Youdunzi
A mould-fried street snack filled with shredded radish inside a crisp batter shell.
How to eat it
Wait before biting into the centre, because the moist radish filling and trapped oil can remain very hot after the crust feels manageable.
The story behind the dish
Vendors build the snack inside a small metal mould, layering batter around seasoned shredded radish before lowering the mould into oil. The name comes from its squat, block-like shape and frying method rather than from a specific filling. It was once common at Shanghai street stalls, where the mould allowed each portion to be fried separately.
For reference
Every kitchen does it its own way. What follows is the typical version — ingredients, heat and price shift from city to city and from one restaurant to the next, so take it as a guide rather than a fixed recipe.
If you have an allergy or something you can't eat, check with the staff before you order.