绿豆糕 (lǜ dòu gāo) is a traditional Chinese sweet made primarily from finely ground, cooked mung beans (green beans), sugar, and sometimes oil or lard. The name breaks down literally: 绿 (lǜ) means 'green', 豆 (dòu) means 'bean', and 糕 (gāo) means 'cake' or 'steamed/pounded rice cake'. Though the beans used are yellow when cooked and peeled, the name reflects the raw bean’s green skin — hence 'green bean cake'.

This soft, dense, subtly sweet confection is especially popular in southern China and among overseas Chinese communities. It’s commonly served during festivals like Mid-Autumn Festival or Dragon Boat Festival, offered as a gift, or enjoyed as a light afternoon snack with tea. Texture varies by region: some versions are moist and crumbly; others are firm and slightly chewy. Modern variations may include osmanthus, rosewater, or matcha for added fragrance and color.