DISH OF THE WEEK

DISH OF THE WEEK in New York: Candied Fruit Skewers at TANG HULU

Some might say everything is better on a stick. Kababs, yakitori, Corn dogs?

Most don’t think of candied fruit, but it’s pretty brilliant. I was a skeptic at first (does fruit really need to be covered in sugar), but I gave in to the viral appeal and I’m pleased I did.

Tanghulu are a traditional Chinese treat featuring fresh fruits that have been coated in a rock sugar glaze and hardened.

One of the viral businesses bringing this treat to NYC is Tang Hulu and I encountered them at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market (open through December 31), but they can also be found at Smorgasburg in both Dumbo and Williamsburg during the warmer months and Grand Bazaar on the Upper West Side.

The price here ($10 a skewer) is a bit ludicrous, but I bit the bullet to see what the hype was about and I now totally get it – even if I feel a bit duped.

Giant strawberries and starfruit catch the eye and you’ll see kids walking around the market with these sugar sticks as they would a giant lollipop. We can agree that somewhere under all that sugar is some nutrition.

I chose probably the least popular option at this tourist destination, but the one that is most traditional in China. Hawthorn berries are used in Chinese medicine and Asian candies. I’ve encountered them in NYC in cocktails and at experimental restaurants.

The berries are both mildly tart and sweet and have the consistency of an olive (but a flavor closer to an apple or pear). They are the perfect vehicle for the sugar glaze which is hard and crunchy at first but gives way to the fruit’s pleasant texture.

I can imagine this process works really well on more familiar fruits to New Yorkers, butI find it more fun to try something totally different.

I knew I liked food on a stick, but never would have guessed I would be so on board with fruit covered with sugar on a stick. The world is full of surprises. Price: $10

TANG HULU
Various Markets Around the City
tanghulu.nyc

AboutBrian Hoffman

Brian Hoffman is a classically trained actor who is now a full-time tour guide, blogger, and food obsessive. He leads food and drink tours around New York City, which not only introduce tour-goers to delicious food, but gives them a historical context. He has written food articles for Gothamist and Midtown Lunch in addition to overseeing this blog and a few food video series, including Eat This, Locals Know, and Around the World in One City. His latest series is an international cooking show with his son which can be found on this site.