Zhou Family Fried Dough Twists

Zhou Family Fried Dough Twists

　　Zhou Family Fried Dough Twists are a specialty of Laocheng Town, Shenqiu County, Zhoukou City, Henan Province. These twists are crispy and delicious, easy to digest, with a rich flavor that is not astringent or bitter, doesn’t stick to the teeth, has no off-flavors, catches fire easily when lit, and remains mold-free and crisp even after long-term storage.

　　Laocheng Town in Shenqiu County, also known as Ruxiangtai, is situated by the Quan River and borders Linquan County of Anhui to the south. The area enjoys a thriving economy and bustling commerce, and within a hundred-li radius, there’s a popular saying: “Zhao Feng wine, Gu family steamed buns, and Zhou family dough twists that catch fire.”

　　Today, the Zhou Family Fried Dough Twists are managed by Zhou Xianzhang. His ancestors have been selling these twists for over 100 years, dating back to his great-great-grandfather. The twists are golden yellow and almost translucent. The thick-end twists resemble lanterns, while the umbrella-shaped ones look like open parasols. They are crispy and delicious, easy to digest, with a rich flavor that is not astringent or bitter, doesn’t stick to the teeth, has no off-flavors, catches fire easily when lit, and remains mold-free and crisp even after long-term storage.

　　In August 1947, Liu and Deng¹ led the Central Plains Field Army on their thousand-mile march into the Dabie Mountains. When they passed through Shenqiu County, the locals welcomed them and the People's Liberation Army soldiers with Zhao Feng wine, Gu family steamed buns, and Zhou family fried dough twists — an episode still celebrated today. In 1990, Zhou Family Fried Dough Twists were recognized as a high-quality local snack at both the county and regional levels. ¹ Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping