Crispy and spicy freshly fried oil cakes – eat them and you’ll absorb the essence of the sun and moon

▲ Freshly fried oil cakes just out of the pan. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong, same below)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Zhangjiajie Report

The population within Zhangjiajie in mainland China is predominantly Tujia, so aspects of diet and lifestyle are filled with traces of Tujia culture. One fried snack known as “oil cake” (油粑粑) is a traditional dish with distinct Tujia characteristics.

The shape of oil cakes falls somewhere between Taiwan’s scallion pancake and oyster fritter – they are slightly thick, round discs that turn a crispy golden yellow after frying, resembling giant gold coins. Traditional Tujia people therefore believe that oil cakes symbolize completeness and prosperity, and apart from being an everyday snack, they are also often offered as food to the gods.

To enjoy oil cakes freshly fried, first fill a spoon with a batter made from soybeans and rice, then add ingredients such as minced pork, green onions, chili peppers, and dried tofu. The spoon is then placed directly into the frying pan. Once the surface turns slightly golden, it's ready to be taken out.

▲ The filling of oil cakes includes chili, green onions, dried tofu, and minced pork.

Freshly fried oil cakes have a crispy outer layer rich in oil, while the inner filling is spicy and salty. For those who prefer milder flavors, this can be quite intense, but for spice lovers and those who enjoy bold tastes, the hot, spicy, and crunchy flavor of oil cakes is extremely satisfying. Each one is sold for RMB 2 (approximately NT$10).

According to local guides, Tujia people believe that oil cakes not only symbolize completeness, but also resemble the shapes of the sun and the moon. In ancient legends, eating oil cakes was said to fill you with the vitality of the sun and moon, much like absorbing their essence.However, vendors selling oil cakes reveal that in today’s society, with an increasing variety of more refined and diverse foods, these rustic snacks are becoming less commonly made. So if you’re visiting Zhangjiajie, when you spot a vendor selling oil cakes, don’t hesitate to try one of these crispy and spicy delights.