At the table
Use a spoon to separate the bulb scales and share. Remove any date stones.
Contains honey; dates may have hard stones.
Sweeteners and garnishes vary; plain steamed lily is a different preparation.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Sweeteners and garnishes vary; plain steamed lily is a different preparation.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet, floral and gently earthy.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft, tender bulb scales in a glossy syrup.
- How it’s made
- Steam cleaned edible lily bulbs with red dates until tender; pour over a syrup of honey, rock sugar, osmanthus and water.
Sweeteners and garnishes vary; plain steamed lily is a different preparation.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Gansu.
About this regional connection
Gansu: Associated with Lanzhou and its culinary use of sweet edible lily bulbs.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有蜜汁百合吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Lanzhou's sweet lily
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Lanzhou's edible lily bulbs are used in both savoury dishes and sweet plates such as this one.