Chen Mahua: What to Buy in Chongqing

Should you buy it?

Good for

Snack lovers and office-gift givers — boxes split easily
A cheap, authentic taste of old Chongqing

Not for

Anyone watching sugar or fried food — this is unapologetically both
Travelers who need weeks of shelf life; fried twists go stale (see reminders)

Why it is worth considering

Mahua (麻花) — hand-twisted wheat dough, fried golden, lightly sweetened — is Chongqing's signature snack, and the Chen (陈) brand from Ciqikou Ancient Town is the century-old original every local points visitors to. The twist is crispy outside, faintly chewy inside, with sesame and sweet-savory flavors.

It is the classic Chongqing edible souvenir: cheap, cheerful, and unmistakably local. Buy the sealed boxed sets rather than loose bags — they stay fresh longer and survive the suitcase.

Price

Price varies — check in store

We have not verified a current price for this item.

Before you buy, check

Look for the original 陈麻花 storefronts in Ciqikou — knockoffs are common, so buy from the busy flagship-style shops, not random stalls.
Choose sealed boxed sets over loose paper bags; sealed packs keep the crispness for the trip home.
Check freshness: avoid packs that look oily-stained through the bag or smell rancid-sweet.
Compare flavors — classic sweet, sesame, and spicy-savory versions are all traditional.

Good to know

Fried twists go stale fast once opened — buy close to your departure date and eat within days of opening.
Bulky for their weight; boxes crush easily, so pack them on top of your luggage, not under heavy items.

Chen Mahua (陈麻花)