This glutinous rice flour ball/coconut pearl or Nuomici (糯米糍) is a famous Chinese pastry very popular in Guangdong province and Hong Kong. Sometimes, it’s called coconut rice ball or coconut mochi. The latter name is inaccurate in the sense that, yes, this dessert is very similar to mochi, but no, […]
Tag: Chinese cuisine
Authentic Siu Mai (烧卖) – Chinese Dim Sum Dumplings
Siu mai, also called xiu mai or “bouchons” on Réunion Island, are one of my favorite dim sum dishes. Why? Easy to fold and deliciously juicy—I eat them by the dozen without getting a stomachache afterward. That’s what I call having your cake and eating it too. What are siu […]
Authentic Crispy Fried Wontons (炸云吞)
This fried wonton recipe yields delicious wonton or wantan dumplings filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and other savory seasonings. They are then fried until golden and crispy. In short, a guaranteed hit for an authentic Chinese appetizer! How to Make Fried Wontons? It’s surprisingly easy and fun to make your […]
Guide to Rehydrating Asian Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are fantastic. Not only are they easy to store and keep for a long time, but you’ll also find an incredible variety in Asian supermarkets. In Chinese cooking, for example, they’re used all the time! A lot of you have asked me if there’s a special way to […]
Complete Guide to Chinese New Year 2026: Traditions and Recipes
It’s almost time for Chinese New Year, and to make sure we’re all ready to celebrate it properly, I’ve put together a guide to what to eat/prepare during this Lunar New Year. This guide also contains useful information about the festival, customs, and things Chinese people do to say goodbye […]
Black Sesame Tang Yuan (汤圆) – Glutinous Rice Balls
Chinese dumplings are a beloved treat for Lunar New Year, a season rich with wonderful traditions and celebrations. But no celebration feels complete without the dishes that define the season. Tangyuan are to the Lunar New Year what the yule log is to Christmas: an almost essential tradition. Yuanxiao (Lantern […]
Kai lan (Chinese broccoli): What is it and how do you cook it?
What is kai lan? In Asia, it’s also called gai lan; around here you’ll more often hear “Chinese broccoli” or “Chinese kale.” So what is kai lan? It’s a variety of cabbage from southern China that doesn’t have the typical cabbage flavor… It’s closer to broccoli—hence the French name. It’s […]
Choy sum, what is it?
What is choy sum? Choy sum, also known as “yu choy” or “yu choy sum”, is a leafy green from the cabbage family. In this article we simply call it Chinese cabbage, but the name “choy sum” literally means “vegetable heart”. It is one of many varieties of Chinese cabbage, […]
Homemade Broth for Chinese Hot Pot (Mild and Spicy Versions)
A detailed guide to homemade Chinese hot pot broth. Two versions are included: a classic Sichuan-style spicy broth and a mild, chicken stock-based broth. If you’ve ever enjoyed Chinese hot pot, you’ll agree it’s a fun, interactive way to eat. Although I’ve published a complete guide to Chinese hot pot, […]
Chinese Hot Pot (火锅) – The Complete Home Guide
What is Chinese hot pot? Chinese hot pot, often referred to simply as hot pot, is a traditional meal from China. In Mandarin, it is called Huo Guo (火锅), which literally means “fire pot.” This iconic dish is a staple of Chinese cuisine and is best known for its wonderfully […]