Meatballs are a traditional Jinhua dish. [Photo/WeChat account: jhly057912301]
Jinhua in Zhejiang province is offering a delightful array of traditional treats for the upcoming Chinese New Year, from savory and crispy to sweet and soft, showcasing the city's rich culinary heritage.
A must-try is the meatballs, whose exterior is made translucent by sweet potato starch. The blend of sweet radish and rich pork creates a texture that's tender yet chewy. During Spring Festival, these meatballs are also often sliced and stir-fried with garlic leaves, creating another delicious dish.
Another traditional delicacy is the scallion meat, a fried snack with a meat filling rich in minced scallions. With a tempting golden hue, the initial crunch gives way to a juicy, tender interior, making it an irresistible treat.
For those with a sweet tooth, eight-treasure rice pudding is a festive favorite. This colorful dish features glutinous rice adorned with dried fruits and candied treats. Each spoonful reveals a filling of red bean paste or mashed taro, offering a balanced flavor.
Glutinous rice balls look like waxberries. [Photo/WeChat account: pujianglvyou]
Waxberry glutinous rice balls are also a Chinese New Year dessert in some regions. These red-dyed balls actually encase a sesame filling but are named as such due to their similarity to waxberries. Each bite of their chewy exterior and fragrant core symbolizes prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
