At the table
Let a hot cake cool, then eat in small bites. The rice-flour casing can be sticky and chewy.
Check the filling for sesame, nuts or other allergens, and ask about added fat for a vegan version. Recipes vary.
For children able to chew sticky rice cakes, offer small cooled pieces and check the filling; sweetness alone does not make it suitable for every child.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Fillings and flavors vary, including red bean, sesame, Chinese jujube and osmanthus. Some red-bean fillings include soybean oil and salted osmanthus; rice proportions and sizes vary.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet rice with the flavor of the chosen filling.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft, chewy casing with a denser filling.
- How it’s made
- Grind ordinary and glutinous rice, moisten with water and sift. Layer the rice flour around a sweet filling in a mold, cut into squares and steam.
Fillings and flavors vary, including red bean, sesame, Chinese jujube and osmanthus. Some red-bean fillings include soybean oil and salted osmanthus; rice proportions and sizes vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanghai.
About this regional connection
Shanghai: Associated with Qibao, Minhang, Shanghai.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有七宝方糕吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Qibao’s rice-flour craft
These filled squares are associated with Shanghai’s Qibao old town. Their texture comes from grinding, moistening and sifting a mixture of ordinary and glutinous rice before molding and steaming it. Enjoy the rice aroma and sweet filling as a small snack; flavors vary between makers.