You Gao are deep-fried pastries that are crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy inside. The dough is made from glutinous rice flour, kneaded into a smooth ball, then flattened and stuffed with sweet fillings — usually red bean paste, black sesame, or sweet osmanthus. The cakes are then deep-fried until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. When you bite through the crackling exterior, the soft, sweet filling spills out. They're particularly popular during the Spring Festival and other traditional celebrations, when families make them in large batches.
You Gao has been made in Xi'an for over 1,000 years, with origins during the Tang Dynasty. The round shape symbolizes reunion and completeness in Chinese culture, making it a natural choice for festivals and family gatherings.