pin3 tong4片糖
Jyutpingpin3 tong4
Yalepin tòhng
Definition
Slab sugar; unrefined brown sugar in solid slabs made from sugarcane juice.
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How it's used
Commonly used in traditional Cantonese desserts like sweet soups, ginger tea, or herbal tea. Unlike refined white sugar, it provides a distinct, deep molasses flavor and a rich golden color. It is almost always sold in flat, rectangular slabs that are broken into smaller pieces before being added to a pot.
Measure word
faai3塊faiExamples
Remember to add a piece of slab sugar when making red bean soup.
Do you still have any slab sugar at home to use?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with rock sugar, which is used for a different texture and clarity in soups. While both are used for sweetening, they are not interchangeable in recipes that rely on the specific color and earthy taste of slab sugar.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
