A restaurant in Shunde, Guangdong, China, has sparked a social media frenzy after introducing an unusual dessert: egg tarts topped with crispy water beetles that look remarkably like giant cockroaches.
According to the South China Morning Post, Shunde is renowned for its Cantonese cuisine and has been recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy.
The restaurant launched the unusual dessert in early October, selling three pieces for 28 yuan (approximately RM17).
Photos of the egg tarts, each topped with a large insect, quickly attracted attention online, with many social media users expressing discomfort at the sight.
However, the restaurant owner, identified only as Pan, clarified that despite the dessert being called a “crispy water beetle egg tart” or “water cockroach egg tart”, the insect is not actually a cockroach.
Instead, she said it is a type of aquatic beetle that dives underwater.
“The beetle is edible and has health benefits for humans,” Pan told reporters on Monday.
She added that the insect is also used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is believed to help improve skin and kidney health, promote blood circulation, and strengthen muscles and bones.
Careful Preparation For An Unusual Dessert
Pan explained that preparing the dessert requires considerable care.
The insects are first treated to remove their odour before being fried at a carefully controlled temperature until crispy. Their wings are left attached to preserve the flavour and enhance the dessert’s visual appearance.
According to Pan, the finished product offers a combination of sweet and savoury flavours, with a crunchy topping that resembles “a layer of crispy potato chips on an egg tart”.
Despite the unusual appearance, the dessert has attracted adventurous customers, with some travelling from Guangzhou and Hong Kong to try it.
The restaurant reportedly sells around 20 sets daily.
Nevertheless, reactions on social media have been mixed, with many users admitting that the insect-topped pastries make them uncomfortable.
The criticism has not deterred Pan, who said she intends to continue creating innovative dishes with potential therapeutic benefits through food.
Cockroaches And Traditional Chinese Medicine
The dessert has also drawn attention because Guangdong, including Shunde, is known for its large, flying cockroaches.
Although water beetles are not the same species as cockroaches, certain cockroach species are also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
One example is Kangfuxin Liquid, a patented TCM product made from American cockroaches that is commonly used in China for conditions including stomach and mouth ulcers.
However, the health benefits mentioned by the restaurant owner reflect traditional medicinal beliefs and should not be taken as established medical evidence.
