Cifantuan

Cifantuan (粢飯糰)

Cifantuan, also commonly spelled as Tsz Fan Tuan, is a popular traditional Chinese breakfast dish originating from Shanghai. It is essentially a glutinous rice ball, typically made with steamed glutinous rice packed tightly around a variety of savory or sweet fillings.

Description:

The "ci" (粢) refers to glutinous rice, and the "fantuan" (飯糰) means rice ball. The exterior consists solely of cooked glutinous rice, which provides a chewy and slightly sticky texture. The fillings are then nestled within this rice exterior.

Variations and Fillings:

Cifantuan comes in several regional and individual variations, primarily differing in their fillings. Common fillings include:

• Savory: Youtiao (油條, fried dough stick), rousong (肉鬆, pork floss), zha cai (榨菜, pickled mustard tuber), preserved vegetables, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs or braised meat. Soy sauce or chili sauce may also be added for extra flavor.

• Sweet: Sugar, sesame powder, sweet fermented bean curd (doufu ru, 豆腐乳), or black sesame paste.

Preparation and Consumption:

Cifantuan is typically prepared fresh each morning by street vendors or at breakfast shops. The glutinous rice is steamed and kept warm, ready to be molded around the customer's choice of fillings. The vendor will then wrap the finished cifantuan in plastic or paper for easy consumption. It is usually eaten as a handheld snack for breakfast or a quick on-the-go meal.

Cultural Significance:

Cifantuan is more than just a breakfast food; it represents a part of Shanghai's culinary heritage. It is a quick, affordable, and satisfying option for many, especially those with busy morning schedules. Its popularity has spread beyond Shanghai, and it can now be found in other parts of China and in Chinatowns around the world.