Captivating Chinese Iced Delight: Baobing

In the bustling streets of Beijing, amidst the sweltering heat, the Chinese iced delight: baobing offers a mesmerizing oasis of refreshment. During the days my family resided there, this delectable tower of snowy shaved ice became our cherished respite. Adorned with sweet red adzuki beans, refreshing green mung beans, chewy tapioca pearls, and a luxurious condensed milk cascade, it was the treat that captured my heart.

Echoes from Din Tai Fung: A Baobing Remembrance

Din Tai Fung’s reputation resonates across China, renowned for their succulent soup dumplings and iconic Shanghai brunch staples. But for me, their Baobing stood out. Each serving was like a lofty sculpture of ice, demanding to be shared and enjoyed. Yet, to my dismay, during a recent visit, I found this cherished dessert missing from the menu. So, for aficionados like me and novices alike, I’ve recreated this ethereal dessert for all to relish.

Baobing Unveiled: What Sets It Apart?

Distinct from the icy treats of Japan, Korea, and Hawaii, Baobing stands alone. Think of Hawaiian shaved ice’s syrupy texture or the Korean Patbingsu’s reliance on diverse toppings. Baobing leans on its rich milk foundation, reminiscent of treats from the Honeymoon Dessert chain. Envision a mountain of ice shards, effortlessly melting on your palate, adorned with toppings and blanketed in a condensed milk concoction.

Toppings Galore: Personalize Your Baobing

Baobing’s versatility shines through its toppings. The traditional version boasts of red and mung beans, with added delights like taro cubes and grass jelly. The joy lies in experimentation, so here’s a guide to curating your ultimate Baobing masterpiece:

Our Choice:

• Transparent tapioca pearls
• Ebony tapioca pearls
• Sticky rice spheres
• Red bean
• Mung bean
• A blend of coconut, regular, and condensed milk

Additional Options:

• Fruits, like mango or berries
• Ice creams, with vanilla or matcha leading the charge
• Steamed taro, both diced and in rice ball form

Ingredients

Red Bean Medley:

• 1 cup dried red adzuki beans (8 oz./225g, pre-soaked)
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjustable)
• 3 cups water
• A pinch of salt

Mung Bean Fusion:

• 1 cup dried mung beans (pre-soaked)
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjustable)
• 3 cups water
• A pinch of salt

Additional Layers:

• 1/2 cup instant black tapioca pearls
• 1/2 cup traditional white tapioca pearls (or simply use more black pearls)
• 1/2 cup sticky rice balls (follow our special recipe)
• 1/2 cup each of coconut milk, regular milk, and sweet condensed milk (adjust sweetness to preference)

Instructions

Bean Preparations:

1. After draining the pre-soaked beans, place red and mung beans in separate pots. Add water, sugar, and salt to each pot.

2. For the red beans, bring to boil and simmer for around 60 minutes, adjusting based on soaking duration and bean age. Mung beans should simmer for 20-30 minutes, till they soften.

3. With an immersion blender, puree ½ cup from each pot, and reintroduce to the mix. Let it cool, preferably overnight. If thickened, dilute the red bean blend with water.

Prepping the Ice:

1. Utilize molds from your ice shaver for freezing.

Setting the Toppings:

1. Cook both tapioca pearls as instructed on their packets. For white pearls, ensure thorough cooking, or simply opt for the quicker black pearls.

2. Prepare sticky rice balls using our recipe. Storing some in the freezer beforehand can be handy.

3. Blend the three types of milk. Opt for either coconut or dairy milk as per preference. Remember, the condensed milk is key to the dessert’s sweetness.

Assembling the Icy Delight:

1. Shave the ice into a grand tower in a suitable bowl, ensuring swift movements.

2. Drizzle the bean mixtures down the sides, followed by the pearls and rice balls at the base. Crown it all with the milk blend.

3. Serve in desired portions, customizing toppings and milk to individual tastes. Revel in the chill!