Chen’s Mahua in Ciqikou, Chongqing, is a well – loved and iconic local snack. Ciqikou, a charming ancient town by the Jialing River, is filled with the inviting aroma of this delicious treat, which is a must – try for tourists visiting Chongqing.
The story of Chen’s Mahua dates back to 1935. Chen Jinghong, the founder, left his hometown and went to Beiping. There, he saved a student from being arrested by the military police. Out of gratitude, the student’s family in Tianjin taught him the art of making mahua in their workshop. In 1937, Chen Jinghong returned to Chongqing and started his business. At first, he sold mahua by carrying a shoulder pole along the streets of Ciqikou. His fragrant and crispy mahua quickly won the hearts of local people, and the name “Chen’s Mahua” gradually spread around the area. Later, he opened the first “Chen’s Mahua” store in Ciqikou, and the business thrived for a decade. However, in 1947, due to the turmoil, he had to move to Hechuan with his family. But he continued to refine his mahua – making skills and shared his creations with neighbors, thus building a good reputation there. In 1999, his grandson Chen Changyin and his wife brought the ancestral skills back to Ciqikou. As Ciqikou’s tourism industry was booming, Chen Changyin innovatively developed various flavors on the basis of traditional ones, such as original flavor, spicy, spicy – salty, five – spice, black sesame, seaweed, corn, and honey, catering to different tastes. Since then, Chen’s Mahua has become famous far and wide.
There are numerous mahua shops in Ciqikou, and those with the “Chen’s Mahua” sign are particularly popular, with long queues in front of them every day. The production process of Chen’s Mahua is quite elaborate, going through eighteen delicate steps. High – quality ingredients are used, like carefully – selected flour, plump sesame seeds, and fragrant walnut oil. The walnuts used for making walnut oil are carefully picked, and after being roasted, the oil has a unique aroma. When frying the mahua, the walnut oil can penetrate the dough, making the mahua fragrant both inside and out.
Chen’s Mahua comes in a wide variety of flavors. The original flavor showcases the natural tastes of the flour, sesame, and sugar. It’s sweet and delicious, with the fragrance of wheat and sesame blending together in your mouth, accompanied by a light sweetness. It’s extremely crispy and easy to chew, and the “click” sound when you take a bite brings a sense of happiness. The spicy – salty flavor has a pure taste and a crispy texture. The spicy flavor, characteristic of Chongqing, combines sweetness, spiciness, and numbness, leaving a lingering aftertaste. The honey – flavored mahua is made with real honey, giving it a golden and attractive color. Each flavor has its own charm, capable of satisfying different palates.
