While Audrey, Grace and I were in Guilin, we saw people walking around with a very intriguing looking dessert.  We couldn’t quite tell what it was, so naturally we wanted to try it.  We didn’t get a chance to try it before we moved on to Yangshuo, but luckily the dessert was abundant in Yangshuo!  Literally, there was a street stall devoted to this treat evry ten feet or so. 

Basically, it was gelatinous goo.  The vendor would ladle some white liquid into a clear cup, then pour a hot, clear liquid from a giant tea pot into the white liquid.  When the liquids combined, they instantly would form a plasma-like substance.  Then, the vendor would put any of a variety of toppings onto the gelatious goo: they had haw flakes (which are strong and fruity tasting), peanut chunks, black sesame, sugar, and sultanas (like raisins).  The vendor told motioned to us that we should stir it up into a uniform mixture of all of the toppings.  It was good!  At least I thought so…Audrey and Grace weren’t so hot on it.  I have a quirk that I love most food items that come in gelatinous form. 

During our short stay in Yangshuo, I tried to eat the gelatinous goo as often as possible.  Being somewhat controlling and picky about how I like my food, I asked Audrey to tell the vendor in Mandarin that I wanted to put the toppings on myself.  That way I could control the ratio of toppings!  And, most importantly, leave out the sultanas!  (Their texture didn’t jive with the whole ensemble of food items…)  Despite the protesting of the street vendor, I didn’t really like to mix everything, I liked to keep the toppings distinct. 

Grace, Audrey and I guessed that the white liquid that went in the cup first was a gelatin mix and the clear liquid was just hot water.  If anyone knows the name or what exactly this dessert is, please share!  I would love to know.