At the table
Use a spoon and let a small spoonful cool first. Mix in the toppings gently; ask for the hot version when ordering.
This pictured version contains peanuts. Confirm milk, creamer and other toppings when choosing a vegan or vegetarian dessert; sweet shop recipes vary.
Cold set jelly and milk-tea combinations are different serving styles. Beans and peanuts are topping choices, not ingredients guaranteed in every bowl.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Cold set jelly and milk-tea combinations are different serving styles. Beans and peanuts are topping choices, not ingredients guaranteed in every bowl.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Gently herbal and sweet, with nutty toppings.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Smooth and thick, with soft beans and crunchy peanuts.
- How it’s made
- Mesona is simmered and strained, then sweetened and thickened with starch. The warm dessert is served with chosen toppings.
Cold set jelly and milk-tea combinations are different serving styles. Beans and peanuts are topping choices, not ingredients guaranteed in every bowl.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Hong Kong. Associated with Guangdong.
About this regional connection
Hong Kong: Supported local food association, not exclusive origin. Guangdong: Supported local food association, not exclusive origin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有热烧仙草吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Before the jelly sets
Mesona can be enjoyed as a warm thick dessert as well as cooled jelly. Serving it warm with beans and peanuts gives shao xiancao a different texture from the set jelly shaved into bowls as Chaoshan caoguo.