Beijing Snacks - Sticky rice cake with a layer of sweetened bean paste

City Guide - Beijing - Dining

Sticky rice cake with a layer of sweetened bean paste (Qiegao, 切糕)
Available in Beijing markets all the year round, this delicacy is particularly associated with the month of March. The snack has a long history dating back to the 13th century and it is made and sold today much as it was in those days of long ago.

The most common form of Qiegao is made from glutinous rice with date or bean paste. Glutinous rice flour is first well mixed with water and then steamed. When cooked the rice flour is then kneaded evenly into thin layers. Each cake has four such layers with bean or date paste spread between them. It is served in slices on a plate with a dusting of white sugar.