At the table
Spoon up small pieces with a little syrup. Ask whether it comes in sugar water or with sesame-sugar powder, and confirm the sweetness before ordering.
Contains sesame. The traditional rice-and-sesame base does not require soy, but other preparations and shared equipment may introduce allergens; confirm at the shop.
Contains sesame. The traditional rice-and-sesame base does not require soy, but other preparations and shared equipment may introduce allergens; confirm at the shop.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Contains sesame. The traditional rice-and-sesame base does not require soy, but other preparations and shared equipment may introduce allergens; confirm at the shop.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Dark, softly set cubes with a fine sesame texture and toasted, nutty aroma. This Zhonghe snack is made from black sesame and rice, despite its tofu-like name; a sweet syrup accompanies this version.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Dark, softly set cubes with a fine sesame texture and toasted, nutty aroma. This Zhonghe snack is made from black sesame and rice, despite its tofu-like name; a sweet syrup accompanies this version.
- How it’s made
- Toast black sesame, grind it with rice and water, and stir over low heat until thick. Cool to set, cut into cubes and serve with chilled sugar water. Sesame mixed with brown-sugar powder is another topping.
Contains sesame. The traditional rice-and-sesame base does not require soy, but other preparations and shared equipment may introduce allergens; confirm at the shop.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Hainan.
About this regional connection
Hainan: Zhonghe town, Danzhou.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有中和芝麻豆腐吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Zhonghe black-sesame rice pudding
Zhonghe makers roast sesame and stir a rice-and-sesame slurry into a pudding that can be sliced once cool. Its resemblance to dark tofu explains the food name; it is distinct from soybean tofu dishes also made in Danzhou.