At the table
Eat by hand once cooled for a crisp bite. Break into small pieces if needed; the whole peanuts and hard texture make these unsuitable for young children.
Contains peanuts. The plain plant-based flour-and-peanut-oil preparation is suitable for vegetarians and vegans; confirm the actual flour blend, seasoning and frying oil. Do not assume it is gluten-free or free from cross-contact. Whole peanuts and the hard crunch require care when chewing.
The flour blend, spices, size and frying oil vary by maker. Some use glutinous rice flour with tapioca starch. This entry describes the savory Wupo version, rather than sweet peanut biscuits or peanut brittle.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
The flour blend, spices, size and frying oil vary by maker. Some use glutinous rice flour with tapioca starch. This entry describes the savory Wupo version, rather than sweet peanut biscuits or peanut brittle.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Rich fried-peanut aroma and a lightly salty finish; the plain version is not chili-hot.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Crisp fried binder around firm, crunchy whole peanuts.
- How it’s made
- Mix peanuts, glutinous rice flour, salt and water into a batter; some makers include tapioca starch or spices. Portion into long-handled molds, deep-fry until golden, then drain and let cool. Peanut oil is used in a documented local preparation.
The flour blend, spices, size and frying oil vary by maker. Some use glutinous rice flour with tapioca starch. This entry describes the savory Wupo version, rather than sweet peanut biscuits or peanut brittle.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Hainan.
About this regional connection
Hainan: Wupo, Tunchang savory whole-peanut fried regional preparation.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有海南花生饼吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A peanut-rich snack from Wupo
Wupo in Tunchang grows small peanuts with plump kernels. Local makers turn them into densely packed fried rounds, sold as a regional snack and shared during the Lunar New Year.