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Recapturing the authentic taste of a dessert you enjoyed while travelling in Asia, or recreating the magic of a bubble tea from your local shop at home... sounds like a challenge, right? Not necessarily. But faced with the overwhelming array of available products, it's easy to feel lost. How do you choose the right taro balls? What's the real difference between all those glutinous rice balls?
This guide is here to shed some light on the fascinating world of frozen Asian desserts. As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my goal is simple: to give you clear, practical advice to help you make the right choice, without the marketing fluff. Together, let's review some popular and easy-to-prepare products, so you can treat yourself to an authentic Chinese dessert or Asian pastry without ever leaving your kitchen.
Before we dive into our top picks, here are a few pointers to help you shop confidently at an online Asian grocery store.
In Asia, texture isn't just a detail—it's the heart of the dessert. The term "QQ," straight from Taiwan, describes that unique, sought-after mouthfeel that is both chewy and tender. It's the signature of taro balls in a bubble tea or certain glutinous rice balls. When choosing a frozen dessert, take a look at the ingredients: the presence of glutinous rice flour or tapioca starch will give you an excellent idea of the final texture after cooking.
The filling is the soul of many desserts. Here are the most iconic ones:
Identifying the filling on the packaging already gives you a clear idea of the culinary journey that awaits.
The biggest advantage of frozen desserts is, of course, their simplicity. Most products, like tangyuan or pearls for homemade bubble tea, just need a quick boil in water. Others, like sesame balls, can be fried, baked, or even cooked in an Air Fryer. A quick glance at the cooking instructions on the package will save you from any unpleasant surprises and confirm that it fits the time and equipment you have.
We've selected three products that perfectly embody the diversity and deliciousness of Asian desserts. They were chosen for their quality, authentic flavours, and incredibly simple preparation.
Why It Stands Out
Inspired by Taiwanese tradition, these taro balls embrace natural ingredients with three flavours and colours: purple sweet potato, classic sweet potato, and taro. Made with real root vegetables and tapioca starch, they guarantee the famous chewy "QQ" texture everyone loves, all without artificial colours.
Key Features
Who Is It For?? For all bubble tea fans who want to create their own recipes, as well as for creative home cooks looking for a colourful and tasty topping for their frozen desserts or sweet soups.
Why It Stands Out
A great classic of Asian pastry (jiān duī to those in the know), but with an original twist that changes everything. Here, the traditional red bean paste filling is elevated with a hint of salt. The result? An addictive sweet-and-salty balance that awakens the palate. The shell, generously coated in sesame seeds, becomes ultra-crispy and fragrant when cooked.
Key Features
Who Is It For?? For those who are nostalgic for traditional Chinese desserts but are also eager to be surprised by a modern, well-balanced version. It's the perfect gateway to discovering sweet Asian fried treats.
Why It Stands Out
An iconic dessert, tangyuan are a tradition in themselves. They are enjoyed during major festivals (like the Winter Solstice and the Lantern Festival) as a symbol of family reunion. These glutinous rice balls contain a generous core of rich and creamy black sesame paste. Their high-quality glutinous rice flour casing holds up perfectly during cooking and remains incredibly tender.
Key Features
Who Is It For?? For anyone seeking the comfort of a traditional dessert, and for families who want to mark a special occasion with a meaningful dish. A timeless classic, pure and simple.
Our selection is just a taste of what's out there—the world of Asian desserts is endless! If you're curious to discover other fillings (like peanut or durian) or different types of dough, feel free to browse our full catalogue.
Discover our full range of frozen dough balls and find your next favourite.
It's incredibly simple. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop in the frozen taro balls and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until they all float. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes. Drain them, then immediately plunge them into an ice water bath for 30 seconds. Don't skip this step: it's the secret to achieving their famous chewy texture! They are now ready to be added to your drink or dessert.
Although both are glutinous rice balls, their preparation and final result are complete opposites. Tangyuan (like our black sesame balls) are made to be boiled in water and served in a syrup or sweet soup. Their texture is therefore entirely soft and tender. In contrast, sesame balls (jiān duī) are meant to be fried. This is what gives them their crispy outer shell that contrasts with the chewy centre.
To find a wide selection of products, the easiest way is to use a specialised platform like Joybuy. There you will find a huge choice of frozen Asian desserts, delivered directly to your home while respecting the cold chain. It's the best way to get your hands on items you can't find in a regular supermarket and to receive perfectly preserved products.