Dive into Hainan’s Sweet Secrets: 2 Must-Try Desserts!

Move over, seafood – Hainan’s dessert game is stealing the spotlight! This tropical island isn’t just about beaches and coconuts; it’s a hidden gem for sugar lovers, and we’re breaking down two iconic treats you need on your foodie bucket list.

1. The OG Nine-Layer Wonder

Meet the brown sugar nine-layer cake: a steamy, sticky masterpiece that’s basically edible ASMR. Locals layer rice flour nine times – brushing coconut oil between each paper-thin sheet – to create a chewy, caramelized delight. Pro tip: Grab a slice for under $1 and watch vendors slice it into diamond shapes like pastry ninjas.

2. Red Bean Royalty

Hainan’s red bean cake is here to upgrade your texture game . Imagine velvety mashed adzuki beans mixed with rice flour, steamed until fluffy, then studded with whole red beans for that perfect *pop* in every bite. Vegan? Gluten-free? This ancient hack checks all the modern boxes.

Food bloggers are flooding Weibo with #HainanDessertChallenge videos – will you join the quest?

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Hainan's must-try desserts: Brown sugar cake and red bean cake

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