Amber Cake

Amber Cake

　　Amber Cake, commonly known as He Ye Ba (Leaf-Wrapped Cake) or Da Liang Ba (Beam-Resting Cake), is a traditional delicacy beloved by the Buyi ethnic group in Luodian. Renowned for its unique color, aroma, taste, and appearance, it boasts strong ethnic characteristics and enjoys fame both within and beyond the province. The history of He Ye Ba dates back many years, but its origin remains uncertain with various accounts.

　　　　Every year during the “Ghost Festival” (the 14th day of the seventh lunar month), Buyi families in the Luodian area customarily make He Ye Ba. Due to ethnic integration, local Han people also celebrate the “Ghost Festival” and prepare this cake.

　　　　The cake gets its name from being wrapped in banana leaves (He Ye). Fresh out of the steamer, the cake is very hot, so people often rest it on bamboo sticks before eating, hence the alternative name “Da Liang Ba” (Beam-Resting Cake).

　　　　He Ye Ba has a natural purplish-red hue that is pleasing to the eye; its fragrance is rich and aromatic, delighting the senses; and its texture is glutinous yet not greasy, not sticky to the teeth, with a uniquely delicious taste.

　　　　Because purple banana leaves are only produced in tropical and subtropical regions, He Ye Ba can only be made by people living in these areas. Thanks to its distinctive color, aroma, taste, and appearance, as well as its rich ethnic character, Luodian’s He Ye Ba is famous throughout the province and attracts guests from all over who come to savor it; locals also often give it as a gift to relatives and friends living far away in provincial cities or the capital.