Tianjin’s “Three Treasures” of Snacks

Tianjin’s “Three Treasures” of Snacks

　　　　Visitors from out of town to Tianjin all make sure to try the city’s three famous snacks — “Goubuli” steamed buns, “Erduoyan” fried rice cakes, and “Shiba Jie” twisted dough sticks. Locals also proudly serve these treats to guests and give them as gifts to family and friends. These “Three Treasures” have become Tianjin’s signature specialties, embodying the deep affection of its people

1. “Goubuli” Steamed Buns The making of “Goubuli” steamed buns involves very strict selection of ingredients, with a balanced mix of fat and lean meat that varies with the seasons. Ingredients are measured precisely — one pound of filling includes one liang and five qian of sesame oil, one liang of chopped scallions, four liang of fresh ginger, along with a set amount of bone broth or chicken stock. The buns are then meticulously prepared through eight precise steps: making the juicy filling, kneading the dough, dividing it into pieces, rolling out the wrappers, stuffing the filling, pinching the buns closed, arranging them for steaming, and finally steaming them in large pans. The resulting buns are exquisitely shaped, deliciously fragrant, savory, and not greasy at all. Moreover, they’re convenient to eat, combining both bread and filling in one, making them economical and highly favored by many.

2. “Erduoyan” Fried Rice Cakes Tianjin’s “Erduoyan” fried rice cakes originated during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. The cakes are made with fermented glutinous millet dough as the wrapper, filled with red beans cooked with brown sugar, and then deep-fried over low heat in raw sesame oil until golden and fully cooked. The finished product features a golden color, a crispy outer crust, a sticky and chewy interior, and a sweet, fragrant, fine-textured bean paste — offering a truly unique flavor and standing out distinctly among Tianjin snacks.

3. “Shiba Jie” Twisted Dough Sticks Tianjin’s “Shiba Jie” Guifaxiang assorted stuffed fried dough sticks are also widely renowned local snacks. Their ingredient selection and preparation methods are quite special. First, hot oil is mixed into the dough, to which osmanthus, Fujian ginger, white sugar, green plums, walnut kernels, and candied fruit strips are added to make a flaky filling dough, which is then rolled into flaky strips. Another portion of dough is mixed with sugar syrup and rolled into white strips. Part of the white strips are dipped in lard to form buttery strips. Then the flaky filling strips, white strips, and buttery strips are twisted together, folded, and twisted again. Finally, they are deep-fried over low heat in peanut oil until golden brown, after which candied sugar cubes are inserted and candied fruit strips and melon strips are sprinkled on top — thus completing the “Shiba Jie” assorted stuffed fried dough sticks. These twisted dough sticks are not only crispy and sweet but can also be stored for several months without going stale.

Being able to enjoy Tianjin’s “Three Treasures” of snacks when away from home is certainly a delight. But coming to Tianjin and tasting these three delicacies in person offers a uniquely different and truly memorable experience. (Tianjin)