At the table
Lift a piece gently and eat over a plate or wrapper to catch loose threads and crumbs. Take small bites rather than compressing several pieces together.
Contains peanuts and sesame. Sticky candy and crunchy filling may be difficult for young children; other recipes may include additional allergens.
A handmade sweet also sold in packaged versions. Follow the maker’s storage advice; no single shelf life applies to every version.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
This version uses maltose, sugar, peanuts, sesame, shredded coconut and cornstarch. Fillings and dusting flours differ between makers.
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet maltose with roasted peanut or sesame.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Fine, melt-in-mouth sugar filaments around a crunchy nut center.
- How it’s made
- Softened maltose is repeatedly stretched and folded into fine strands, dusted with cornstarch and wrapped around the sweet nut filling.
This version uses maltose, sugar, peanuts, sesame, shredded coconut and cornstarch. Fillings and dusting flours differ between makers.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Hong Kong.
About this regional connection
Hong Kong: HK artisan candy tradition documented; not claimingexclusiveorigin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有龍鬚糖吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Sugar pulling as a street-side craft
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
In Hong Kong, candy makers have drawn onlookers by repeatedly pulling maltose into fine threads before wrapping the filling. The craft connects a street snack with the boxed sweets now also sold as gifts.