Longan Cake

This is a special cake made by local residents of Hai Hau borough. People call it “longan cake” not because it is made from longan, but because its shape and skin resemble the fruit. The recipe is simple, yet its flavor and taste are outstanding and unforgettable. The cake is made from glutinous rice powder mixed with chicken eggs, pork lard, and sugar. This mixture is rolled into balls that resemble longan fruit and then fried in a hot pan. After frying, these dough balls are boiled in sugar water to achieve their characteristic yellow hue.
Photo: thucthan.com

Longan cake is made in many places in Nam Dinh, but the cakes from Hai Hau are known for a unique taste and flavor that set them apart. This distinctive quality comes from using a special kind of rice powder. In Hai Hau, yellow-flowered glutinous rice powder is utilized, known throughout Vietnam for its unique flavors. Consequently, the cakes from Hai Hau are more fragrant and delicious than those from other regions.