At the table
Choose a topping, let the hot cake cool slightly, and eat the soft rice cake and topping together in small bites. Ask what goes into flavored toppings before ordering.
The cake is rice-based, but toppings vary. Adapted versions may include milk, sesame or nuts; these are not required in the traditional plain cake. Check the chosen topping and recipe if you avoid particular foods or animal products.
The soft steamed rice cake is small, mild and easy to share; choose a topping the child likes and allow it to cool.
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.
Sweet bean paste, sugar and fruit preparations are different topping choices.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft steamed rice cake.
- How it’s made
- Steam the moistened rice flour in molds and add topping.
Sweet bean paste, sugar and fruit preparations are different topping choices.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Tianjin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有熟梨糕吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A rice cake named shuligao
Shuligao is a small Tianjin rice cake; its name does not mean that it contains pear. Rice flour is steamed in small wooden molds, then finished with sweet toppings. Bean paste, sugar and fruit preparations are traditional choices, with more flavors added over time. The soft cake and its topping are eaten together, making the choice of topping part of the experience of this street snack.