Ginger Strips

Ginger Strips

　　Ginger Strips, also known as Ginger Juice Strips, Crispy Ginger Strips, or Honey Ginger Strips. It is not only a traditional Beijing snack but also a type of Beijing tea cuisine. Tea cuisine refers to ceremonial foods of the Manchu and Hui ethnic groups. When hosting banquets, the Manchus typically serve tea and tea snacks first, followed by cold meats, hot dishes, sweets, and soups — always in a specific order. The Hui people do not drink alcohol, but out of courtesy, they often substitute tea for wine, making tea cuisine an essential part of the meal. The Ginger Strips from Nanlaishun were named “Famous Beijing Snack” and “Famous Chinese Snack” in 1997.

　　　As the name suggests, Ginger Strips contain fresh ginger, which gives them a distinct ginger flavor.

　　Beijing Ginger Strips, also called Ginger Juice Strips, Crispy Ginger Strips, or Honey Ginger Strips. As the name implies, they are made with fresh ginger, giving them a noticeable ginger taste. They are not only a traditional Beijing snack but also a type of Beijing tea cuisine. Tea cuisine refers to ceremonial foods of the Manchu and Hui ethnic groups. When hosting banquets, the Manchus typically serve tea and tea snacks first, followed by cold meats, hot dishes, sweets, and soups — always in a specific order. The Hui people do not drink alcohol, but out of courtesy, they often substitute tea for wine, making tea cuisine an essential part of the meal.

　　Ginger Strips, also known as Ginger Juice Strips, Crispy Ginger Strips, or Honey Ginger Strips. As the name suggests, they are made with fresh ginger, which gives them a distinct ginger flavor. They are not only a traditional Beijing snack but also a type of Beijing tea cuisine. Tea cuisine refers to ceremonial foods of the Manchu and Hui ethnic groups. When hosting banquets, the Manchus typically serve tea and tea snacks first, followed by cold meats, hot dishes, sweets, and soups — always in a specific order. The Hui people do not drink alcohol, but out of courtesy, they often substitute tea for wine, making tea cuisine an essential part of the meal.

　　To make it, fresh ginger is peeled and finely minced, then mixed with flour and a certain proportion of alum powder in a basin, and combined with water to form a dough. Alternatively, the dough can be made with water and rolled out on a pasta machine five or six times until thin, smooth sheets are achieved. Fine starch powder is sprinkled on the sheets, which are then folded and rolled into long strips before being cut into 2 cm wide and 5 cm long strips. Two small strips are stacked, three cuts are made lengthwise in the middle, and the pieces are separated and flipped to form single-layered strips that are then fried in warm oil. The fried strips are coated in honey. To make the honey glaze, fresh ginger is peeled, cut into fine shreds, boiled in water, and the ginger shreds are removed. Sugar is added and brought to a boil, then maltose and osmanthus are added. Once boiling again, the heat is reduced, and the fried strips are dipped into the ginger-infused osmanthus maltose glaze.

　　The glazed strips turn light yellow and have a crispy, sweet, and fragrant taste with a hint of ginger. The Ginger Strips from Nanlaishun in the southern part of Beijing were named “Famous Beijing Snack” in 1997 and also received the title of “Famous Chinese Snack” in the same year.

　　There is also a savory version of the strips, made with flour, baking soda, and salt, and also fried using the same method as the ginger version. However, it is not glazed and has a crispy, crunchy texture with a slightly salty taste. It is often enjoyed as a drinking snack by those who like to drink alcohol.

　　According to Mr. Zhang Cixi, author of “Tianqiao Snacks,” “In the old Tianqiao area, there were shops that specialized in selling small fried snacks, such as twisted dough crisps and tiny fried strips no more than an inch long, wrapped in straw paper with red labels. These made for nice New Year gift packages or toys for children.” A poem from the past praised these little fried snacks: “Crafted entirely by skilled hands, these small treats delight children. Beautifully packaged in brocade boxes and straw wraps, their exquisite miniatures showcase true artistry.” In the past, vendors in Tianqiao would also shout to attract customers: “Buy one pack, get one free, Jiangxi preserved meat, Qinqiang chili peppers. Uncle eats and takes a tumble, a silly official’s stumble, the lame wrap their waists around. – Flower, crushed strips, a bouquet of colorful strips, big packs of fried strips.” Children hearing this would often rush to buy some.