Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf)

Lo Mai Gai is a dim sum parcel of joy. Sticky glutinous rice is mixed with soy sauce and sesame oil, then wrapped around a filling of chicken, Chinese sausage (lap cheong), shiitake mushrooms, and sometimes salted egg yolk or dried shrimp. The bundle is wrapped in a dried lotus leaf and steamed until the leaf's fragrance permeates the rice. Opening it releases an intoxicating aroma — earthy, savory, and slightly sweet.

📖 History

Lotus leaf wrapping has been used in Cantonese cooking for centuries as a way to infuse food with the leaf's distinctive fragrance. Lo Mai Gai became a dim sum staple in Guangzhou tea houses.