Chewy rice balls with yummy fillings are always a joy to devour. From classic flavours like peanut to unique ones like taro, tang yuan has always held a special place in our hearts. This is especially so when it signifies reunion and is a staple at Mid-Autumn, Chinese New Year and other heartwarming festivities. Serving some tang yuan for your loved ones? Read on for some of the best tang yuan in Singapore to cook up this 2023!
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What is tang yuan?
Known as glutinous rice balls in English, tang yuan is a traditional Chinese dessert that’s mainly made with glutinous rice flour without fillings. These days, there are more varieties of tang yuan with unique fillings like the commonly sought after peanut and sesame, to the exotic durian and taro. These glutinous rice balls are usually accompanied with a soup base or broth, namely ginger soup, almond tea and others.
What is the story behind tang yuan?
Tang yuan is usually eaten during several Chinese festivals. We’re talking about Mid-Autumn, Chinese New Year and Winter Solstice. And that’s because the words tang yuan sound similar to the Chinese word that means reunion (团圆). So most families who reunite during these festivals will gather to make and eat tang yuan together.
But it started out about 2,000 years ago when a pharmacologist told his apprentices to make dumplings on a cold winter day. He saw people suffering from the cold and decided that dumplings would keep them warm. And since tang yuan are essentially dumplings, they’re also customarily eaten during the Winter Solstice in December these days.
Best tang yuan flavours in Singapore to try in 2023
1. Grated Peanut
Peanut flavour is one of the most original and truest classics when it comes to the best tang yuan in Singapore. This Peanut Glutinous Rice Ball (available on Tee Yih Jia Food Official Store) has been carefully made so it has the perfect skin to filling ratio. You’ll get the right amount of chewiness that’s contrasted with the crunchy texture of peanuts. Moreover, the Spring Home brand has been in the food industry for more than 50 years. It’s a tried and true classic that’s a common name among households, so it’s a no-brainer when you’re searching for one of the best tang yuan brands in Singapore.
2. Black Sesame
Another one of the best tang yuan brands in Singapore you can turn to is Taiwan Gui Guan. Their glutinous rice balls have always been well-loved by many, and it’s no wonder why! Their Black Sesame Mini Glutinous Rice Balls (available on Food People Official Store) is made using traditional methods. From rice milling to pressing techniques, you’ll only get the most QQ and yummy tang yuan here! Also, instead of the usual glutinous rice flour, Taiwan Gui Guan tang yuans are made with purple glutinous rice. This ensures that every tang yuan is rich in nutrients and fiber, making it a healthy treat for you too!
3. Peanut & White Sesame
You can bet that the Chinatown brand offers some of the best tang yuan in Singapore! Their Peanut & White Sesame Glutinous Rice Ball (available on Prestigio Delights Frozen Official) elevates the regular peanut-filled versions with some white sesame seeds. Apart from adding an extra crunch to the tang yuan, it also amps up the flavour. The white sesame seeds impart a subtle roasted flavour that’s unique and simply addictive. Just whip up some almond tea and plop these tang yuan in for a perfectly light-hearted dessert!
4. Lava Egg Custard
Delight your palate with something new and exotic from one of the best tang yuan brands in Singapore! The Chinatown Lava Egg Custard Glutinous Rice Ball (available on Prestigio Delights Frozen Official) is essentially a chewy version of those lava custard buns. So you can definitely expect some savoury goodness to ooze out from these delightful balls of flavours! We highly recommend complementing these tang yuan with a simple broth. Something like ginger tea or osmanthus tea can help clean your palate before you take the next bite!
5. Red Bean
Another one of the best classic tang yuan flavours in Singapore that’s a must-try is the red bean flavour. The Chinatown Red Bean Glutinous Rice Ball (available on Prestigio Delights Frozen Official) is packed with a sweet paste that isn’t too overwhelming. We gave this a go and it reminded us a lot of dou sha bao (red bean buns)! But if you’re feeling adventurous, try stir frying these tang yuan after boiling them. Coat it with some grated peanuts and you’ll have a dessert that’ll surely impress your relatives when they come over!
6. Shredded Coconut With Gula Melaka
Spring Home is truly the best brand that doesn’t disappoint when it comes to exotic tang yuan flavours in Singapore. Their Shredded Coconut Glutinous Rice Balls (available on Tee Yih Jia Food Official Store) contain the most aromatic coconut that melts in your mouth. And that’s not all! This is one of the best tang yuan in Singapore because it contains a gooey gula melaka syrup. Combined with shredded coconut, these two come together to create a harmonious blend of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. We’re sure these will warm you and loved ones up over the Winter Solstice!
7. Sweet Potato & Taro
Love Blackball and Nine Fresh? Then these are the best tang yuan in Singapore that you’ll absolutely adore! Instead of queuing up and waiting for your order, why not cook up these Sweet Potato & Taro Mini Rice Balls (available on Tee Yih Jia Food Official Store)? They’re similar to those that you’ll commonly eat at dessert spots, so now you can finally satisfy that sweet craving in the comforts of your own home. Also, you’ll have full reign over the number of glutinous rice balls that should be added to your dessert. So go crazy!
8. Mao Shan Wang Durian
Not sure about you, but we’ll never be over durian. That’s why we’re so obsessed with this Mao Shan Wang Durian Glutinous Rice Balls (available on Prestigio Delights Frozen Official)! Thanks to one of the best tang yuan brands in Singapore, lovers of the King Of Fruits can finally enjoy their favourite fruit with this dessert. And the best part about this tang yuan is how actual Mao Shan Wang durian flesh is used. You’ll only be getting the most OG form of durian here, so don’t worry about it being too sweet. To really take things to the next level, why not try coating these tang yuan in some bread crumbs and deep frying them? Make your own fried durian balls at home so you’ll never have to go scouring for them ever again!
9. Original
Plain and simple is always in trend. So go ahead and give these Original Mini Rice Balls (available on Tee Yih Jia Food Official Store) a go to enjoy the most unadulterated flavours. Pair it with a simple sweet soup base to enhance the pure glutinous rice ball flavours. We suggest making something like longan and red date tea that’ll highlight the tang yuan’s taste. Alternatively, these glutinous rice balls are a great addition to any dessert thanks to their plain flavour. You can even add these tang yuan to a snow ice dessert – trust us it works. The melted snow ice coats every glutinous rice ball, imparting an additional flavour that is truly chef’s kiss!
Stay warm this Winter Solstice with the best tang yuan in Singapore
A warm bowl of sweet broth with some of the best tang yuan in Singapore sounds just perfect during the cold Winter Solstice. But you know what else you can do to warm up those bellies? Dine at some of the best hotpot places in Singapore or do it yourself at home with these best steamboat pots! Need some help? Here’s a guide you can follow to help you organise a hotpot gathering!
