Chaozhou savory rice cups 咸水粿
Chaozhou savory rice cups is featured among the local specialties of Guangdong.
Small steamed rice cups are topped with savory preserved radish. Buy a few at a Chaozhou snack stall and eat them while warm.
How it is made
Rice batter is steamed in small cups to form shallow cakes with a natural hollow. Chopped preserved radish is cooked or seasoned and spooned onto the top.
Flavour & texture
The rice base is soft and mild, while the radish is salty, aromatic and slightly chewy or crisp. Optional chili changes the otherwise gentle snack.
Local roots & traditions
Xianshuiguo is a characteristic Chaozhou street food, with the topping providing much of its identity.
How to order Chaozhou savory rice cups
Buy a few warm pieces and add chili only after tasting the preserved-radish topping.
More dishes to compare
Explore related local specialties and compare their names, preparation notes and ordering guidance.
Heyuan layered rice sheets 河源九重皮 →
Successive thin layers are steamed until they form a soft stack that can be cut into portions or strips. The layers give a supple, smooth bite. The final taste can be savoury even if an English translation makes it sound like a dessert cake.
Cantonese radish cake 萝卜糕 →
Shredded white radish is mixed with rice flour and savory additions, steamed into a slab and cooled. Slices are often pan-fried before serving. The center is soft and radish-sweet, while browned surfaces provide a crisp savory edge. Dried shrimp, sausage or other additions can make the flavor much richer.
Questions before you order
What name should I show when ordering?
Show 咸水粿 for Chaozhou savory rice cups. Buy a few warm pieces and add chili only after tasting the preserved-radish topping.
Sources & reading
Recipes and servings vary between kitchens.