Dingdeng

Dingdeng

　　Dingdeng (a Zhuang phonetic transliteration) translates to “oil lamp saucer” in Chinese. The ancestors of the Zhuang people in Lingyun referenced the shape of an oil lamp saucer to create an octagonal mold. They would place finely ground glutinous rice flour and bean sprouts into the mold, then deep-fry it in boiling oil. Once fried, the bean sprouts resembled the wick of an oil lamp, and the shape of the cake resembled the lamp saucer—hence the name Dingdeng. During Qingming Festival and the Third Month Festival (Sanyuesan), every Zhuang family in Lingyun makes Dingdeng to honor their ancestors. This custom has been passed down to this day, making Dingdeng a local specialty snack.

　　Main ingredients: glutinous rice, soybeans, soybean sprouts, camellia oil, white sugar, salt, five-spice powder

　　Source: Lingyun County People's Government Website