Tong Hulu (糖葫芦) originated in northern China during the Qing dynasty as a simple winter snack. Vendors would coat hawthorn berries in hard sugar syrup and sell them on bamboo sticks, offering a sweet, portable treat that also helped keep hands warm in cold weather.

In northern China, hawthorn (山楂) is the classic fruit, while in southern regions vendors often use strawberries, grapes, or tropical fruits like pineapple. Some areas add a thin layer of sesame seeds or dip the finished sticks in crushed peanuts for extra texture.

Tong Hulu is commonly sold at winter markets, temple fairs, and during the Lunar New Year. The bright red glaze symbolizes good luck, and the candy sticks are handed out to children as a festive treat.

Besides winter street fairs, Tong Hulu appears at birthday celebrations, wedding banquets as a decorative sweet, and during the Lantern Festival when vendors set up temporary stalls.

Authentic Tong Hulu uses fresh hawthorn berries, granulated white sugar, and water. Modern versions substitute strawberries, grapes, or pineapple for hawthorn and may add a splash of lemon juice to prevent crystallization. The core technique—hard‑crack sugar syrup—remains the same.

Tong Hulu pairs nicely with warm soy‑milk, hot tea (especially oolong or pu‑erh), and savory street foods like jianbing (Chinese crepes) or baozi (steamed buns). The sweet crunch balances salty or umami flavors.

Common errors include not reaching the hard‑crack temperature (resulting in a soft coating), letting the syrup sit too long before dipping (causing it to thicken), and using wet fruit, which prevents the glaze from adhering properly.

A thermometer provides precise control; the hard‑crack stage is a narrow temperature window (295‑310°F). Visual tests can be inconsistent, especially for beginners, leading to under‑ or over‑cooked syrup.

Yes, you can prepare the fruit skewers and keep them refrigerated. When ready to serve, dip them in freshly heated syrup. Once coated, store the finished sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 12 hours; they will stay crisp.

The YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 focuses on approachable Asian home‑cooking tutorials, often highlighting street‑food classics, quick snack recipes, and detailed technique breakdowns for home cooks of all skill levels.