Chongqing Cool Shrimp – shaped Rice Dumplings aren’t actually shrimp; they’re a unique rice – based dessert shaped like tiny shrimp. Made from rice milk ground from rice, the milk is poured into boiling water and stirred quickly, then cooked until thick. The mixture is then poured through a perforated ladle into cold water, where it cools and takes on its characteristic shape. These dumplings are round and slender, resembling lively little shrimp. When serving, place the Cool Shrimp – shaped Rice Dumplings in a bowl, add brown sugar syrup, and optionally top with fermented glutinous rice, ice cubes, hawthorn, crushed peanuts, etc. They have a soft, smooth texture that slides down the throat, providing a refreshing sensation. The sweetness of the brown sugar syrup, the slight acidity of the fermented glutinous rice, and the rice aroma of the dumplings blend together. On hot days, they’re both thirst – quenching and filling, making them one of Chongqing people’s favorite summer snacks. You can easily find them at street stalls and dessert shops throughout the city.