Three Heads and One Paw

Last updated 2026-11-10 — “Three Heads and One Paw” refers to rabbit head, duck head, fish head, and goose paw. It is a distinctive snack from Quzhou, known for its incredibly delicious flavor. But if you’re not well-versed in spicy food, it will have you crying out for mercy—it’s so spicy that even in the depths of winter, you’ll be drenched in sweat. Yet it’s this very spiciness that creates an alternative delight for food lovers. Many assume it's made with lots of sharp chili peppers—but you'd be wrong. There isn’t a single chili in it. Instead, the heat comes from a spicy agent made with traditional Chinese herbs such as Piper longum (the flower of pepper), offering a uniquely spicy taste that is extremely appetizing, warming, and moisture-drying. Nowadays, to accommodate tourists from outside the region who can't handle spice, a non-spicy version of Three Heads and One Paw has also been introduced.