At the table
Hold over a plate or napkin and break off small pieces; the light crumb coating falls easily. Eat as a sweet snack, without peeling.
Ask about frying fat, syrup and candied-strip ingredients. Some versions contain peanuts or sesame; do not infer allergen absence from the pale rice center.
Airy fried glutinous-rice sweets with a syrup coating. The illustration shows a sesame-coated version; crumb coatings, candied strips and peanuts are other variations. Check the frying fat and toppings.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Airy fried glutinous-rice sweets with a syrup coating. The illustration shows a sesame-coated version; crumb coatings, candied strips and peanuts are other variations. Check the frying fat and toppings.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet fried-rice flavor with a little osmanthus fragrance.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- A crumb-coated variation: Crisp crumb-coated surface and a very airy white honeycomb interior. Airy fried glutinous-rice sweets with a syrup coating. The illustration shows a sesame-coated version; crumb coatings, candied strips and peanuts are other variations. Check the frying fat and toppings.
- How it’s made
- A crumb-coated variation: Soak and mill glutinous rice, scald and steam the dough, cool and knead with a little cooking oil. Shape and dry strips, fry until puffed, then glaze with sugar and confectionery syrup flavored with osmanthus; attach crushed fried puff pieces and candied strips. Airy fried glutinous-rice sweets with a syrup coating. The illustration shows a sesame-coated version; crumb coatings, candied strips and peanuts are other variations. Check the frying fat and toppings.
Airy fried glutinous-rice sweets with a syrup coating. The illustration shows a sesame-coated version; crumb coatings, candied strips and peanuts are other variations. Check the frying fat and toppings.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Henan.
About this regional connection
Henan: 安阳燎花，膨松米坯挂糖浆贴碎花，不按同音名合并芝麻裹层蓼花糖。
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有安阳燎花吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Puffing and coating in Anyang
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Anyang’s pastry tradition includes liaohua with a white airy center and a textured outer coat. The process makes both the main puff and the pieces used on its surface from the same rice dough.