Sesame Balls (Jian Dui / 煎堆)
Cantonese — dim sum and New Year tradition
Deep-fried glutinous rice balls coated in sesame seeds, typically filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or five-kernel nut mixture. The balls expand dramatically during frying as steam expands the hollow interior, while the exterior becomes a crisp, sesame-studded shell. Iconic Chinese New Year food and dim sum dessert.