There’s something about a warm, pan-fried slice of turnip cake that makes a dim sum meal complete. Whether you’re craving that golden, crispy exterior and soft, savory interior, finding a reliable source nearby can be trickier than you’d expect. This guide combines where to buy, how to eat, and how to store Chinese turnip cake (Lo Bak Go) so you can enjoy it at home without guessing.

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Average price per slice (delivery): $4–$7 · Typical shelf life in fridge (homemade): 5–7 days · Cantonese name: Lo Bak Go ( ) · Calories per 100g (steamed): ~150 kcal · Common serving size (dim sum): 3–4 slices · Gluten-free (if rice flour only): Yes

Quick snapshot

1Where to Buy
2How to Eat
3Storage Tips
4Health Notes
  • Steamed = lower fat (The Woks of Life)
  • Watch sodium in store-bought (Uber Eats)
  • Daikon is low-calorie (Weee!)

Five key facts, one takeaway: turnip cake is simpler and more flexible than its name suggests.

Fact Detail
Main ingredient Daikon radish (not turnip)
Typical cooking method Steamed, then pan-fried
Common serving size 3–4 slices
Calories per serving ~120–200 kcal
Gluten-free If made with rice flour only

Where Can I Buy Turnip Cake Near Me?

Delivery options for turnip cake

  • Uber Eats lists turnip cake from local grocery stores; enter your delivery address to see what’s available (Uber Eats grocery delivery platform).
  • Weee!, an online Asian supermarket, offers turnip cake direct to your door in many regions (Weee! Asian market delivery service).

In-store pickup and local Asian markets

Many Asian grocery chains carry fresh or frozen turnip cake. Check your local H Mart, 99 Ranch, or independent Chinese market. Phone ahead for availability, as it often sells out during Lunar New Year.

The upshot

Delivery platforms fill the gap when your nearest market is far. But ordering direct from a dim sum restaurant (many offer takeout) often yields fresher, higher-quality cake.

The pattern: online ordering gives you convenience; local pickup gives you freshness. Choose based on how soon you want to eat it.

Is Chinese Turnip Cake Healthy?

Nutritional profile of turnip cake

  • Steamed turnip cake is lower in fat than the pan-fried version (The Woks of Life dim sum recipe authority).
  • Daikon radish, the main ingredient, is low in calories and high in vitamin C (Weee! Asian grocery product info).
  • Store-bought versions may contain MSG and added sodium (Uber Eats product listings).

Comparison with other dim sum items

Compared to pork siu mai or fried spring rolls, turnip cake is moderate in density but lower in saturated fat when steamed. A three-slice serving runs about 150–200 calories, making it a lighter option at a dim sum table.

Why this matters

If you order pan-fried—the most popular preparation—the calorie and fat content jumps significantly. Ask for it steamed if you’re counting macros.

The catch: “healthy” depends on preparation. Steamed gives you the benefit of daikon; fried adds oil that can double the caloric load.

What Is Turnip Cake Called in Chinese?

Cantonese name: Lo Bak Go

In Cantonese, turnip cake is called Lo Bak Go ( ), literally “radish cake.” This is the name you’ll see on dim sum carts and Chinese restaurant menus (The Woks of Life Cantonese cooking experts).

Mandarin name: Luo Bo Gao

In Mandarin, it’s Luo Bo Gao ( ). Despite the English name, the cake is made from daikon radish, not turnip (The Woks of Life).

The catch

Ordering “turnip cake” in English can confuse waitstaff. Use “Lo Bak Go” or “radish cake” to get the right dish every time.

The pattern: the English name is a misnomer, but the Chinese name clarifies the main ingredient. Knowing both helps you order confidently.

How Do You Eat Chinese Turnip Cake?

Pan-fried slices with dipping sauce

  • Slice the chilled cake into ½-inch pieces and pan-fry in oil for 4–7 minutes per side until golden brown (Made With Lau family recipe blog).
  • Serve with soy sauce, chili sauce, or hoisin (The Woks of Life).

Steamed as part of dim sum

Turnip cake is often steamed and served straight from the basket at dim sum restaurants. The texture is softer and more savory, allowing the daikon flavor to shine.

Storage and reheating best practices

  1. Cool completely before refrigerating (Made With Lau).
  2. Wrap tightly in plastic or place in an airtight container to prevent drying (The Woks of Life).
  3. Reheat in a skillet with a little oil for crispy edges, or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.

“The batter should resemble thick pancake batter.”

— The Woks of Life (source)

“We recommend pan-frying for about 4 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown.”

— Made With Lau (source)

The trade-off: pan-frying delivers the classic crispy crust, but steaming keeps it lighter. Both are delicious; choose based on your health goal and texture preference.

How Long Can Turnip Cake Last in the Fridge?

Refrigeration guidelines

  • Homemade turnip cake lasts 5–7 days in the refrigerator (Made With Lau).
  • Store-bought turnip cake (vacuum-sealed or from the deli) can last up to 2 weeks if unopened (Uber Eats product details).

Freezing turnip cake

Freeze uncooked cake (whole or sliced) for up to 3 months. Wrap in plastic wrap then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and pan-frying (Made With Lau).

The implication: proper storage extends the life dramatically. Freezing turns one batch into a month’s worth of quick dim-sum breakfasts.

Are Turnip Cakes Healthy for Diabetics?

Carb content and glycemic load

Turnip cake is made primarily from daikon radish and rice flour. Rice flour has a moderate glycemic index, so portion control is key for blood sugar management (The Woks of Life).

Healthier preparation tips

  • Add more shredded daikon and less rice flour when making it at home to lower the carb load per serving.
  • Steam instead of pan-fry to avoid added fats (and the associated insulin resistance impact) (Made With Lau).
  • Limit to 2 slices (about 100 calories) as a side dish rather than a main.
The trade-off

For diabetics, the typical pan-fried version adds both carbs and fat. A steamed, veggie-heavy homemade version can fit into a balanced meal, but store-bought should be eaten sparingly due to added sugars and sodium.

Why this matters: without adjusting the rice-flour ratio or preparation method, turnip cake can spike blood sugar. But small tweaks make it a viable dim-sum choice.

Upsides

  • Classic savory flavor with a satisfying texture
  • Versatile – can be steamed, pan-fried, or air-fried
  • Low-calorie main ingredient (daikon)
  • Gluten-free when made with rice flour only
  • Freezes well for meal prep

Downsides

  • High sodium in many store-bought versions
  • Pan-frying nearly doubles the fat content
  • Not suitable for strict low-carb diets (rice flour)
  • Can be mushy if overcooked or made with too much water

What We Know and What’s Unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Turnip cake is made from daikon radish, flour, and dried shrimp or Chinese sausage (The Woks of Life).
  • Store-bought versions often contain MSG and preservatives (Uber Eats).
  • Pan-frying adds significant fat compared to steaming (Made With Lau).

What’s unclear

  • Exact nutritional content varies widely by brand and recipe.
  • Long-term effects of frequent consumption are not studied.

For more on how to properly store and reheat leftovers, check out this guide to buying and storing turnip cake that covers everything from selecting fresh lo bak go at the market to freezing tips.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order turnip cake for delivery?

Yes. Uber Eats and Weee! both allow you to order turnip cake for delivery in select cities. Search for “Lo Bak Go” or “turnip cake” on their platforms.

What does turnip cake taste like?

It’s savory and slightly sweet from the daikon, with a soft, dense texture. Pan-fried adds a crispy, golden crust. The flavor is mild, so it pairs well with soy sauce or chili oil.

Is turnip cake vegan?

Traditional recipes often include dried shrimp or Chinese sausage. However, many restaurants and homemade versions omit meat, making it vegan. Check ingredients when ordering.

How do I reheat turnip cake without drying it out?

Steam for 5 minutes to retain moisture, then pan-fry briefly for a crispy exterior. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.

Can I make turnip cake gluten-free?

Yes. Use only rice flour in the recipe and avoid soy sauce or oyster sauce that may contain wheat. The Woks of Life recipe is easily adaptable.

What dipping sauces go with turnip cake?

Classic options: soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, or a mix of soy and black vinegar. Oyster sauce is also common (The Woks of Life).

Related reading

For the home cook craving dim sum without leaving the house, the choice is clear: order delivery from a trusted platform, store it properly to stretch the batch, and experiment with both steamed and pan-fried versions. Pay attention to sodium and fat in store-bought options, and tweak homemade recipes to suit your health needs. That’s how you turn a simple radish cake into a reliable pantry hero.