Guilin Yangshuo Snail-Shaped Cake

Guilin Yangshuo Snail-Shaped Cake is a "crispy little surprise" on the streets, named for its shape like a snail shell, a childhood snack for Yangshuo locals. Made by mixing glutinous rice flour and sticky rice flour in proportion, kneading with warm water into dough, dividing into small pieces, rolling into thin rounds, and filling with a mixture of minced meat, scallions, dried shrimps, and five-spice powder. The edges are pinched into spiral patterns before frying in hot oil until golden and puffy. The outer layer is crispy like a biscuit, while the filling inside is savory and juicy, with glutinous rice's softness blending with the filling's saltiness — the spiral edges are especially crispy. Yangshuo people enjoy it for breakfast or afternoon tea with soy milk or oil tea, finding its salty, crispy taste addictive. Foreign visitors are often drawn to its unique spiral shape, and the first bite of crispy crust and rich filling wins them over, making it a must-try street food while exploring Yangshuo West Street.