Fried Dough

Fried Dough

　　Fried dough is a traditional food from Taigu County, resembling steamed buns but made by deep-frying. It has a crispy exterior and a soft interior, with a sweet and delicious taste.

　　 During the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era, Taigu County already had fried foods such as oil pancakes and oil cakes. By the Xianfeng and Tongzhi periods, “Longshengchang” (originally named “Longshengchang”) on West Street began producing fried dough, specifically for wealthy families. Later, shops with the “Wen” character prefix (Wenyuantang, Wenlingtang, Wenchengtang) added new ingredients and improved their techniques, making the fried dough even more distinctive. The “Wen” shops gradually replaced “Longshengchang,” becoming major workshops that both produced and sold fried dough.

　　 Originally a festive treat, fried dough became a common everyday food and a popular gift for friends and family after the “Wen” shops gained widespread fame.