Aiwowo rice balls 艾窝窝
Aiwowo rice balls is featured among the local specialties of Beijing.
White sticky-rice balls contain sweet fillings such as nuts or sesame. Their soft, chewy texture suits a small afternoon snack.
How it is made
Cooked glutinous rice is worked into soft wrappers around sweet filling, then finished with a light dusting of cooked flour. Sesame, nuts and other fillings vary between makers.
Flavour & texture
The white exterior is moist and chewy, while the center adds concentrated sweetness and a finer or crunchier texture.
Local roots & traditions
Aiwowo is a recognizable Beijing sweet sold in traditional snack and pastry shops.
How to order Aiwowo rice balls
Buy one or two fresh pieces and check the filling before selecting a larger assortment for sharing.
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Soybean-dusted rice rolls 驴打滚 →
Sticky-rice dough is steamed, rolled around sweet bean paste and coated in toasted soybean powder before being sliced. The powder also helps keep the sticky surface manageable. Each piece combines a soft, elastic wrapper, smooth filling and dry, nutty coating.
Pea-flour pudding 豌豆黄 →
Peeled peas are cooked until soft, worked into a smooth sweetened paste and set before being cut into neat yellow pieces. The texture depends on careful cooking and straining rather than a heavy pastry crust. Each square is tender, fine-textured and gently sweet, with a recognizable pea flavor. It should feel smooth rather than sticky like a glutinous-rice cake.
Questions before you order
What name should I show when ordering?
Show 艾窝窝 for Aiwowo rice balls. Buy one or two fresh pieces and check the filling before selecting a larger assortment for sharing.
Sources & reading
Recipes and servings vary between kitchens.