At his stall in the Chow Luck Club Foodie Market, Master Wang Peng folds a sticky mass of sugar and then stretches them more than a dozen times to turn them into delicate fine, white and super fluffy strands.
This is no cotton candy, but a rare and ancient Chinese sweet treat called Dragon’s Beard known for its intricate thread-like appearance.
Wang is the fifth generation in a family line that has been making this traditional Chinese candy for over two centuries.
“It is a unique Chinese sweet that was once a royal delicacy, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity,” Wang told chowluckclub.com
“Its delicate, thread-like texture and light, non-cloying sweetness have earned it the status of an edible work of art. Today, Dragon Beard candy is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of China.”
Wang said his family has been making Dragon Beard for more than 200 years.
“I am the fifth-generation heir to this tradition,” he said.
In 2018, Wang was featured on CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, where he demonstrated the fascinating art of making Dragon Beard in a programme called “Charming China Town”.
“I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to introduce this unique art form in Singapore, allowing more people around the world to discover the cultural significance of Dragon Beard candy and its artistry,” he said.
“I am deeply passionate about this craft, which combines culinary skill with cultural heritage, and I am committed to preserving and sharing it with the world.”
Wang said he aimed to share this “extraordinary cultural treasure” to New Zealand and was thrilled to be able to share it through the Chow Luck Club Foodie Markets.
“I aim to bring this extraordinary cultural treasure to New Zealand, where I hope to introduce more people to the beauty of Dragon Beard candy,” Wang said.
“Through this edible art form, I hope to share the rich history of Chinese intangible cultural heritage and connect New Zealanders to the stories and traditions of China.”
WHAT IS DRAGON BEARD CANDY?
Dragon Beard candy is known for its intricate, thread-like appearance but shares the same “melt-in-your-mouth” texture as cotton candy. The art of preparing it is labour intensive, and involves repeated stretching and folding of the sugar.
While the exact origin of this traditional Chinese sweet is unknown, it is believed to have originated about 2000 years ago during the Han dynasty.
It is believed that royal court chefs first crafted Dragon Beard as a delicacy for the emperor and royal family. It was a sweet treat exclusively reserved for royalty and considered a symbol of luxury.
Eventually the candy gained popularity beyond the imperial palace and became a much loved delicacy throughout China where it became a staple for Lunar New Year festivities.
HOW DID DRAGON BEARD GET ITS NAME?
The candy got its name from its appearance which resembles the delicate beard of a dragon. In Chinese culture, dragons symbolize leadership, power and good fortune.
It is the only mythical creature to be featured in the twelve animal Chinese zodiac.
WHERE TO FIND MASTER WANG PENG
Master Wang Peng has a stall at the Chow Luck Club Foodie Market which takes place most Saturdays 10am to 3pm at Park City, 261 Morrin Road.
