Cantonese desserts, often referred to as “tong sui” (sweet water), are a hallmark of Guangzhou’s culinary scene. These Cantonese dishes are typically light, mildly sweet, and are often believed to have health benefits according to traditional Chinese medicine.
Read on to find out the 9 must-try Cantonese desserts in Guangzhou.
1. Milk Pudding 双皮奶
A traditional Cantonese dessert made from milk, egg whites, and sugar. It involves a special technique of forming a “skin” on the heated milk, resulting in a pudding-like texture.
2. Black Sesame Soup 芝麻糊
A rich, smooth sweet soup made from ground black sesame seeds. It is often slowly cooked until it forms a thick, creamy consistency.
3. Red Bean Soup 红豆沙
This hearty dessert is rich in protein and fiber and is believed to aid in reducing bloating after a large meal. Its name comes from its slightly sandy texture.
4. Green Bean Soup 绿豆沙
This dessert is similar to red bean soup but is made with mung beans instead of adzuki beans. In traditional Chinese food therapy, it’s considered a “cooling” dessert, perfect for summer. It’s believed to help detoxify the body and lower blood pressure.
5. Mango Pudding With Sago And Pomelo 杨枝甘露
This dessert is a favorite among children, featuring fresh mango, pomelo, and chewy sago. For an extra touch, you can add a dollop of evaporated milk over creamy pudding set in a cup or glass.
6. Grass Jelly 凉粉
If you’re looking for a refreshing summer treat, don’t miss out on grass jelly. Made by boiling the stalks of the Platostoma palustre plant and cooling them to a jelly-like consistency, it’s often served with fruit, nata de coco, sweetened red beans, and coconut milk. Its mild and slightly bitter flavor adds a unique twist to the dessert.
7. Black Glutinous Rice With Coconut Milk 椰汁紫米露
Black glutinous rice, also known as “purple sticky rice,” is cooked and typically served cold. These soft and chewy treats are filled with black sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanut paste, and then wrapped in glutinous rice flour.
8. Papaya Snow Fungus Sweet Soup 木瓜雪耳糖水
Papaya snow fungus sweet soup blends snow fungus, Chinese sweet almonds, and lily bulbs with ingredients like papaya, red jujube, or longan. This results in a harmonious and soothing sweet soup that enhances skin complexion and elasticity, while also promoting lung and respiratory health.
9. Tofu Pudding 豆腐花
This dessert features a velvety smooth pudding made from tofu, soy milk, and gypsum flour, often prepared in a wooden bucket. To add sweetness, ginger syrup or brown sugar is commonly used, as tofu itself is not naturally sweet.
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