Tshuah-ping

Bing guan cau mei

Tshuah-ping (剉冰) is a traditional Taiwanese shaved ice dessert that is popular in Taiwan and other parts of East Asia. It is known for its refreshing qualities, especially during the hot summer months. The name "tshuah-ping" translates to "shaved ice" in Taiwanese Hokkien.

Ingredients and Preparation

Tshuah-ping is made by shaving a block of ice into fine, fluffy pieces. The shaved ice is then typically topped with a variety of ingredients, which can include:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Fruits such as mango, strawberry, and kiwi
• Red bean paste
• Grass jelly
• Taro
• Sweet potato
• Boba
• Peanuts
• Sugar syrup

The combination of these toppings can vary widely, allowing for a customizable dessert experience.

Cultural Significance

Tshuah-ping holds a special place in Taiwanese culture, often associated with childhood memories and family gatherings. It is commonly found at night markets, street vendors, and specialized dessert shops throughout Taiwan. The dessert is also enjoyed during traditional festivals and celebrations.

Variations

There are several regional and modern variations of tshuah-ping, including:

• Mango Shaved Ice (芒果剉冰): A popular variant that features fresh mango chunks and mango syrup.
• Milk Shaved Ice (牛奶剉冰): Uses milk ice instead of plain ice, giving it a creamier texture.
• Japanese Kakigori (かき氷): A similar dessert from Japan that often includes matcha (green tea) syrup and sweet red beans.

Related Desserts

Tshuah-ping is part of a broader category of shaved ice desserts found across Asia, including:

• Bingsu from Korea
• Halo-halo from the Philippines
• Ais kacang from Malaysia

See Also

• Taiwanese cuisine
• Night markets in Taiwan
• List of Taiwanese desserts