Osmanthus Bean Cake

 I finally found the cake I’ve always admired in the Chinese dramas I watch—the soft, fragrant osmanthus mung bean cake. This is exactly the kind I’ve been longing to try, not like the powdery biscuit version I once posted about. What makes it even more special is that these cakes are made by 知味观 (Zhī Wèi Guān), one of Hangzhou’s most popular and historic food brands founded in 1913, celebrated for their authentic flavors and cultural presentation.

I also love the covers of the boxes—they tell the stories of beautiful West Lake scenes, and here are some interesting facts I discovered about them:

Left box: Osmanthus Mung Bean Cake (桂花绿豆糕 Guìhuā lǜ dòu gāo). The cover illustrates 花港观鱼 (Huā gǎng guān yú), “Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor,” one of West Lake’s Ten Scenes. This place is famous for its red carp gliding gracefully beneath pavilions, surrounded by flowers in bloom—a lively yet poetic reflection of the osmanthus flavor within.

Right box: Original Mung Bean Cake (原味绿豆糕 Yuánwèi lǜ dòu gāo). This box shows 曲院风荷 (Qūyuàn fēng hé),  “Lotus in the Breeze at the Crooked Courtyard.” In summertime, lotus blossoms fill the lake, swaying in the warm breeze. The pure, original flavor of this cake mirrors that same calm beauty.

Bottom of the Green Box (both cakes). Printed here are the phrases 晓食时令 (Xiǎo shí shí lìng)  “Seasonal Delicacies at Dawn” and 湖山十景 (Húshān shí jǐng), “Ten Scenic Views of Lake and Mountain,” tying these sweets to the cultural legacy of Hangzhou. The motto—知景 (Zhī jǐng) / 知味 (Zhī wèi) / 知西湖 (Zhī Xīhú), “Know the Scenery, Know the Taste, Know West Lake”—reminds us that enjoying these cakes is also savoring a piece of history and culture.

The numbers printed on the boxes 20250813 and 20250814 are the production dates. In China, it’s common to print the date of manufacture, while in the Philippines we are more familiar with seeing the expiration date on food packaging. ✍️