At the table
Use a spoon, let the filling cool and take small bites. Sesame paste and sugar may be served separately for dipping.
Contains sesame, wheat and pork fat. The sticky skin and hot filling need care, especially for young children.
Check the filling and fat used; packaged and shop versions may differ.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Lai tangyuan also comes with other fillings and shapes; this entry describes black sesame.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet, rich sesame.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft, sticky rice skin with a smooth sesame filling.
- How it’s made
- Soaked glutinous rice and ordinary rice are wet-ground into dough, wrapped around sesame, sugar, wheat flour and lard, then boiled.
Lai tangyuan also comes with other fillings and shapes; this entry describes black sesame.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Sichuan.
About this regional connection
Sichuan: Chengdu Lai brand tradition; black sesame version.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有赖汤圆吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Chengdu tangyuan with a choice of fillings
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Lai tangyuan is a Chengdu name associated with filled rice dumplings. Black sesame is one traditional filling; mixed servings can combine different fillings and shapes. A small sesame-paste and sugar dip is another local way to enjoy them.
