Sweet Fried Ear: Beijing’s Golden Street Snack(糖耳朵)
Dear travelers, if you love exploring Chinese street food, Sweet Fried Ear is a must-try treat. This traditional snack from old Beijing is not just cute—it carries the city’s sweet memories.
1. History and Culture
Origin: Sweet Fried Ear is a classic Beijing snack, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It comes from the Halal snack tradition and shows bakers’ creative skills with dough.
Cultural Meaning: For locals, it symbolizes childhood memories. Visiting temple fairs or morning markets is not complete without this golden snack. It represents simple joys and street food culture in Beijing.
2. Ingredients and Taste
Main Ingredients: Fermented dough, sweet brown sugar, and honey. The dough is twisted into “ear” shapes, fried until golden, and coated in syrup.
Cooking Method: The special “ferment, fry, syrup” process makes it unique. The fried dough soaks in thick brown sugar and honey syrup, creating a shiny, crisp coating.
Flavor: Bite in and enjoy the crispy sugary shell, followed by soft, slightly chewy dough inside. The honey and brown sugar aroma mixes perfectly. Sweet but not overwhelming, it’s addictive!
3. How to Eat and Where to Find
Serving Suggestion: Pair it with Chinese tea, like jasmine or green tea. Tea balances sweetness, making a perfect afternoon snack.
Where to Try: Find it at old Beijing snack shops or Halal restaurants. Try Huguo Temple Snack Shop, Jinfang Snack, or Niujie Street stalls. Prices are very cheap, around 5–10 RMB per piece.
Tourist Tips: English names: “Sweet Fried Ear” or “Honeyed Twist.” Best eaten hot and fresh. Ideal for sweet lovers and adventurous foodies.
How It’s Made: Mix flour, baking soda, and alkaline powder. Knead into dough, roll into long strips, twist into ear shapes. Fry in warm oil until golden. Boil syrup with brown sugar, honey, and malt syrup. Soak the fried “ears” in syrup for a shiny, crisp finish.
So, adventurous travelers, when wandering Beijing’s hutongs, hunt for this golden, sweet surprise. Add Sweet Fried Ear to your China street food list and enjoy a crispy, sweet, and soft memory!
