Email I received:
Question: I live in Roswell and would like to serve dragon’s beard candy at my book club meeting tonight. Is there a source in the north metro Atlanta area for this delicacy?
CSB Answer: First time we’ve gotten this question and curious how you were first introduced or heard about Dragon’s Beard candy, a delicacy that may be a 2000 year-old handmade tradition! Did you eat it in China, U.S. or perhaps a literary connection?
The last time (and only time) I had it was in a Taipei market from the artisan/street vendor directly. It was extremely fragile and had to be eaten immediately. We did take a small box home but it was packaged carefully, each candy in its own tray. SEE PHOTOS of Dragon’s Beard Candy
Traditionally, in China they are handmade by a street vendor from finely spun strands of sugar (hence dragon’s whiskers). Modern ones in the U.S. may be made from corn syrup. I haven’t bought it locally or from a store before. Ranch 99 grocery which was Chinese-owned was a good candidate, but they closed unfortunately.
You might check:
- Great Wall Asian market (new Chinese grocery in Duluth)
- Hong Kong Supermarket (Jimmy Carter Blvd)
- Dingho Asian Market (Chamblee Dunwoody/New Peachtree)
- Atlanta Farmers Market, Buford Hwy (Vietnamese, Chinese)
- Buford Highway Farmers Market, Buford Hwy
- H-Mart, multiple locations
- Assi, multiple locations
The first 3 stores have Chinese management and seem to carry more Chinese products, especially traditional. Last 3 are Korean-owned.
In case you want other good Asian candy suggestions for your party–ginger chews, black sesame, Asian fruit gummies are a few of my favorites. To see more snack and candy recommendations, visit the CSB online store! Also, check out Natalie’s Asian Snack Attack & Asian Tea/Beverages workshops, Metropolitan Cooking & Entertainment Show, April 30-May 1, Cobb Galleria
Good luck and let me know if you find it!