Baobing

Baobing, also known as Tsuabing in Taiwanese Hokkien, is a delightful shaved ice dessert that's immensely popular in Greater China and among overseas Chinese communities, particularly in Malaysia. It's also a big hit in Taiwan, where a special version called xuehua bing is widely enjoyed.

Shaved ice has a rich history in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty in the seventh century AD. Interestingly, this cool treat even made an appearance at state dinners in 1972 when President Richard Nixon visited Beijing and met with Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.

So, what makes Baobing so special? It begins with a mound of finely shaved ice, followed by a variety of delectable toppings. You can drizzle it with sugar water or condensed milk, or add a mix of adzuki beans, mung beans, tapioca balls, and fresh seasonal fruits such as mango and strawberry. Mango Baobing is a summertime favorite, while strawberry Baobing is perfect for winter.

In the past, creating those ice shavings was a labor-intensive process, done by hand with a mallet or blade. Nowadays, modern machines produce even finer and thinner shavings, making the dessert even more enjoyable.

Baobing is more than just a treat; it's a refreshing and customizable dessert that has become a cherished part of Chinese and Taiwanese culinary traditions.