What ？
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 Lukang Jian Dui is a round pancake made by mixing flour (or glutinous rice flour) with water to form batter, and then frying it in a pan. It can be either sweet or savory. Locally, it is also written as “饘䬾,” and its pronunciation in Taiwanese is similar to “tsian-de.” It is a traditional snack with strong local characteristics. |
When？
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 The most important time to eat Jian Dui is on the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
Besides eating rice dumplings, people in Lukang also eat Jian Dui during this festival and believe that the celebration is not complete without it.
 Some temples prepare Jian Dui on-site and distribute it to the public on that day. |
Who？
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 The people who most often eat Jian Dui are Lukang residents, especially the elderly, because they have memories of eating Jian Dui during the Dragon Boat Festival since childhood. In recent years, promotional activities have also attracted many tourists to line up and experience this custom. |
Where?
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During the Dragon Boat Festival, Jian Dui activities can be found around many temples in Lukang. For example, several frying pans may be set up in temple squares to make and distribute Jian Dui to the public.
Some families also make Jian Dui at home or receive it from local events.
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Why?
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 There is a folk belief that it often rains during the Dragon Boat Festival season, and people in ancient times thought this meant that the sky was “broken” or “leaking.” Therefore, people made round Jian Dui to symbolize patching up the sky, hoping for good weather and safety for their families.
This is why Jian Dui is often associated with the legend of Nuwa Mending the Sky.
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How?
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 The basic steps of making Jian Dui are:
1. Mix flour (or glutinous rice flour) with water to form batter.
2. Add ingredients to make it sweet or savory (sweet ones may include sugar water; savory ones may include chives, bean sprouts, or dried shrimp).
3. Heat oil in a pan and pour in the batter to form a round pancake.
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