maa5 tai2 fan2馬蹄粉马蹄粉
Jyutpingmaa5 tai2 fan2
Yalemáh tái fán
Definition
Water chestnut flour or powder, used as a cooking ingredient to make dishes like water chestnut cake.
colloquialfooddim sum
How it's used
This ingredient is essential for achieving the signature translucent, jelly-like texture of traditional Cantonese steamed cakes. Unlike wheat or rice flour, it creates a distinctively crisp and firm mouthfeel once set. It is almost exclusively associated with making sweet dim sum dishes rather than savory cooking.
Measure word
baau1包bāuExamples
You must use water chestnut flour to make water chestnut cake.
Related words
Common phrases
to mix water chestnut flour with water
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with cornstarch or tapioca starch, as they will not produce the same firm, glass-like consistency required for traditional cakes.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
