At the table
Mix the jelly gently with its dressing and eat with chopsticks or a spoon. Ask for less chili or mustard if you prefer a mild serving.
May contain peanuts or mustard, depending on the dressing. Confirm sauces and cooking fat before treating it as vegetarian or vegan; the pea base alone is not a guarantee.
The chili rating describes a lightly chili-oil-dressed serving. Chili can be omitted or increased; mustard pungency is separate, and toppings vary by region and shop.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Pea-based jelly can be served in short strips with vinegar, chili, mashed garlic and mustard, or with chili oil, roasted peanuts and scallion. Sweet-potato jelly and jelly served inside bread are alternatives. Mustard and chili forms vary.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Dressings can be sour, spicy or garlicky; they vary by preparation.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Set jelly served in pieces or strips; firmness varies.
- How it’s made
- Cut or portion prepared pea jelly and add the dressing.
Pea-based jelly can be served in short strips with vinegar, chili, mashed garlic and mustard, or with chili oil, roasted peanuts and scallion. Sweet-potato jelly and jelly served inside bread are alternatives. Mustard and chili forms vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Tibet. Associated with Qinghai.
About this regional connection
Qinghai: In Xining, liangfen can be made from peas; recipes and dressings vary.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有豌豆凉粉吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A savory jelly snack
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Liangfen is a savory snack rather than a sweet dessert. In Xining, pea jelly comes in short strips with sharp dressings; Tibetan versions may add chili oil, roasted peanuts and scallion. The same name can also cover sweet-potato jelly, so ask for the pea version if that is what you want.