, it gets stickier the more it's exposed.
Egg tarts are a huge hit in Macau, owing to the Portuguese influence in the area. And egg tart mania is now well established in mainland China, too, with many a place offering the popular dessert. The flaky pastry shell filled with creamy yellow egg custard is, today, one of the nation's top desserts, and you can taste its variants anywhere.
Zenggao or sticky rice and date cake is a popular dessert in the heritage city of Xi An. One of the popular foods served at the eat streets there, you can savour this dessert when exploring the cities many attractions, such as the Terracotta Army. When visiting Xi An, look for Xi An China hotels located within easy distance of attractions and the city's popular eat streets. Popular options like Grand Park Xian are centrally located from where you can easily set off on a foodie tour. And Zenggao is a definite must-try. Made with beans, dates, and sticky rice, the super-sweet dish is quite satisfying. It is most popular in the Huiminjie District of Xi An.
Red beans are an important ingredient in most Chinese desserts. And indeed, it is very tasty. Often present as a red bean paste or filling, it is the Chinese version of chocolate. Steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste are found across the country.
This is China's version of toffee apples. The candied fruit on sticks are crab apples dipped in thick sugar syrup. Often sold at the street food markets, this dessert on a stick is even made with dried grapes and kiwi fruit.
A favoured winter season dessert, pumpkin pancakes are made with sugar, flour, and of course pumpkin. The dough is deep-fried and even at times coated in sesame seeds. Sichuan restaurants are the most popular places to serve these pancakes, which are extremely sweet and perfect to satisfy the serious sweet tooth
China seems to have found an even better way to enjoy what is probably the most popular and controversial fruit in Asia. The infamous aroma of the fruit is just a disguise for its rich flavour, which is enhanced more when the flesh of the fruit is dipped in batter and deep-fried.
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