The babaofan, or Eight Treasure Rice, is a traditional Chinese New Year dessert that is popular nationwide, particular in Jiangnan — the region south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. 

The "Eight Treasures" usually refer to glutinous rice, red bean paste, red dates (jujube), lotus seeds, raisins, walnuts, shelled melon seed, and Chinese wolfberry. Sweetened glutinous rice and red bean paste are commonly used.

Below are some renowned, time-honored establishments in Shanghai known for their Eight Treasure Rice.

Shen Da Cheng

Shen Da Cheng was established in 1875, and its Eight Treasure Rice uses high-quality black-purple glutinous rice, known for its fragrant, soft, and smooth texture. 

In addition to glutinous rice, Shen Da Cheng's version includes ingredients such as lotus seeds, red dates, dried longan pulp, walnuts, and melon seeds. 

Multiple locations include:

Shen Da Cheng

Location: No 636 East Nanjing Road

Hours: 7 am – 10 pm 

Shen Da Cheng

Location: Room A, No 431 Hangzhong Road, Minhang district (inside a food market)

Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm, and from 8 am to 7 pm from Jan 22 to Feb 13, 2025.

Xing Hua Lou

Xing Hua Lou was established in 1851 and is well-known for its mooncakes. Its Eight Treasure Rice focuses on preserving the essence of home-cooked flavors, meticulously crafted with ingredients such as red dates and preserved kumquats. The red bean paste is thicker and more substantial, giving it a refreshing taste. The glutinous rice is crystal clear, soft, and delicious.

Multiple locations include:

Xing Hua Lou on Fuzhou Road

Location: No 343 Fuzhou Road

Hours: 8 am – 2 pm; 5 pm – 9 pm

Xing Hua Lou on West Gumei Road

Location: Room A, ground floor, No 50 West Gumei Road, Minhang district

Hours: 8 am – 6 pm

Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung is a renowned Chinese restaurant chain that has garnered international acclaim for its Chinese cuisine. Its rendition of Eight Treasure Rice is considered a culinary masterpiece, meticulously prepared with carefully selected glutinous rice, a rich assortment of dried fruits, and beans. 

Although its version may contain slightly less glutinous rice compared to other restaurants, the generous ingredients and impeccable taste leave nothing to be desired. Each bite of its Eight Treasure Rice, featuring large pieces of candied fruits atop fragrant sticky rice, promises a deeply satisfying experience.

Multiple locations include:

Din Tai Fung

Location: Room 605, 6F, Grand Gateway 66, No 1 Hongqiao Road

Open from 11 am to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 9 pm from Monday to Friday; 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Din Tai Fung

Location: Room D50-30, south side of the departure area, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Terminal 2

Hours: 6 am – 9 pm

Longhua Vegetarian Restaurant

The Eight Treasure Rice at Longhua Vegetarian Restaurant is a perfect choice for those who appreciate vegetarian cuisine without excessive sweetness. It is prepared using traditional techniques and intangible cultural heritage practices, featuring selected glutinous rice, high-quality red bean paste, and non-GMO plant oil. 

Multiple locations include:

Longhua Vegetarian Restaurant on Longhua Road

Location: No 2787 Longhua Road, Xuhui district

Hours: 7 am – 5 pm

Longhua Vegetarian Restaurant on Jinglian Road

Location: No 85 Jinglian Road, Minhang district

Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm

Source: Minhang District Administration of Culture and Tourism