Fermented rice makes for delicious dessert

The small water town of Jinxi in Jiangsu province has long held the unique culinary tradition of making fermented glutinous rice cakes. Travelers that have happened upon the town in Kunshan city have been charmed by the sweet, wine-like taste of the cakes.

The tradition of making the savory treat in spring dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

The cake's soft, fragrant filling is made from fermented rice and is wrapped with a firm and chewy dough. The cakes are then fried in a large flat pan until they turn golden.

Since the fermented rice cakes turn bad easily on balmy summer days, the snack is usually only available before summer. The town's Shangtang and Xiatang streets are dotted with stores and street vendors that specialize in the local delicacy.

Fermented rice cakes are fried in a large, flat pan until the dough turns golden. [Photo from WeChat account jinxiguzhen]