Mashi

Last updated 2026-11-16 — Mashi, also known as "cat's ears," is a local snack from Xunyi. Making mashi is simple: first, let the prepared wheat dough rest for 20 minutes, then roll it out into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Next, cut it into strips roughly 1.5 cm wide, roll each strip by hand on the cutting board into a cylinder, and then chop it into small dough cubes for later use. Sprinkle a little dry flour on the cutting board, and use your thumb to press diagonally on each dough cube — the dough will curl up, resembling a cat’s ear, hence the name mashi. There are many ways to enjoy mashi: stir-fried or braised with meat, vegetables, and seasonings. It tastes delicious and has a distinctive flavor.