Ya Mu Nian (Glutinous Rice Dumplings)

Ya mu nian are Chaozhou's own oversized glutinous-rice dumplings — chewy-skinned and generously filled with mung bean, red bean, taro or sesame — served in a light sweet syrup.

They were created in the Qing dynasty and named for the way they float in the broth like duck eggs (Chaoshan dialect calls a duck egg 'ya-mu-luan'). The century-old Chaozhou house Hu Rongquan made them its signature, spreading their fame as an emblematic sweet of the old town.

They are eaten hot, served bowl and broth together, the syrup often simmered with white fungus, ginkgo or lotus seed — a dessert or late-night snack.

It rewards a skin that is soft and chewy without sticking, a gently sweet filling, and a syrup that is clear rather than cloying; with its large dumplings and full fillings, it is the grand finale of Chaozhou's sweet soups.