About Us

Sweet Crunchy Tanghulu was born from a passion for sharing authentic cultural food experiences with New Yorkers and visitors alike. As food enthusiasts with a deep appreciation for traditional culinary techniques, we wanted to introduce this beloved Chinese street food to the vibrant food scene of New York City.

Our journey began with research into the authentic preparation methods of Tanghulu, followed by many hours perfecting our recipe to achieve the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and fruit flavor. We started with a single food truck in Times Square, and positive customer feedback encouraged us to expand to Central Park.

Today, Sweet Crunchy Tanghulu serves as a bridge between Eastern culinary tradition and Western food culture, offering a unique treat that delights customers of all ages and backgrounds. Our mission is to share this centuries-old delicacy while maintaining the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

Tanghulu (also known as Bing Tanghulu) is a traditional Chinese snack with a rich history dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE). Originally from Northern China, particularly Beijing and Tianjin, it was reportedly created as a medicinal snack for an imperial concubine.

According to legend, the emperor's favorite concubine fell ill, and a two-week diet of tanghulu healed her, after which it became a favorite of the royal family. The name "tanghulu" literally translates to "sugar gourds" in Mandarin, with the bubbled shapes resembling calabash gourds that were symbols of good luck in ancient China.

Over centuries, Tanghulu evolved from a royal delicacy to a beloved street food enjoyed by many. It became particularly popular during winter months and festival celebrations, where vendors would display strings of the glistening candied fruits to attract customers.

In recent years, Tanghulu has gained popularity through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where its visual appeal and unique texture have captivated food enthusiasts worldwide.

At Sweet Crunchy Tanghulu, we believe that good treats begin with good ingredients. Our commitment to quality is evident in our sourcing process:

Fruits

We select fresh, ripe fruits for our Tanghulu. For traditional hawthorn Tanghulu, we work with specialty importers to ensure authentic flavor. Our strawberries, grapes, and other fruits are sourced from local suppliers when possible, supporting regional farmers while ensuring freshness.

Premium Materials

We use only the highest quality ingredients in our proprietary recipe. Our unique preparation method (a closely guarded secret!) results in the perfect candy shell that our customers love.

Bamboo Skewers

We use food-grade bamboo skewers that are both environmentally friendly and sturdy enough to support our fruit arrangements.

Seasonal Specialties

Throughout the year, we incorporate seasonal fruits into our menu, allowing us to offer fresh, flavorful Tanghulu varieties while reducing our environmental footprint.