Nian gao is a traditional food in Ningbo, and the fried nian gao is very popular among locals. The authentic dried rice cakes are fried with fine sand or coarse salt. The process is complicated and laborious, and it is definitely too much for young people like us. The dried rice cake I made today is a new way of eating that I made at home. Although it is not as fragrant as the traditional way of eating, the finished product is also crispy.