Taro Cake

Taro cake, or wu tau gou, is a savory steamed dim sum dish originating from Cantonese cuisine, made from shredded taro root mixed with rice flour, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, and mushrooms, then steamed and often pan-fried before serving. It has a soft, slightly chewy interior with a crispy exterior when fried, and is typically enjoyed with soy sauce or chili sauce. This dish is a staple in dim sum restaurants across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Chinese communities worldwide.

🍳 View the full Taro Cake recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Taro cake is moderate in carbohydrates from the taro and rice flour, with some fat from the sausage and oil used in frying, and a small amount of protein from the dried shrimp and sausage. A typical serving (around 100-150 grams) provides roughly 150-250 calories, along with dietary fiber, potassium, and some B vitamins from the taro.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	3.5 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Sugar	1.5 g
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	220 mg
Calcium	45 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Vitamin C	4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.15 mg
Magnesium	30 mg
Phosphorus	85 mg
Zinc	0.6 mg

Per 1 piece (100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, taro cake symbolizes good fortune and is often served during festivals like Chinese New Year, as the word for taro in some dialects sounds similar to words for 'good luck' or 'prosperity.' Nutritionally, taro is a good source of resistant starch, which can support gut health and help regulate blood sugar levels.