Zhī Ma Qiú — Sesame Balls
Quick Info
- Flavor
- Toasted sesame aroma with gentle sweetness from red bean or lotus paste filling.
- Texture
- Crispy, sesame-studded shell that shatters into a chewy, hollow, stretchy interior
- Spice Level
- Not spicy
- Temperature
- Served Hot
Ingredients
Allergens
Confirmed
Possible
These ingredients may vary by restaurant. Ask your server to confirm.
The Story
Known as jiān duī (煎堆) in Cantonese, sesame balls are a staple of dim sum houses and a must-have during Chinese New Year in southern China. Their round, golden shape symbolizes completeness and wealth. The magic of making them is in the frying — the dough ball puffs up dramatically, creating a hollow interior, while the sesame seeds toast to perfection.
What to Expect
A golden sphere the size of a tennis ball, completely covered in toasted white sesame seeds. It’s surprisingly light for its size. Crack through the crispy shell and you’ll find it’s mostly hollow inside, with a thin layer of chewy glutinous rice and a nugget of sweet filling at the center. The sesame aroma hits you immediately — warm, nutty, and deeply satisfying.
Tips
Best eaten fresh and hot at dim sum restaurants. They deflate and lose their crunch as they cool. In Cantonese dim sum menus, look for 煎堆 (jiān duī) rather than 芝麻球. These are also common at Chinese bakeries as a takeaway snack.