Chaoshan, a region in eastern Guangdong comprising Chaozhou, Jieyang, and Shantou, has long been the ancestral home of many Chinese emigrants. For generations, those who left to seek their fortunes abroad carried more than just clothing and hope—they carried a taste of home. Among the most enduring traditions was rice-free kueh, a traditional Teochew snack made from sweet potato starch.

In the popular Teochew-language film *Dear You*, the female lead, Xie Nanzhi, survives in Siam, present-day Thailand, by making and selling rice-free kueh. Recently, inspired by the movie, a group of young visitors from Hong Kong and Macao traveled to Jieyang Old Town in Guangdong and learned to wrap, steam and fry this authentic snack.

Traditionally, kueh wrappers were made from rice paste. For those who lived in poverty, however, rice was scarce. They substituted sweet potato starch, and it turned out to be unexpectedly delicious. Therefore, the recipe has been passed down and rice-free kueh has become a staple in Chaoshan households.

During festivals and holidays, Chaoshan people prepare this snack to honor their ancestors. The fillings usually include chives, mung beans, pumpkin, bamboo shoots and taro paste.

Over several hundred years, it has become an indispensable part of Chaoshan memory and identity. Today, many descendants of Chinese emigrants have settled in countries and regions such as Thailand, Malaysia, and the United States. For them, returning to their hometown represents a deep longing for a familiar taste—a flavor that evokes family, festivals, and ancestral roots.

Reporter | Zhou Jiyin, Ding Hefei, Wang Yaxin

Video | Luo Yuan, Zhang Qida

Editor | Yin Juewen

Proofreader | Chen Xuede