Yuanxiao

Yuanxiao, also known as Tangyuan, are traditional Chinese glutinous rice balls eaten during the Lantern Festival and other celebrations. These soft, chewy treats are usually filled with sweet ingredients like black sesame, red bean paste, or peanut butter, or simply made plain. They symbolize family unity, harmony, and completeness, reflecting the festival's themes of reunion and celebration of light after winter. Yuanxiao are cooked by boiling and are enjoyed in sweet soups or with other accompaniments. Their round shape and smooth texture make them a cultural symbol of togetherness and good fortune in Chinese tradition.