Tianjin Mahua

Fried dough twist, known in Chinese as mahua, is a traditional deep-fried snack with a signature braided, rope-like shape—hence its nickname, the “hinge stick”. It comes in both sweet and savory varieties. The sweet version may be mixed with sugar and dusted with powdered sugar on the outside, while the plain version offers a more neutral taste.

Among the many regional styles of mahua, Tianjin Mahua is especially famous for its unique flavor and craftsmanship. Over a hundred years ago, on the west bank of the Weihai River in Tianjin, near the lively southern end of Xiaobailou, there was a small alley called 18th Street. Tucked away in this alley was a modest shop named Guifaxiang—the birthplace of the now-iconic 18th Street Mahua.

After years of refining the recipe, Guifaxiang developed a unique version that layers crisp fillings—such as sweet-scented osmanthus, ginger, peach kernels, and candied melon—between white flour strands and sesame strands. This technique gives the finished twist a rich texture: crisp on the outside, subtly sweet and aromatic on the inside. One of the defining features of Tianjin Mahua is its long shelf life. Even after being stored in a dry, well-ventilated space for several months, it retains its signature flavor and crispness without becoming soft or stale.

Source：China Cultural & Tourism