Jinxian Youta, or 'Golden Thread Oil Towers,' are Xi'an's most elegant snack. These towering steamed pastries are made from a precisely kneaded dough that's rolled impossibly thin, oiled, stacked in dozens of layers, then cut into strips and coiled into pagoda-like shapes. After steaming, the layers separate into silky, gossamer-thin threads that can be pulled apart one by one. The texture is simultaneously fluffy and rich from the oil, with a subtle sweetness. Served warm with a dipping sauce of vinegar and garlic, they're a true test of a chef's skill.
This dish was created during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when Xi'an was the world's most cosmopolitan city. The 'tower' shape was inspired by the city's famous pagodas, particularly the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. It was originally served only in the imperial palace and noble households.