hoi1 hau2 zou2開口棗开口枣

Jyutpinghoi1 hau2 zou2

Yalehōi háu jóu

名詞

Definition

Deep-fried sesame cookie balls.

colloquialfoodfestival

How it's used

This snack is a staple during the Lunar New Year because its split surface resembles a smiling mouth, which symbolizes happiness and laughter for the coming year. While often sold in pre-packaged bags, the best ones are found at traditional bakeries where they are freshly fried to achieve the perfect crunch. It is almost exclusively associated with the festive season rather than being a regular daily snack.

Measure word

nap1粒nāp

Examples

san1新nin4年uk1屋kei2企jat1一ding6定jiu3要maai5買di1啲hoi1開hau2口zou2棗。

You must buy some sesame cookie balls for the house during the New Year.

nei5你sik6食zo2咗gei2幾do1多nap1粒hoi1開hau2口zou2棗aa4呀？

How many sesame cookie balls have you eaten?

Common phrases

zaa3炸hoi1開hau2口zou2棗

deep-fried sesame cookie balls

song2爽ceoi3脆hoi1開hau2口zou2棗

crispy sesame cookie balls

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with other deep-fried dough snacks like 油角, which have a different shape and filling. While the name implies a 'mouth' opening, it refers specifically to the crack formed during the frying process, not a literal opening.