Mahua

Mahua (Simplified/Traditional Chinese: 麻花; Pinyin: Máhuā) is a twisted, deep-fried wheat dough snack, crisp and often lightly sweet or savory. Tianjin versions—especially the celebrated street-style brands—are a hallmark of Tianjin Food snack culture alongside Goubuli Baozi.

Characteristics

Braided or twisted rods with crunchy bite; sweetness and sesame vary by maker. Keeps well as a dry snack for gifting.

Ingredients (overview)

Wheat flour dough, oil for frying, sugar or salt, optional sesame and spices. Related to other fried doughs such as Youtiao but shaped as twists.

History and culture

Widespread in North China; Tianjin's "Eighteenth Street" style mahua became a tourist and gift staple, reinforcing the city's snack identity on Tianjin Food.

Serving and variations

Dry snack with tea. See Tianjin Food, Goubuli Baozi, and Youtiao.

See also

• Tianjin Food
• Goubuli Baozi
• Youtiao
• Chinese Snack
• List of dishes (A-Z)