At the table
Scoop small spoonfuls with some syrup. Let the soft jelly break apart in your mouth rather than swallowing a large slippery piece.
Check additions if avoiding specific ingredients; the name alone does not describe everything in the bowl.
The plain aiyu-seed, lemon, sugar and water version is vegan and vegetarian. This does not cover every sweetener or added topping.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Sweeteners and additions vary; a prepared jelly mix is not the same ingredient as aiyu seeds.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Mild jelly with sweet, tart lemon syrup.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft, slippery and gently yielding, rather than a firm gummy.
- How it’s made
- Aiyu seeds are rubbed in calcium-containing water. The strained liquid sets, then is served with lemon juice and sugar syrup.
Sweeteners and additions vary; a prepared jelly mix is not the same ingredient as aiyu seeds.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Taiwan.
About this regional connection
Taiwan: Taiwana iyujelly;notexclusiveavailabilityclaim.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有愛玉凍吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A jelly made by rubbing seeds
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Aiyu is a familiar Taiwanese sweet. Rubbing its tiny seeds in water releases the pectin that makes the jelly; lemon syrup adds a bright contrast to the gentle texture.
