• The term originated from Chinese dialects such as Hokkien and Teochew.
• It is believed that because of agar-agar’s resemblance to bird’s nest after being broken up into smaller pieces, it is also used as a substitute for bird’s nest. Thus, it is also called “植物性燕窝” (plant-based bird’s nest). In Singapore, agar is commonly used to make desserts, such as chilled fruit jelly.
• It is believed that agar was accidentally discovered in 1658 by Tarozaemon Mino, a hotel owner in Kyoto, Japan. In the frigid weather, he found a pile of discarded seaweed products that had coagulating properties and used them as food ingredients. As the discovery was made in the cold winter, it was known as “寒天” (literally cold weather).
• Agar is a type of plant gelatin which, upon cooling after dissolving in hot water, can remain solid at normal tropical temperatures.
• The Mandarin term “燕菜” had appeared in Nanyang Siang Pau as early as 1925.

琼脂、石花胶、冻粉、洋粉(Mainland China)、大菜(Hong Kong)、洋菜(Taiwan)、寒天(Japan)

• In the past, agar was also known in Mandarin as “东洋菜”.