Literally translated as Soup Balls, I have recently made it my mission to try every single combination of the beloved festive snack.
The two situations in which I’ve been allowed to try them (by my Chinese girlfriend who is insistent on me having the ‘authentic experience’), are during special occasions and breakfast.
Waking up and being greeted by the assortment of White, Yellow, Purple, and Gray spheres in a bowl of boiling, starchy water does just the right job of making me feel energetic and just a bit giddy. Although since they are made of flour, there is no difference in the way that the colors influence the flavor (except maybe the yellow ones). That’s the job of the various fillings!
The three ‘mainstream’ ones are Sesame, Peanut, and Red Bean paste. I’d personally have to rank them as Sesame on top, followed by Red Bean, and Peanut at last. Don’t get me wrong though, they’re all delicious.
Go ahead, give it a try! They look like Japanese mochi or daifuku, but smaller and come frozen. But don’t let that deceive you, as your tongue will regret it if you don’t give it a solid blow or two before enjoying it!
