Sister Glutinous Rice Balls
姊妹团子 · Zǐmèi Tuánzǐ
🌶
📍 Common
Zimei Tuanzi tells a charming story: two sisters ran a snack stall selling glutinous rice balls, one making sweet fillings (red bean paste, sesame, sugar) and the other making savory fillings (pork, mushrooms, dried shrimp). The 'sister balls' became famous and now symbolize sisterly cooperation. The sweet ones are delicate and served as dessert; the savory ones are more substantial, often served with a dipping sauce. Both are made from glutinous rice flour, shaped into balls, and steamed until translucent and chewy.
📖 History
This snack originated in the 1920s at Huogongdian in Changsha, created by two sisters named Jiang. The sweet-and-savory pairing became a Changsha culinary icon.
🍝 Where to eat it:
Huogongdian (火宫殿) — the original and most famous version. Also available at traditional snack shops in Changsha's old town.
Huogongdian (火宫殿) — the original and most famous version. Also available at traditional snack shops in Changsha's old town.