Nian gao, also known as Chinese New Year cake, is a traditional Chinese dish made from sticky rice flour. It is sweet, sticky and commonly used in Chinese cuisine, particularly during the Chinese New Year.

What does nian gao taste like?

Nian gao has a mildly sweet taste. When freshly made, it has a sticky and soft texture. When aged, it becomes firm and can be sliced.

Is nian gao gluten-free?

Yes, nian gao is gluten-free as it is made from glutinous rice flour which does not contain gluten.

How do you pronounce nian gao?

Nian gao is pronounced as 'nyen gow'.

What is the symbolism of nian gao in Chinese culture?

Nian gao is associated with Chinese New Year and is considered a symbol of increasing prosperity, as 'nian gao' is a homonym for 'higher year'. Eating it is seen as raising one's status in the coming year.

How long does nian gao last?

If properly stored, nian gao can be kept for about two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the refrigerator.

How does one prepare nian gao?

Traditionally, nian gao is steamed in a bamboo steamer. It can also be sliced and pan-fried, often with egg.

Where can I buy nian gao?

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Is nian gao suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

The traditional recipe of nian gao is suitable for vegetarians and vegans as it doesn't contain any animal products.

Can nian gao be frozen?

Yes, nian gao can be frozen and it can generally keep in the freezer for up to six months.

Why is nian gao sticky?

Nian gao is sticky because it is made from glutinous rice flour, which is known for its adhesive and elastic properties.

Can I make nian gao at home?

Yes, nian gao can be made at home with the right ingredients and recipe.

What are the ingredients of nian gao?

The basic ingredients for nian gao are glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar. Some variations of the recipe may include other ingredients like red bean paste or coconut milk.

Is nian gao the same as mochi?

No, nian gao and mochi are different. While both are made from glutinous rice, nian gao is a Chinese dish and mochi is a Japanese dish and they are prepared in different ways.

Nian gao is relatively high in calories and carbs due to the sugar and glutinous rice flour. However, it is low in fat and a source of instant energy.

Can diabetics eat nian gao?

Generally, nian gao is high in sugar and may not be suitable for diabetics. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into a diabetic diet.

FAQ

What is the minimum order for free delivery?

Free delivery starts at $35 in most areas. The exact minimum may vary by region and will be shown at checkout.

How fast is delivery?

Most orders are delivered within 1–2 days depending on your location. You can select your delivery date at checkout.

Do you have physical store locations?

No, we are 100% online. By operating without physical stores, we keep prices lower and pass the savings to you.

Where do you deliver?

We currently deliver to all 50 U.S. states. Enter your ZIP code to confirm availability in your area.

Are there deals for first-time customers?

Yes! New customers can enjoy exclusive first-order discounts and special promotions.

Where to buy nian gao near me?

Asian American store with
free delivery available*

*Orders above $35, varies by region

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Top 5 products for Nian Gao

#1

Hansang Sliced Rice Cake 2.2 lb

Perfect for making savory Chinese New Year Nian Gao, this sliced rice cake is ideal for stir-fries, hot pot, and soups. It offers a chewy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. A convenient choice for authentic Lunar New Year and everyday Asian rice cake dishes.

$3.99 - $4.99

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Haven’t tried sliced rice cakes before but I’m excited to try it
Kimberly
Every time I buy pickled mustard greens, I also buy a bag of rice cakes, so I can make my favorite stir-fried rice cakes with pickled mustard greens and shredded pork!
Jong jineDi
The price is much cheaper than Ningbo rice cakes. I've tried it once, and I feel that the taste is no worse than Ningbo rice cakes.
琦
Love the rice cakes for my 똑국
matthew.aparicio1
I bought it and I'm looking forward to it.
white5955
Buy back! Buy back! Used for making rice cake soup.
兔子哩脑阔
I enjoy eating this; it is an item I repurchase.
beltnu
It's good as a snack, not just for rice cake soup.
hee
It's very useful, so I buy it whenever it's on sale.
cookie1cooky
They are delectable
yeyuje123

#2

Mei Hua Siang Sticky Sweet Rice Cake Original Flavor 18.3 oz

Perfect Nian Gao choice, this traditional sticky sweet rice cake delivers chewy texture and rich caramel‑brown flavor. Ideal for Chinese New Year steamer dishes, fried slices with egg, or sweet dessert soups. Its authentic taste satisfies holiday cravings. Great for gifting or festive tables. Enjoy!

$4.99 - $5.29

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this is one of my fav.. is great
Rhonalyn
Craving for some Tikoy!
Lyn
Haven’t tried it yet . But I’m so excited
LorenPanelas
The cardboard box was a bit crushed, but the inner packaging was intact. Looking forward to it.
CSG
Tasty! Taste just like home
Sher
I ordered this earlier for the CNY but as soon as it came, it's gone by the wind. I wasn't able to take pictures of the cooked one. Just buy your own and you'll see why. Happy New Year, weee loves you. . .
pagasa11
Traditional egg batter pan-fried rice cakes taste just like the ones I ate as a child.
alice020623
Great for lunar new year
weee.16106607
I bought these for the Chinese New Year to celebrate; they should taste great if I pan-fried them.
beewu

#3

Six Fortune Rice Cake Red Bean Flavor 500 g

Suitable for those seeking Nian Gao, Six Fortune Rice Cake Red Bean Flavor offers a delicious taste of a traditional Asian dessert. It's a versatile food that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to sweet treats. The red bean flavor is a sweet, rich, and complex add-on to many Asian cuisines. Although not frozen, this product will save preparation time while keeping the authenticity intact. It is also a healthy choice, as it is low in unhealthy fats and cholesterol.

$2.19 - $4.79

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The rice cakes are delicious! They really give off a Chinese New Year vibe.
Fang
This is my first purchase, and the portion size is just right for two people.
momoxie
During Chinese New Year, baked crispy rice cakes are tastier than fried ones
fdjessica
The rice cakes were delicious and very sweet, but not the artificial sweetness of industrial saccharin. They were just a bit small.
weee.7405018
Yummy ! though it will be bigger
librarose
It's very small, but I hope it tastes good.
taiorker
Traditional red bean rice cake, so delicious!
b1monicaa
Can’t wait to try !
chona
It's smaller than I thought, but it's only 500 grams
Eva
Wish there were more red beans.
halfdonutgame

#4

Mei Hua Siang Coconut Rice Cake 18.3 oz

Soft, fragrant coconut rice cake fits Nian Gao cravings, offering sweet milky flavor and chewy texture. Ideal for traditional Chinese New Year desserts, sliced for fried cake, steamed with red bean, or added to soups. Its natural coconut adds mild healthy fat. Perfect for gatherings and snacks daily

$4.99 - $5.29

Shop now

Try this festive coconut rice cake!
Weee.123
Yummy tikoy
Bre_anne
Sliced and pan-fried until crispy, it's not bad, but it's a bit sweet.
cindy
pan fried this with some egg. I know coconut is not the traditional choice but my kids think this is nice and tasty.
weee.123
Arrived frozen. Thawing it now, can’t wait to try them!
Robelle
Pan-frying them makes them delicious! They're chewy, bouncy, and soft!
Zoezang
The packaging is beautiful and has a festive feel.
weee.17121087
This time I bought coconut rice cakes, and last time I bought brown sugar rice cakes. They were soft and delicious after frying, but they were too sweet. Less sugar is healthier.
weee.9406108
Didn’t know that it is this small! Anyway, it’s only for Chinese new year
langluik
First time buying I hope it tastes good when fried
Phung Thai

#5

Six Fortune Brown Sugar Rice Cake 500 g

$1.19 - $5.29

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The taste of my childhood, I miss it so much!
Yuliii
I pan-fry small rice cakes with eggs; they're soft, chewy, and less sweet. They taste even better if you use an air fryer. I buy several every New Year and pile them up at home.
June
I buy these to make fried rice cakes every Chinese New Year; they're super delicious!
Monica
It's about the size of a palm, much easier than making it yourself.
Redb
It's smaller than I expected, but it's only once a year, I guess!
weee.16583843
The packaging is beautiful; I hope it tastes great too.
weee.17121087
This is a perfect size for just 1-2 people. Have to save it for BaiBai so can't open to try it yet.
dadutzit
A good size, perfect for 9 servings. This will go well with either coffee or tea.
marianucum8
It's heavy and very dense, and cheaper than what my friend bought in Chinatown. I bought some frying powder; I'll fry it later.
weee.9464181

Popular recipes

Rice Cooker Nian Gao

This recipe adds the perfect consistency to the nian gao in a foolproof and easy method. Uniquely, this dish uses a rice cooker and some staple Asian ingredients such as brown sugar and sesame oil to transform the texture and flavor of nian gao. To increase authenticity, use pandan leaves for a sweet and unique aroma.

Instant Pot Nian Gao Soup

This hearty nian gao soup is quick and easy, thanks to the Instant Pot. The dish is made flavorful with the use of soy sauce and scallions. A dash of white pepper adds warmth and depth to the soup, making it a perfect comfort food for cold days.

Stir-Fried Nian Gao with Vegetables

In less than 30 minutes, create a colorful and tasty stir-fried nian gao with veggies using a stir-fry pan. The crispiness of fresh vegetables adds a contrasting texture against the chewy nian gao. With a simple seasoning of oyster sauce and garlic, it doesn't get more Asian than this.

Steamed Nian Gao with Red Bean Paste

For a sweet twist, try this steamed nian gao with red bean paste which is a dessert favorite in many Asian countries. The sweet and creamy red bean paste complements the chewy texture of nian gao while desiccated coconut gives an additional exotic taste.

Nian Gao with Sweet Soy Sauce

This version introduces a sweet twist to the classic nian gao, using sweet soy sauce and sesame seeds for a delightful variation. The sweet soy sauce not only adds a golden glaze to the nian gao but also brings an interesting sweet and salty taste to the dish.

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Frequently asked questions

What is nian gao?
Nian gao, also known as Chinese New Year cake, is a traditional Chinese dish made from sticky rice flour. It is sweet, sticky and commonly used in Chinese cuisine, particularly during the Chinese New Year.
Is nian gao gluten-free?
Yes, nian gao is gluten-free as it is made from glutinous rice flour which does not contain gluten.
What is the symbolism of nian gao in Chinese culture?
Nian gao is associated with Chinese New Year and is considered a symbol of increasing prosperity, as 'nian gao' is a homonym for 'higher year'. Eating it is seen as raising one's status in the coming year.
How does one prepare nian gao?
Traditionally, nian gao is steamed in a bamboo steamer. It can also be sliced and pan-fried, often with egg.
Is nian gao suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The traditional recipe of nian gao is suitable for vegetarians and vegans as it doesn't contain any animal products.
Why is nian gao sticky?
Nian gao is sticky because it is made from glutinous rice flour, which is known for its adhesive and elastic properties.
What are the ingredients of nian gao?
The basic ingredients for nian gao are glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar. Some variations of the recipe may include other ingredients like red bean paste or coconut milk.
Is nian gao healthy?
Nian gao is relatively high in calories and carbs due to the sugar and glutinous rice flour. However, it is low in fat and a source of instant energy.

What does nian gao taste like?
Nian gao has a mildly sweet taste. When freshly made, it has a sticky and soft texture. When aged, it becomes firm and can be sliced.
How do you pronounce nian gao?
Nian gao is pronounced as 'nyen gow'.
How long does nian gao last?
If properly stored, nian gao can be kept for about two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the refrigerator.
Where can I buy nian gao?
You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.
Can nian gao be frozen?
Yes, nian gao can be frozen and it can generally keep in the freezer for up to six months.
Can I make nian gao at home?
Yes, nian gao can be made at home with the right ingredients and recipe.
Is nian gao the same as mochi?
No, nian gao and mochi are different. While both are made from glutinous rice, nian gao is a Chinese dish and mochi is a Japanese dish and they are prepared in different ways.
Can diabetics eat nian gao?
Generally, nian gao is high in sugar and may not be suitable for diabetics. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into a diabetic diet.

Haven’t tried sliced rice cakes before but I’m excited to try it
Kimberly
Every time I buy pickled mustard greens, I also buy a bag of rice cakes, so I can make my favorite stir-fried rice cakes with pickled mustard greens and shredded pork!
Jong jineDi
The price is much cheaper than Ningbo rice cakes. I've tried it once, and I feel that the taste is no worse than Ningbo rice cakes.
琦
Love the rice cakes for my 똑국
matthew.aparicio1
I bought it and I'm looking forward to it.
white5955
Buy back! Buy back! Used for making rice cake soup.
兔子哩脑阔
I enjoy eating this; it is an item I repurchase.
beltnu
It's good as a snack, not just for rice cake soup.
hee
It's very useful, so I buy it whenever it's on sale.
cookie1cooky
They are delectable
yeyuje123
this is one of my fav.. is great
Rhonalyn
Craving for some Tikoy!
Lyn
Haven’t tried it yet . But I’m so excited
LorenPanelas
The cardboard box was a bit crushed, but the inner packaging was intact. Looking forward to it.
CSG
Tasty! Taste just like home
Sher
I ordered this earlier for the CNY but as soon as it came, it's gone by the wind. I wasn't able to take pictures of the cooked one. Just buy your own and you'll see why. Happy New Year, weee loves you. . .
pagasa11
Traditional egg batter pan-fried rice cakes taste just like the ones I ate as a child.
alice020623
Great for lunar new year
weee.16106607
I bought these for the Chinese New Year to celebrate; they should taste great if I pan-fried them.
beewu
The rice cakes are delicious! They really give off a Chinese New Year vibe.
Fang
Try this festive coconut rice cake!
Weee.123
Yummy tikoy
Bre_anne
Sliced and pan-fried until crispy, it's not bad, but it's a bit sweet.
cindy
pan fried this with some egg. I know coconut is not the traditional choice but my kids think this is nice and tasty.
weee.123
Arrived frozen. Thawing it now, can’t wait to try them!
Robelle
Pan-frying them makes them delicious! They're chewy, bouncy, and soft!
Zoezang
The packaging is beautiful and has a festive feel.
weee.17121087
This time I bought coconut rice cakes, and last time I bought brown sugar rice cakes. They were soft and delicious after frying, but they were too sweet. Less sugar is healthier.
weee.9406108
Didn’t know that it is this small! Anyway, it’s only for Chinese new year
langluik
First time buying I hope it tastes good when fried
Phung Thai
The taste of my childhood, I miss it so much!
Yuliii
I pan-fry small rice cakes with eggs; they're soft, chewy, and less sweet. They taste even better if you use an air fryer. I buy several every New Year and pile them up at home.
June
I buy these to make fried rice cakes every Chinese New Year; they're super delicious!
Monica
It's about the size of a palm, much easier than making it yourself.
Redb
It's smaller than I expected, but it's only once a year, I guess!
weee.16583843
The packaging is beautiful; I hope it tastes great too.
weee.17121087
This is a perfect size for just 1-2 people. Have to save it for BaiBai so can't open to try it yet.
dadutzit
A good size, perfect for 9 servings. This will go well with either coffee or tea.
marianucum8
It's heavy and very dense, and cheaper than what my friend bought in Chinatown. I bought some frying powder; I'll fry it later.
weee.9464181
No need to coat with flour, just air fry at 180C for 8 minutes. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with a rich brown sugar flavor.
Weee6879
I bought another item; delivery was prompt and the packaging was intact.
weee.12571760
They're delicious deep-fried or served with hot pot!
Quinn
Great packaging
Kimberly
If the rice isn't good, it hardens quickly when making tteokbokki, but the quality is good.
하늘바라기
I made cream tteokbokki!! I think Hansang tteok is the best. The sauce goes in really well, too.
garong
Frozen rice cakes. For making rice cake soup.
Momo
I'm going to make tteokbokki.
happyhappy
I bought it because it was on sale. A must-have item.
욤욤
I bought it to make tteokbokki.
은빛
My favorite tok brand
YennieNg