Ba wan

Description

Ba wan is the most common street food in Taiwan. This traditional Taiwanese dumpling has become so popular that it is considered to be the national dish of the country. It is made with rice flour and potato starch dough that is usually filled with pork, bamboo, and mushrooms. Ba wan can be steamed or fried and is commonly served with a sweet and spicy sauce or a flavorful broth. It is not considered to be the most prestigious food in Taiwan, but it is the favorite among all social classes. The varieties of ba wan depend on the region, but the traditional type is thoroughly steamed and then dipped in hot oil to make the skin almost translucent. Regional differences also exist in the way ba wan is served - in the north, it is usually cut open before serving, while the southern version is often left untouched. Nowadays, this chewy and sticky dumpling is sold on almost every corner in Taiwan.