At the table
Pick up a cooled piece and bite off small portions over a plate. It is ready to eat, with no bones, peeling or required dip.
Contains wheat and sesame oil. The chicken-claw name does not imply meat, but ask about any added seasonings if avoiding animal products.
Size, browning and the frying oil may differ between makers. Ask which oil is used and whether the batch has added flavorings.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Size, browning and the frying oil may differ between makers. Ask which oil is used and whether the batch has added flavorings.
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory wheat and fragrant sesame oil, lightly salty.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Crisp, crumbly short strands with a golden surface.
- How it’s made
- Wheat flour is kneaded with water, salt, cooking alkali, sesame oil and fermented dough starter. After resting, short four-strand twists are formed and fried in sesame oil.
Size, browning and the frying oil may differ between makers. Ask which oil is used and whether the batch has added flavorings.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Henan.
About this regional connection
Henan: Associated with Anping in Zhecheng; related chicken-claw mahua is also made in neighboring Luyi.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有柘城鸡爪麻花吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A compact twist from Anping
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Anping's makers turn thin dough ropes into short twists, then control the frying to make them crisp. These portable snacks are also shared or taken home in packets.
