Mi San Dao (Honey-Glazed Pastry)

Mi San Dao is a traditional honey-glazed pastry made of flour, malt sugar and cooking oil, named for the three slashes cut into the dough before frying; after frying and soaking in syrup it turns glossy on the outside and flaky in layers within, sweet yet not cloying.

Mi San Dao originated in Xuzhou (though Qingzhou in Shandong also claims it), a traditional pastry of the northern Jiangsu and Shandong region. Legend holds that the Qianlong Emperor, passing through Xuzhou on his southern tour, asked to taste the Mi San Dao made by the Taikang house and was greatly pleased. It is the leading piece of the classic "Eight Great Sweets" gift box.

Bought by the box at the New Year and set out alongside Yangjiao Mi, sesame strips, walnut slices and osmanthus brittle, it is taken as a teatime treat or a gift for visiting relatives, best paired with clear tea to balance its sweetness.

Its three-slashed form, the glossy syrup shell over flaky layers, and its place at the head of the "Eight Great Sweets" festive box are the marks of Mi San Dao.