kids encyclopedia robot

Chhau-a-koe facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Chhau-a-koe
Tsukakkue.jpg
A batch of chhú-khak-ké in a steamer
Alternative names Chau-a-ke, chu-khak-ke, shuquguo
Place of origin China
Region or state Fujian and Taiwan
Main ingredients glutinous rice flour, sugar, ground Jersey cudweed paste
Similar dishes Qingtuan
Other information Served during Qingming
Chhau-a-koe
Chinese 草仔粿
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin cǎozaǐguǒ
Southern Min
Hokkien POJ chháu-á-kóe / chháu-á-ké
Alternative Chinese name
Chinese 鼠麴粿
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin shǔqúguǒ
Southern Min
Hokkien POJ chhí-khak-kóe / chhú-khak-ké
Second alternative Chinese name
Chinese 草麴粿
Transcriptions
Southern Min
Hokkien POJ chhó-khak-ké / chhó-kak-kóe
Third alternative Chinese name
Chinese 清明粿
Literal meaning Qingming cake
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin Qīngmíng guǒ
Southern Min
Hokkien POJ Chheng‑bêng-kóe / Chheng‑bêng-ké

Chhau-a-koe (pronounced "chow-ah-gway") is a special kind of sweet snack from China and Taiwan. It is a type of kuih, which means it's a steamed cake or dumpling. This yummy treat is made with a unique dough. It gets its special brownish-green color and flavor from herbs. People often enjoy Chhau-a-koe during the Qingming Festival.

What is Chhau-a-koe?

Chhau-a-koe is a sweet snack that comes from Fujian in China. It is also popular in Hakka and Taiwanese cuisine. The main ingredients for the dough are glutinous rice flour and sugar. A special paste made from ground, cooked herbs is then added.

The Special Dough

The dough for Chhau-a-koe gets its unique look and taste from herbs. These herbs are usually Jersey cudweed or Chinese mugwort. When these herbs are mixed into the dough, they give it a brownish-green color. They also add a special flavor that makes Chhau-a-koe stand out.

A Festival Treat

Chhau-a-koe is often made and eaten during the Qingming Festival. This festival is a time for people to remember and honor their ancestors. Making and sharing Chhau-a-koe is a tradition during this special time. While both herbs can be used, Chinese mugwort is more common for Hakka-style Chhau-a-koe.

Delicious Fillings

The herb-flavored dough of Chhau-a-koe is usually filled with tasty ingredients. Common fillings include ground meat or sweet bean pastes. Sometimes, dried white radish is also used.

Popular Fillings in Taiwan

In Taiwan, a popular filling mixes several ingredients. It often includes Dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms. Dried and shredded white radish (called 菜脯) is also a common addition. Finally, deep-fried shallots are added for extra flavor.

kids search engine
Chhau-a-koe Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.