A Guide to Traditional East Asian Desserts – Mochi, Egg Tarts, Red Bean Cakes & More

When it comes to desserts, East Asia offers a delightful variety of sweet treats with unique textures and flavours. From the soft, chewy bite of mochi to the creamy richness of egg tarts, these beloved desserts have stood the test of time. Whether you're exploring new flavours or reminiscing about childhood favourites, here’s a guide to some must-try traditional East Asian desserts—and what you need to make them at home!

1. Mochi (Japan & Beyond)

Mochi (餅) is a beloved Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice that’s pounded into a soft, chewy texture. Often enjoyed plain, mochi is also stuffed with fillings like sweet red bean paste, matcha-flavoured cream, or even ice cream!

🔹 How to Make It at Home:
To recreate mochi, you’ll need:
✔️ Glutinous Rice Flour 
✔️ Sweet Red Bean Paste
✔️ Cornstarch (for dusting to prevent stickiness)

2. Egg Tarts (China)

A staple in dim sum restaurants, Chinese egg tarts (蛋挞) feature a buttery, flaky pastry shell filled with a silky-smooth, sweet egg custard. Originating from Cantonese cuisine, they’re a must-try for pastry lovers.

🔹 What You Need for Homemade Egg Tarts:
✔️ Pastry Flour
✔️ Eggs
✔️ Evaporated Milk
✔️ Sugar

3. Red Bean Cakes

Red bean cakes take many forms across East Asia. In China, "dou sha bing" (豆沙饼) are flaky pastries filled with sweet red bean paste. In Korea, "hodu-gwaja" (호두과자) are walnut-shaped cakes filled with red bean and nuts, while "taiyaki" (たい焼き) in Japan are fish-shaped cakes with a warm, gooey red bean center.

🔹 Essential Ingredients:
✔️ Red Bean Paste (Adzuki Bean Paste)
✔️ All-Purpose Flour
✔️ Eggs & Sugar

4. Tangyuan – Glutinous Rice Balls (China)

Tangyuan (汤圆) are enjoyed during festivals such as the Lantern Festival (元宵节), Winter Solstice Festival (冬至, Dongzhi Festival), and sometimes during Chinese New Year in certain regions. These chewy rice balls, often filled with black sesame, peanut, or red bean paste and served in a sweet, warm broth, symbolize family togetherness and are a cherished part of festive traditions.

🔹 What You Need:
✔️ Glutinous Rice Flour
✔️ Sesame Paste or Crushed Peanuts
✔️ Sugar (for the sweet broth)

5. Mango Sticky Rice (Thailand)

While not traditionally East Asian, Thai Mango Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง) has become a globally loved dessert. The combination of creamy coconut milk, chewy sticky rice, and ripe mango makes for a refreshing treat.

🔹 Key Ingredients:
✔️ Sticky Rice (Glutinous Rice)
✔️ Coconut Milk
✔️ Fresh Mango
✔️ Palm Sugar

Try Making These Desserts at Home!

Recreating these delicious East Asian sweets at home is easier than you think! You can find essential ingredients like glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, and coconut milk in our store.

Which of these desserts is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below or tag us in your creations! 🍡🍮