Changzhou Da Ma Cake is a traditional, flaky baked cake ubiquitous in Changzhou. It comes in basic salty and sweet varieties. Known for its distinctive oval shape, incredibly crispy layers that shatter at the touch, and a fragrant aroma of roasted sesame, it is a beloved local snack for daily consumption or serving with tea.
Status & History: Changzhou Da Ma Cake, despite its name, is actually a unique oval-shaped, flaky pastry. With a history of over 150 years, it is one of the most representative local teasnacks and a famous intangible cultural heritage of Jiangsu Province.
Craft & Flavor: Its preparation is meticulous, involving dough mixing, proofing, layering with pastry shortening, filling, coating with sesame seeds, and baking. The key lies in the “layering” technique and “barrel-oven baking,” which creates dozens of delicate, distinct layers that are extremely crispy and crumble easily. The surface is generously covered with sesame seeds, releasing a robust aroma after baking. The traditional flavors are Salty (with pepper and salt) and Sweet (with white sugar). The salty version is savory and fragrant, while the sweet one is mellow and rich. Innovative flavors like Crab Roe and Osmanthus have also emerged recently.
Dining Context: Enjoying a piece of Da Ma Cake with a bowl of Silver Thread Noodles or a pot of light tea constitutes the most classic breakfast or afternoon tea for Changzhou locals. Its crispiness, fragrance, and flakiness leave a lasting, pleasant aftertaste.
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