Yu Tou Gao

Yu Tou Gao is one of the classic dishes in the snack tradition of China. It is prepared with rice, flour, pork and mushrooms.

Yu Tou Gao, or taro cake, is a classic Cantonese dim sum dish rooted in the culinary traditions of Guangdong province and the wider Pearl River Delta. Its precise origins are not well documented, but it is widely believed to have evolved as a savory counterpart to sweet rice cakes like nian gao, using taro, a staple root vegetable long cultivated in southern China.

Regional variations are common across southern China: some versions incorporate Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, or scallops, while others keep the taro flavor more prominent. The cake is typically steamed with rice flour, pork, and mushrooms, then pan-fried until golden before serving. It holds cultural significance as a beloved item in yum cha establishments and is frequently prepared during Chinese New Year, where it symbolizes abundance and good fortune.