Eating in China
A single dried lotus leaf opened to show its rounded shape and radiating veins.

Lotus leaf

荷葉Héyè

Large round leaf, often dried and softened in water before wrapping food for steaming.

Type
Vegetables

A CLOSER LOOK

How to recognize it

Large round leaf, often dried and softened in water before wrapping food for steaming.

In the kitchen

Lo mai gai steaming wrapper.

Used as a fragrant wrapper or steamer liner; it is distinct from the narrower leaves used for zongzi.

Ask about this ingredient

这道菜里有荷葉吗?

Does this dish contain Lotus leaf?

EATING IN CHINA · THE APP

Get the app

Discover local dishes, understand their ingredients and flavours, and choose what you’d like to try. Explore vegetarian, vegan and kid-friendly food ideas for your China trip.

Food guides, ingredients and trip planning are free.

See what’s in the app