Countdown to CNY: Tangyuan - Sweet rice balls that bring families together

With less than a month until the Chinese New Year, The Standard’s “Countdown to CNY” series will bring you the Spring Festival traditions and even the Chinese zodiac forecast.

Tangyuan, also known as glutinous rice balls, is a beloved traditional dessert enjoyed during Chinese New Year celebrations. Stemming from the Chinese phrase tuántuán yuán yuán, this sweet treat symbolizes family togetherness and the joy of reunion during the festive season.

Originating over a thousand years ago in the Song Dynasty, tangyuan was once called fu yuan zi or yuan xiao. Traditionally served in a warm, sweet syrup, the dish was enjoyed during both the Winter Solstice and the Lantern Festival. The round shape of the rice balls signifies completeness and unity, while their soft, chewy texture represents the close bonds and resilience of family ties.

The classic tangyuan filling is a mixture of ground black sesame, lard, and sugar, offering a fragrant, nutty sweetness. In modern times, fillings have diversified to include peanut, red bean paste, custard, and salted egg yolk – some even feature savory ingredients like minced meat or vegetables. In southern China, tangyuan is often served in ginger syrup for warmth and balance, symbolizing both comfort and harmony in the year ahead.