National Dish Taiwan: Herbal Jelly (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Herbal Jelly, one of Taiwan’s most refreshing sweet treats! This wobbly, gently set dessert is made entirely from plant-based ingredients and served chilled, often heaped with fruit or chewy toppings. Cool, lightly sweet and endlessly customisable, it is the kind of pudding that delights young and old alike. Bring a little slice of Taiwanese night-market culture straight into your own kitchen.
About Herbal Jelly
Herbal Jelly, sometimes known as grass jelly, is a traditional Taiwanese dessert prized for its silky texture and its layered, refreshing flavour. It is made from plant-based ingredients such as seaweed-derived setting agents or black sesame, giving it a distinctive character. This cooling dish has a wonderful ability to please both children and grown-ups, and it is a lovely way to bring a piece of Taiwanese culture to the family table. Much like a bowl of Aiyu Jelly, it turns a simple pudding into something special.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 20 g agar-agar or gelatine
- 500 ml water
- 50 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 30 ml pandan or green tea extract
- Optional: fruit or toppings such as tapioca pearls or coconut milk
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Herbal Jelly at home, it is worth choosing fresh, good-quality ingredients. Most of what you need is readily available in Asian grocery shops, and if you do not live near one, many of these items can also be ordered online. When shopping, pay attention to the provenance of the ingredients and, where possible, reach for organic certified products for the best results.
Preparing the dish
First, gather all of your ingredients and make sure you have the right kitchen equipment to hand, such as a saucepan, a sieve and a mould or dish. Take care to dissolve the agar-agar sheets or powder at the correct water temperature so you achieve the desired texture. If you would like to use fresh fruit, prepare it too and cut it into small pieces. This not only improves the presentation but also adds extra flavour.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the water to the boil in a saucepan and add the agar-agar or gelatine.
- Stir the mixture well until the setting agent has completely dissolved.
- Add the sugar and the pandan or green tea extract and mix everything thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a mould and leave it to cool until firm.
- Cut the Herbal Jelly into cubes and serve with toppings of your choice.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Herbal Jelly is naturally a gluten-free and lactose-free dessert, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone with food sensitivities. Do, however, make sure that the ingredients you use are also free from gluten and lactose. When buying sugar, for instance, check that no additional additives have been included that might contain these allergens.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of Herbal Jelly, be sure to use agar-agar rather than gelatine, since gelatine is of animal origin. Choosing plant-based sweeteners such as agave syrup or coconut sugar is another excellent option for vegans. Take care to select toppings that are vegan too, such as fresh fruit, nuts or seeds. With these tweaks, even vegans can enjoy this delicious dessert, as they can with a bowl of chilled Almond Jelly.
More tips and tricks
A few simple tricks can make this dessert even more delicious. Experiment with different flavour combinations by enriching the base with fruit or spices. Adding coconut milk brings a creamy element that refines the finished result beautifully. You can also serve the dessert in pretty glasses to create a more modern, elegant look.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The Herbal Jelly recipe is highly adaptable and can easily be tailored to individual preferences. Use different fruit juices or herbal extracts to make each portion unique. Depending on your personal taste, you can also vary the amount of sugar. If you fancy something a little less sweet, more savoury ingredients can be added to achieve an interesting flavour direction.
Ingredient substitutions
When preparing Herbal Jelly, other ingredients can be used to add variety. For example, matcha can be used in place of pandan extract to give a green colour and a different flavour. Likewise, sugar can be replaced with honey or another sweetener to reach the sweetness you prefer. Be creative and experiment with ingredients you particularly enjoy.
Drink pairing ideas
Herbal Jelly goes wonderfully with a range of drinks. A refreshing iced tea with fruit can complement the sweetness of the dessert beautifully. Alternatively, a gentle green tea works well, underlining the flavours of the jelly. Sparkling drinks or a light fruit water can also be added to create a harmonious menu, while a cup of Bubble Tea makes for a playful Taiwanese pairing.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can have a big influence on the eating experience. Serve the dessert in transparent glasses so the layered colours are on show. You can also use fresh fruit or mint leaves as a garnish. A decorative serving tray ensures that the individual desserts look their best at the table.
A bit of history
Herbal Jelly has its roots in Taiwanese culture and is often sold at bustling night markets. Its preparation and enjoyment are part of many traditional festivals and celebrations. The recipes are thought to have been passed down over generations and remain hugely popular to this day. The appeal of Herbal Jelly has spread well beyond Taiwan, so more and more people are discovering the flavours and traditions of this delightful Taiwanese cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Herbal Jelly
Herbal Jelly is more than just a simple dessert. It unites the flavours of Taiwan with a uniquely silky texture and can easily be adapted to individual preferences. Whether in sweet or more savoury variations, it offers a welcome refreshment. With our instructions and creative tips, you can effortlessly recreate a piece of Taiwanese culture in your own kitchen.
