Wife Cake
Wife Cake (Laopo Bing) is a classic Cantonese pastry featuring a flaky, layered crust and a sweet, chewy filling traditionally made from winter melon, almond paste, and sesame seeds. Originating from Guangdong province, it has become a beloved dim sum staple and iconic treat across Hong Kong and Chinese diaspora communities.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This pastry is high in carbohydrates and fat due to its buttery crust and sweet filling, providing quick energy primarily from sugars and refined flour. A single cake typically contains around 250-300 calories, with minimal protein but some iron and B vitamins from the flour and seeds.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.12 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 45 mg |
| Selenium | 6.2 mcg |
| Copper | 0.08 mg |
| Manganese | 0.25 mg |
Per 1 piece (65 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The name 'Wife Cake' carries a romantic legend—some say it originated from a devoted wife who created the recipe to support her family, while others claim it was invented by a husband to win back his wife. Nutritionally, the winter melon filling offers a unique texture and subtle sweetness that distinguishes it from other fruit-based pastries.
🍽️ Related dishes
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms