Sachima

Sachima, also known as sàqímǎ or shāqímǎ, is a beloved Chinese snack made from fluffy fried batter strands held together with a sweet sugar syrup. It resembles American Rice Krispies Treats. Several regional variations of sachima exist, each offering its own unique twist:

1. Manchu: In Manchu cuisine, sachima is crafted from flour, butter, and rock sugar, resulting in a sweet treat enjoyed by both children and adults throughout mainland China.

2. Cantonese: The Cantonese version is slightly sweet and often features ingredients such as sesame seeds, raisins, or dried coconut. Its texture can range from chewy to crunchy. This variety is widely available in many overseas Chinatowns, including Hong Kong.

3. Fujian: Fujian companies produce packaged sachima typically containing sesame and made from wheat flour, vegetable oil, egg, milk, granular sugar, and maltose syrup. This version tends to be less sweet than its Cantonese counterpart.

4. Myanmar (Burma): In Myanmar, a similar snack called meerway mont is made from puffed grains of early-ripened glutinous rice, bound together with jaggery syrup. This traditional Burmese treat is also known as mont.

Each regional variation of sachima offers distinct flavors and textures, making it a cherished snack in various parts of China and beyond.