There’s something about the smell of turnip cakes cooking that always takes me right back to my childhood.  Every year, without fail, my mom would make batches of these savoury cakes, and they were always a hit with everyone—friends, family, and neighbours alike.

In our culture, turnip cakes are more than just a tasty snack; they have a special place in our hearts, especially during festivals like Lunar New Year. They symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.

I can’t even count the hours my mom spent in the kitchen carefully preparing them, but she never seemed to mind. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as they enjoyed her cooking was what made it all worthwhile for her. My sister and I especially loved when she served them up hot and crispy with a side of her homemade dipping sauce. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish—and a tradition I love keeping alive.

The Tradition of Turnip Cakes: A Symbol of Prosperity and Good Fortune

In my culture, food is about more than just nourishment—it’s woven into our celebrations, reflecting our values and beliefs. Turnip cakes, or “Lo Bak Go” (蘿蔔糕), are a staple during festivals like Lunar New Year. While they may seem humble, these hearty cakes are deeply symbolic.

In Chinese culture, the name for radish (lo bak) sounds like the word for “good fortune” in certain dialects. Because of this, eating these cakes is thought to bring blessings, abundance, and wealth for the year ahead. But beyond the symbolism of the ingredients, the process of making and sharing them is what matters most. Sharing turnip cakes with loved ones is a way to strengthen the bonds of family and community, ensuring that the new year starts with a sense of connection and gratitude.

Fresh Daikon Radish (The “Turnip”):  Don’t let the name fool you—while we call them turnip cakes, the star is actually the Daikon radish. It provides a subtle sweetness and that unique, melt-in-your-mouth texture. From a nutrition perspective, Daikon is a powerhouse for digestion and rich in vitamins.

To choose the best turnip/radish, look for a radish that is firm, smooth, and feels heavy for its size. If the green leaves are still attached, they should look fresh and vibrant.

Rice flour: This is what gives the cakes their signature “bite.” Unlike wheat flour, rice flour keeps the texture light.  Pro Tip: Make sure you are using regular rice flour, not glutinous rice flour (which would make the cakes far too sticky!).

Wheat starch vs. corn starch: Both commonly used as thickening agents in cooking, but they have distinct characteristics. Wheat starch, derived from wheat flour, offers a smoother and more translucent consistency compared to corn starch. It provides a softer, delicate texture in dishes like turnip cakes and is commonly used in Chinese cuisine for its unique properties. I prefer using wheat starch for its ability to create a nicer texture and appearance in turnip cakes.

Chinese sausage (lap cheong): This brings that essential sweet and smoky “soul” to the dish. Lap Cheong adds a depth of flavour and a bit of richness that balances the earthiness of the radish perfectly.

Cured meat or cured pork belly: Cured meat, often in the form of cured pork belly, adds a layer of indulgent richness and depth to turnip cakes. The savoury, salty flavour of the cured meat infuses the cakes with a delicious umami essence. Additionally, the tender texture of the meat provides a satisfying contrast to the softness of the turnip cakes. Also, the juices from the meats further enhances the flavour of the turnip cake. My husband is a big fan of this addition. Whether thinly sliced or finely diced, cured meat enhances the overall deliciousness of the dish.

Dried shrimp: Don’t skip these! Dried shrimp are little umami bombs. Once rehydrated and chopped, they provide a subtle seafood depth that makes the dish taste truly authentic.

Scallions: Scallions provide a fresh and aromatic element to turnip cakes, brightening up the flavour profile with their mild oniony taste. Their vibrant green colour also adds visual appeal to the finished dish.

Water: Water is what binds everything together. My personal technique is to mix the flour with warm water first to create a smooth base, and then incorporate hot water to help the starches begin to set. This ensures the perfect consistency before steaming.

Salt: Salt is a crucial seasoning in turnip cakes, enhancing the flavours of the other ingredients and bringing everything into balance. For the salt, I usually only add a pinch—between the cured meats and the dried shrimp, there is already plenty of natural salt and balance in the dish.

White pepper: White pepper adds a subtle heat and warmth to turnip cakes, without overpowering the other flavours.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Pan-Fried Perfection: While you can eat them freshly steamed, my absolute favourite way to enjoy turnip cakes is pan-fried. There is nothing quite like that contrast of a golden-brown, crispy exterior and a soft, tender centre. Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the slices in a single layer. Let them sit until they are beautifully golden and crisp on each side. Serve them hot!

Dim Sum Delights: Turnip cakes are a staple of any traditional dim sum brunch. They provide a hearty, savoury balance to more delicate bites like har gow (shrimp dumplings) or char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). If you’re hosting a weekend brunch, these are always the first thing to disappear from the table.

Dipping Sauce Diversions: You can elevate the flavour of your turnip cakes with a variety of dipping sauces that enhance their savoury goodness. A classic choice is a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil for a tangy kick. If you’re into a bit of heat, go for a spicy chili garlic sauce or a sweet and savoury hoisin sauce. My husband loves adding XO sauce to his. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavour combos until you find the perfect pairing for your turnip cakes.

And there you have it—a journey from my childhood kitchen to your dinner table. Whether you’re making these for a festive celebration or just a cozy weekend project, I hope they bring a little bit of happiness to your home.

Happy cooking, and may your turnip cakes always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart!