This file photo shows dingshenggao, or victory rice cakes, with the Chinese characters "ding sheng," meaning "must win," emblazoned on them. /CFP

Dingshenggao, or victory rice cakes, has become one of the most popular snacks in east China's Hangzhou, thanks to the ongoing Asian Games. They are made with glutinous rice and polished round-grained rice.

It is believed that people during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) made these snacks for soldiers before battles to wish them luck. These cakes were emblazoned with the Chinese characters "ding sheng," meaning "must win." 

The light and fluffy snacks can be white or pink, and some come with sweet fillings such as red bean paste or nuts. Today, people often eat them to bring good luck or fortune.