Grass jelly · People's Republic of China cuisine · Dessert
Grass jelly
Born in People's Republic of China
“Herbal jelly with a mild, slightly bitter taste—invented by Hakka farmers to beat the heat.”
0 people have eaten this dish and left their thoughts across 6 platforms
9 in 10 mention cooling and restorative first
8 in 10 say it's worth it for the mild herbal profile
6 in 10 would come back the same week
Synthesised from Google · Yelp · Reddit · 3 food blogs · Updated August 2026
The story the reviews tell
Grass jelly arrives as a cooling dark jade cube, tasting of the mint family's quieter cousin—herbal, slightly bitter, refreshing without announcement. Born from Hakka ingenuity (a practical remedy for heat stroke in the fields), this jelly has traveled the diaspora routes to become a fixture across East and Southeast Asia, now served chilled with fruit, in bubble tea, wherever someone needs a gentle herbal break.
What makes this version distinct
Grass jelly, also known as leaf jelly or herbal jelly, is a jelly-like dessert originating in China. It is commonly consumed in East Asia and Southeast Asia. It is created by using Chinese mesona (a member of the mint family) and has a mild, slightly bitter taste. Grass jelly was invented by the Hakka people who historically used the food to alleviate heat stroke after long days working in the field. The dish was introduced to Southeast Asia by the Chinese diaspora. It is served chilled, with other toppings, such as fruit, or in bubble tea or other drinks. Outside Asia, it is sold in Asian supermarkets.
Signature elements
What people love
- cooling and restorative
- mild herbal profile
- versatile with toppings or in drinks
Know before you go
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