Quick facts for kids
Chhau-a-koe
A batch of chhú-khak-ké in a steamer
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| 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 |
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| Chinese |
草仔粿 |
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| Alternative Chinese name |
| Chinese |
鼠麴粿 |
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| Second alternative Chinese name |
| Chinese |
草麴粿 |
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| Third alternative Chinese name |
| Chinese |
清明粿 |
| Literal meaning |
Qingming cake |
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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.
