At the table
Let the freshly fried fritter cool briefly, then dip a little at a time so the edges stay crisp. Sweetened vinegar, sometimes with garlic, is a common accompaniment. Ask for chilli sauce separately if you want a mild serving.
The documented chive-only rice-batter and peanut-oil preparation is plant-based, but confirm the batter, oil and sauces. Peanut oil is used in the described version, and shrimp fritters may share the frying oil and utensils. Do not assume a peanut-free, shellfish-free or gluten-free serving. Fresh fritters can be hot.
The amount of chives and the thickness vary by maker. Related shrimp-topped fritters and scallion fritters are sold alongside the chive-only version; confirm which you are ordering. Dipping sauces and frying oils also vary.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
The amount of chives and the thickness vary by maker. Related shrimp-topped fritters and scallion fritters are sold alongside the chive-only version; confirm which you are ordering. Dipping sauces and frying oils also vary.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Fragrant Chinese chives and rice with the nutty aroma of peanut oil; a vinegar dip adds sweet-sour contrast.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Thin, crisp edges surrounding a softer rice-batter center.
- How it’s made
- Soaked rice is ground into a thick slurry and mixed with chopped Chinese chives. Small portions are fried in round metal moulds with peanut oil, then released to finish frying. The center is kept thinner than the rim.
The amount of chives and the thickness vary by maker. Related shrimp-topped fritters and scallion fritters are sold alongside the chive-only version; confirm which you are ordering. Dipping sauces and frying oils also vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Hainan.
About this regional connection
Hainan: Lingao local rice-batter fritters, supported by Hainan Daily and Haikou Daily.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有临高韭菜饼吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Rice batter at the Lingao snack stall
Known locally as bogu, Lingao chive fritters are made and eaten around the frying pan. Small moulds shape the rice batter while chopped chives give it its green-speckled appearance. Fresh frying and a vinegar dip are central to the local snack experience.