At the table
Break or cut into small pieces and let hot filling cool. Ask which filling is inside before choosing a cake.
Some versions contain pork. Sweet fillings may also contain added fat; confirm the filling and ingredients for vegetarian, vegan or allergy needs.
Serve small, cooled pieces appropriate to the child’s chewing ability. Check the filling; a soft rice cake is not automatically suitable for every child.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Sweet fillings include red-bean paste or brown sugar. Some newer versions contain shepherd’s purse and pork; rice proportions and decorative shapes vary.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Usually sweet rice flavor, with savory filled versions also made.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft and lightly chewy, with fine rice-flour texture.
- How it’s made
- Mill the rice, moisten the flour with sugar water, sift it, place it in molds with any filling, then steam.
Sweet fillings include red-bean paste or brown sugar. Some newer versions contain shepherd’s purse and pork; rice proportions and decorative shapes vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanghai.
About this regional connection
Shanghai: Associated with Luojing, Baoshan, Shanghai.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有罗泾四喜风糕吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Rice cakes for good wishes
In Luojing, these molded rice cakes are shared at weddings, housewarmings and birthday celebrations. The Chinese word for cake, gao, sounds like the word for high, giving the gift an auspicious meaning. The craft lies in balancing rice types, flour fineness, moisture and steaming. Alongside sweet fillings, newer savory cakes use shepherd’s purse and pork.