A Sweet Symbol of Unity
Glutinous rice balls, known as tangyuan in southern China and yuanxiao in the north, take center stage during the Lantern Festival – a vibrant celebration marking the first full moon of the Lunar New Year. These chewy, sweet or savory treats carry deep cultural symbolism, representing family unity and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
North vs. South: A Tale of Two Techniques
In southern regions like Shanghai, tangyuan are typically hand-rolled with soft dough enveloping fillings like black sesame paste or red bean. Northern chefs, however, employ a theatrical approach shown in recent CGTN footage: layers of filling are shaken rhythmically in bamboo baskets with dry glutinous rice flour, gradually building up the signature yuanxiao layers through repeated dipping and rolling.
More Than a Snack
Beijing pastry chef Li Wei explains: \"The shaking process creates a slightly chewier texture but requires perfect timing. Each region's method has thrived for centuries.\" With nearly 400 million rice-based desserts consumed annually during the festival, per China Culinary Association estimates, these treats remain a delicious bridge between tradition and modern celebrations.
Reference(s):
Shake, shake, shake — Watch how this festive Chinese snack is made
cgtn.com
