Eating in China
Chaozhou Wu Mi Guo (Sweet-Potato-Starch Dumpling)

Chaozhou Wu Mi Guo (Sweet-Potato-Starch Dumpling)

无米粿Wú mǐ guǒ

Translucent chive-filled starch dumplings

Wu mi guo uses sweet-potato starch rather than rice for its wrapper. This version contains Chinese chives, salt and sesame oil, and is steamed.

Heat
Region
Guangdong
Type
Snacks
Street food
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Lift with chopsticks or a fork and take small bites. Watch the hot filling. Remove any skewer before sharing; ask for chili sauce separately.

A useful check

Contains sesame oil in this version. Sticky dough and hot filling need care. Other versions can contain shrimp and meat.

How it may vary

Check the filling, cooking fat and sauce for vegetarian or vegan diets. Chive filling alone is not a guarantee.

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.

Other fillings include mung beans and pork, or bean sprouts. Some versions contain dried shrimp or fish sauce. These are separate recipes, not one combined filling.

In some versions

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Savory chives and fragrant sesame oil.

Chili heat
Texture
Soft, sticky and elastic; pan-frying adds crisp patches.
How it’s made
Wrap seasoned chopped chives in hot-water starch dough and steam. Oil is used for brushing or pan-frying.

Other fillings include mung beans and pork, or bean sprouts. Some versions contain dried shrimp or fish sauce. These are separate recipes, not one combined filling.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Explore regional food

Associated with Guangdong.

About this regional connection

Guangdong: Chaoshan snack; selected chive version documented in local preparation.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有无米粿吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

A cake without rice

This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.

The translucent starch wrapper explains this Chaoshan snack’s name. Steamed and pan-fried forms have different textures; the latter also has a street-stall tradition.

EATING IN CHINA · THE APP

Get the app

Discover local dishes, understand their ingredients and flavours, and choose what you’d like to try. Explore vegetarian, vegan and kid-friendly food ideas for your China trip.

Food guides, ingredients and trip planning are free.

See what’s in the app