01
What is Zenggao?
A Xi’an steamed sticky-rice cake layered with red dates and beans.
02
Flavor profile
Sweet · Sticky · Fruity
A Xi’an steamed sticky-rice cake layered with red dates and beans.
03
Key ingredients
Glutinous rice, red dates and red or kidney beans.
This is a food guide, not a recipe. Ingredients and preparation vary between cooks, shops and cities.
04
How it is usually made
Rice, dates and beans are layered in a traditional steamer and slowly cooked until soft, glossy and fragrant.
05
Origin and food culture
Zenggao is a traditional sweet of Xi’an and central Shaanxi. Its name comes from the zeng, the steamer in which layers of glutinous rice and fruit are slowly cooked.
Red dates or jujubes are essential to its aroma and color; beans are common but recipes differ. It is sold as a breakfast or street snack rather than only as a festival cake.