Dim sum dish explainer
Sesame Balls (煎堆)
Fried glutinous rice balls coated in sesame seeds, often filled with lotus seed or red bean paste. This page explains what it is, how to order it, how to eat it, and what dietary signals to check.
Quick definition
Sesame Balls (煎堆 · jiān duī) is fried glutinous rice balls coated in sesame seeds, often filled with lotus seed or red bean paste.
Dim sum works best as a shared small-plate meal, so balance across steamed, fried, baked, and starch-heavy items matters more than choosing a single "main" dish. Dim sum was already established in China by the Song dynasty, long before the modern cart-service version most diners picture today.
What it is made of
Glutinous rice flour, sesame seeds, sugar, and sweet paste filling.
Flavor and texture
| Dimension | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Nutty sesame, mild sweetness, and a toasty fried note. |
| Texture | Crisp outside, chewy shell, and soft sweet filling. |
| Category | Sweet fried |
How to order it
Order near the end of the meal as a sweet item, especially if the table wants a non-custard dessert.
How to eat it
Eat warm but not immediately from the fryer. The filling can be hot.
Dietary and allergy signals
Contains sesame. May be made in a shared fryer and may contain wheat or other allergens depending on kitchen.
For serious allergies or religious dietary requirements, ask the restaurant about fillings, sauces, wrappers, broth, cooking wine, lard, shared steamers, shared fryers, and shared prep surfaces.
Quality signs
The ball should be inflated and crisp, not collapsed, oily, or tough.