At the table
Break or bite off small pieces and enjoy with tea. These are firm, crumbly biscuits, not soft cakes; a little goes a long way.
Usually contains peanuts and sesame; some recipes also use bean flour or peanut oil. Check the actual ingredients for allergies. The hard, crumbly texture may be difficult for young children or anyone with chewing difficulties; sweetness does not make it suitable for everyone.
Traditional versions may contain pork fat; other versions use vegetable oil, sometimes peanut oil, and bean flour such as mung-bean flour. Confirm the actual recipe before choosing it as vegetarian or vegan. The representative sweet biscuit has no chili heat.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Traditional versions may include pieces of pork fat. Some current formulations use vegetable oil and bean flour instead, so recipes and dietary suitability differ.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet and nutty, with toasted rice and sesame notes.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Firm, crunchy and crumbly.
- How it’s made
- Mix the roasted flour and other ingredients, press into moulds and bake.
Traditional versions may include pieces of pork fat. Some current formulations use vegetable oil and bean flour instead, so recipes and dietary suitability differ.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Guangdong.
About this regional connection
Guangdong: Guangdong regional association; not an exclusive origin claim.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有佛山盲公饼吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A Foshan biscuit with a story behind its name
Local lore links the name Mangong biscuit to a blind fortune-teller and his son, who is said to have made rice cakes to occupy waiting children. The biscuits also have a long association with gifts: a Republican-era Foshan gazetteer describes Heji’s cakes as well known and sent to relatives elsewhere. In 2009, their making craft joined Foshan’s municipal intangible cultural heritage list.