Fried Crispy Milk (Zha Xian Nai)
Fried Crispy Milk is a Chinese-style fried dessert made by coating a custard-like base primarily consisting of milk with batter and deep-frying it. In Taiwan, it is widely enjoyed, especially at night markets, and is considered a specialty at places such as the Ningxia Night Market in Taipei. The dessert is characterized by its crispy exterior and smooth, creamy milk filling inside. It is popular among both tourists and locals, and has become a symbol of Taiwan's street food culture.
- Taste Rating
-
- Price
- 20 New Taiwan Dollar
- Meal Date
- 5/4/2023
- Food Travel Log
- The taste and history of fried milk in Taiwan, "Zha Xian Nai." The thin, crispy coating is delightfully crunchy, while the inside is hot and gooey with a unique sweetness, reminiscent of heavily sugared milk tea. Interestingly, this dish is also found in Spanish cuisine. Could it be related to Spain's past colonization of Taiwan?
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Fried Crispy Milk (Chinese: 炸鮮奶, Zhà xiān nǎi; English: Fried Crispy Milk) is one of the representative street vendor sweets in Taiwan, especially popular among tourists and locals in bustling night markets such as Taipei's Ningxia Night Market. The basic preparation method involves adding starch and sugar to milk—sometimes with condensed milk or egg—then heating to set the mixture into a custard-like firmness. This is cut into cubes, coated lightly, and quickly deep-fried at a high temperature. The finished dish is notable for its contrast: a crispy, fragrant exterior with a creamy, thick milky filling on the inside.
History and Development
There are various theories regarding the origin of Fried Crispy Milk. Although it's often regarded as a relatively new addition to Taiwanese night market cuisine, its prototype can be traced to Guangdong Province in China, where "炸鮮奶" or "炸牛奶" are traditional sweets seen at banquets and dim sum. The dish spread to Taiwan mainly through Cantonese restaurants from the 1950s and has uniquely evolved into a popular street food. In modern Taiwan, it is enjoyed as an easily accessible fast sweet treat at night markets and local food stalls.
Historically, Taiwan has been influenced by a variety of foreign cultures. Some point out the similarity between Fried Crispy Milk and the Spanish dessert "leche frita" (fried milk). In fact, similar sweets are found in southern China and the Philippines as well, leading to the possibility that Spanish cooking techniques may have taken root in Asia. However, currently there is no direct documentation confirming such a historical link. Nevertheless, Taiwan was under brief Spanish rule from 1626 to 1642, and it is considered plausible that similar recipes spread during that period or later through trade.
Ingredients and Preparation
| Ingredient | Role/Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Milk | Main ingredient. Provides richness and sweetness. |
| Cornstarch/Potato Starch | Gelling agent for thickening upon heating. |
| Sugar | Adds sweetness. Amount can be adjusted to taste. |
| Flour for Coating | Creates a crispy texture when fried. |
| Egg (optional) | Enhances custard flavor or batter cohesion. |
To prepare, milk is combined with sugar and cornstarch (or similar), heated until custard-like, then chilled to set in the refrigerator. Once firm, it is cut into cubes or log shapes, optionally coated in batter, and quickly deep-fried at around 180°C. Frying results in a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside hot and creamy.
Cultural Significance and Popularity
Fried Crispy Milk is emblematic of Taiwanese night market culture and garners broad support across all ages at popular night markets in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and more. Thanks to its rich milky sweetness and fragrant fried aroma, it is highly rated among tourists as an innovative yet approachable Taiwanese dessert.
It is typically served per skewer (3–4 pieces), and some vendors offer variations topped with condensed milk, honey sauce, or powdered sugar. It is often sold alongside other deep-fried treats like fried Oreos or fried ice cream, contributing to the diverse lineup unique to night markets.
Related International Dishes
Similar fried milk desserts exist in various regions, such as Spain’s "leche frita," the Philippines’ "leche flan," or Cantonese-style fried milk in southern China. While all are based on setting milk into a smooth custard or pudding and frying it, the texture of the batter, filling, and sweetness level differs by region, reflecting how these treats have been localized and adapted within different food cultures.
Health Aspects and Precautions
As a dessert prepared in hot oil, Fried Crispy Milk is relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar. Those on diets or restricting carbohydrates should moderate their consumption. However, it also offers nutrients such as calcium and protein from dairy, making it suitable as an occasional treat when visiting a night market.