At the table
Take small bites and chew thoroughly. Ask whether the cakes have a filling and whether any dipping powder is included.
Sticky rice cakes need thorough chewing. Confirm peanuts, sesame, fillings and cooking fat if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. Plant coloring and a rice base do not by themselves guarantee a vegan or gluten-free finished product.
Plant colors, fillings and coatings vary by maker. Ask about the actual coloring ingredients, sweeteners, peanuts, sesame and cooking fat; the appearance alone does not identify the recipe.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Plant colors, fillings and coatings vary by maker. Ask about the actual coloring ingredients, sweeteners, peanuts, sesame and cooking fat; the appearance alone does not identify the recipe.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Rice fragrance with plant-derived aromas; sweetness depends on the filling or coating.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft, sticky and chewy, with a dense pounded texture rather than loose rice grains.
- How it’s made
- Soak and color the rice, steam it, pound it while warm, then shape the cakes and add accompaniments. Reported coloring plants include honglancao, mugwort, huangjiang and a locally named plant, jiashiniang; the white portion retains the rice’s natural color.
Plant colors, fillings and coatings vary by maker. Ask about the actual coloring ingredients, sweeteners, peanuts, sesame and cooking fat; the appearance alone does not identify the recipe.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Guangxi.
About this regional connection
Guangxi: Tiandeng county, Chongzuo.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有天等五彩糍粑吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Pounded rice for the harvest
In Tiandeng, making and sharing ciba accompanies the rice harvest. The local five-color technique was listed as Guangxi regional intangible cultural heritage in December 2020.