Cat's Ear Noodles

Cat's-ear noodles are little curls of dough pinched to resemble cat ears, cooked with diced ham, bamboo shoots, shrimp and mushroom in a rich, smooth bowl.

A popular tale ties it to the Qianlong emperor's southern tours and a West Lake fisher girl's nimble noodles; the dainty shape gave it its name, and it became a Hangzhou snack.

Eaten hot as a snack or light meal, prized for evenly small curls and a savory broth.

Small, springy curls and finely diced garnishes set against a savory broth are its hallmark.