At the table
Hold it over a plate and tear into pieces, or split the pocket to add a separately ordered youtiao if desired.
Contains wheat and sesame. Check the cooking fat and any filling if avoiding animal ingredients.
This version uses flour, fermented dough starter, culinary alkali, sesame, oil and maltose syrup. The oil type is not specified, so vegan and vegetarian status remains unconfirmed.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Size and browning vary. This plain version contains no filling; fillings and the cooking fat should be checked separately.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Toasted sesame and wheat, with a slightly sweet crust.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Crisp thin shell, soft inner bread and an airy pocket.
- How it’s made
- Fermented wheat dough is shaped, brushed with maltose syrup, coated with sesame and baked until puffed.
Size and browning vary. This plain version contains no filling; fillings and the cooking fat should be checked separately.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Beijing.
About this regional connection
Beijing: Beijingplainversion;notexclusiveoriginorShanghe/Anguoidentity.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有马蹄烧饼吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A pocket beneath the sesame crust
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Beijing’s mati shaobing is associated with hanging-oven baking. Its raised top and flatter base suggest a hoof. The two sides separate easily, making a pocket that can also hold a youtiao fried dough stick.