Top 36 Chinese Desserts

Egg waffle is a popular Hong Kong delicacy consisting of egg whites and yolks, milk, butter, sugar, flour, and salt. It is characterized by its puffy visual appearance and a pull-apart texture. These tiny treats are traditionally sold throughout Hong Kong by street vendors who prepare them in special pans with small, round cells. Egg waffles can be consumed plain or paired with fruit and different spreads.Expand

Serradura is a Portuguese and Macanese dessert which consists of finely crushed tea cookies layered between a velvety combination of whipped cream and condensed milk. Traditionally, the cream was infused with vanilla, but modern varieties appear in different flavor combinations. Although the name, which translates from Portuguese as sawdust pudding, indicates Portuguese origin, this sweet treat has become incredibly popular in Macau. It can be bought in numerous bakeries, and it is a common dessert found on the menus of Portuguese-style restaurants in Macau.Expand

The soft nai wong bao are the traditional Chinese steamed buns which consist of a smooth leavened wheat flour dough filled with a creamy egg custard filling. Even though the fillings might vary in consistency, they are characterized by vibrant yellow colors and the sweet and rich buttery flavors. These round treats are usually enjoyed as a part of dim sum meals complemented with flavorful Chinese tea.Expand

One of the most famous Chinese desserts is the classic egg tart, a delicious pastry consisting of a flaky outer shell with a creamy, but firm egg custard in the center. The origin of this traditional Chinese dessert is vague. It is believed that it grew out of Chinese contacts with western culinary traditions, but it is also likely that some form of an egg custard existed before the influence of the West. Chinese egg tart variety is believed to be a cross between the classic British egg custard, which is much creamier than the Chinese tart, and the famous Portuguese tarts, known as pastéis de nata, which are especially popular in Macau. Egg tarts first appeared in the Chinese region Guangdong, to eventually be taken to Hong Kong and Singapore where they also became one of the most beloved desserts. The main characteristic of the Chinese variety is the rich cream, which is firm and thick, with a strong and enhanced egg flavor. Both crumbly shortbread pastry (usually made with lard) and the crunchy puff pastry can be used as a shell. Occasionally, these tarts are flavored with ginger or green tea, and they should always be served warm, straight out of the oven. Egg tarts are the essential dessert of every dim sum meal, and a sweet delicacy commonly served in the Cantonese Asian restaurants. These tiny treats can also be found in traditional Chinese bakeries and coffee houses throughout the world.Expand

Heuhng mong dung boh deen is a traditional dessert that’s often served as a part of dim sum. This mango pudding is a simple combination of fresh mango, sugar, gelatin, and milk. The mangoes are puréed until smooth, then mixed with hot water, sugar, gelatin, and milk. The mixture is poured into ramekins or shallow bowls, and it’s then chilled for a few hours before serving. If desired, heuhng mong dung boh deen can be garnished with mint leaves or mango pieces. This dessert is especially popular on hot summer nights due to its refreshing properties.Expand

Invented in 1984 in Lei Garden’s Singapore branch, mango pomelo sago is a refreshing summer dessert made with mango, pomelo, sago, whole milk or evaporated milk, and coconut milk. Apart from Hong Kong, the dessert is also popular in Singapore and Taiwan.Expand

Dou fu fa is a popular Asian dessert consisting of creamy tofu topped with various savory or sweet garnishes. It is made with coagulated soy milk to create a tofu product with a mild taste and an incredibly soft consistency. Like other varieties, soft tofu probably originated in China, but it has soon spread out to other Asian countries where it still represents one of the most versatile sweet treats. Even though it is mainly enjoyed as a dessert, usually topped with sugary or ginger infused syrups, in some regions, especially in northern China, it is topped with savory complements and enjoyed as a creamy snack. Dou fu fa, with its numerous versions and local names, is mainly sold by street hawkers or served as a part of traditional dim sum meals.Expand

Sago pearls (also known as tapioca pearls) in coconut milk are a type of Cantonese tong sui (lit. sugar water; dessert soup). This simple treat can be found in many dim-sum eateries in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, where it is served as a perfect ending to a meal. Also, for a refreshing summer dessert, sao mai lo is often mixed with fresh fruits like mango, pomelo and strawberries.Expand

Doushabao is a soft and sweet Chinese steamed bun filled with smooth red bean paste. Falling in the category of baozi, they were created in China but due to the popularity of traditional Chinese cuisine, they can be found in numerous countries around the world nowadays. The flavorful combination of white steamed dough and the sweet red bean filling make doushabao an excellent everyday snack, a nutritious breakfast, or a filling dessert.Expand

Baobing is a simple dessert consisting of finely shaved ice and fresh fruit such as mangoes, litchis, and rambutans. It is usually topped with condensed milk, flavored sugar syrup, mung beans, and peanuts. Baobing is especially popular during the hot summer days in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, when it can be found on numerous night markets, among tofu and pancakes stands. The history of baobing can be traced back to more than 1000 years. It was consumed in China as early as the 7th century. Today, the dessert has evolved and can even be found in some Asian restaurants in the United States.Expand

Koi Kei Bakery is a well-established confectionery brand from Macau, founded in 1997, that has grown from a small street vendor into one of the region’s most recognizable producers of traditional Chinese sweets and a key player in the tourism-driven food souvenir market. The company is best known for its almond cookies, peanut brittle, egg rolls, and meat-based snacks, with almond cookies in particular standing out as a signature product closely tied to Macau’s culinary identity. A defining aspect of Koi Kei’s success is its retail concept, where products are often freshly prepared, sampled, and displayed directly in-store, creating a strong sensory experience focused on freshness and craftsmanship. Its shops are strategically located in high-traffic tourist areas, which reinforces brand visibility and encourages impulse purchases. The packaging is standardized and designed for gifting, aligning with regional habits of bringing back edible souvenirs. Despite its scale and wide product range, the brand continues to rely on traditional recipes and recognizable flavors. This balance between heritage and commercial expansion has positioned Koi Kei as a leading example of how local confectionery can grow into a widely recognized brand while maintaining a clear connection to its origins.Expand

Choi Heong Yuen Bakery is a long-established confectionery producer from Macau, founded in 1935, recognized for its commitment to traditional techniques and its strong role in the city’s food souvenir culture. The brand is best known for its almond cakes, which are prepared using a charcoal baking method that gives them a distinct dry and crumbly texture along with a lightly toasted aroma. Recipes are based on simple ingredients and have been preserved across generations, resulting in a consistent and recognizable flavor profile rooted in local tradition. Beyond almond cakes, the company offers a wide selection of classic Chinese sweets including mooncakes, egg rolls, walnut cookies, and peanut-based confections. Its products are widely associated with Macau’s culinary identity and are commonly purchased as gifts by visitors. Over time, Choi Heong Yuen has maintained a balance between heritage and scale, building a reputation as one of the most authentic traditional bakeries in the region. This position has been further reinforced by its recognition as a “Macau Classic Brand”, highlighting its contribution to preserving local craftsmanship and cultural continuity.Expand