Butterfly pastry 蝴蝶酥
Butterfly pastry is featured among the local specialties of Shanghai.
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The crisp, layered butterfly pastry reflects Shanghai's bakery culture. Split one during a coffee break after walking around a neighborhood.
How it is made
Laminated pastry is folded into a double spiral, cut into slices and baked so the layers open into a butterfly shape. Sugar on the surface caramelizes during baking.
Flavour & texture
The pastry breaks into thin, crisp flakes with a buttery aroma and sweet, toasted edges. Humidity quickly softens that delicate structure.
Local roots & traditions
Hudiesu is a familiar part of Shanghai's Western-influenced bakery culture.
How to order Butterfly pastry
Buy a small fresh batch and protect it from crushing; plain coffee or unsweetened tea makes a useful pairing.
More dishes to compare
Explore related local specialties and compare their names, preparation notes and ordering guidance.
Gaoqiao flaky pastries 高桥松饼 →
Fine layers of pastry are built around a sweet filling and baked into small cakes. The repeated layering makes a delicate shell that breaks into many crumbs when handled. Expect a dry, light flake followed by a softer, sweet center, with the exact aroma changing by filling.
Crisp noodles with topping 两面黄 →
Cooked noodles are browned on both sides into a crisp bed, then covered with a hot savory topping and sauce. The topping softens parts of the noodles while leaving other sections crunchy. This creates the central contrast: brittle browned strands, chewy softened noodles and moist vegetables or meat above.
Questions before you order
What name should I show when ordering?
Show 蝴蝶酥 for Butterfly pastry. Buy a small fresh batch and protect it from crushing; plain coffee or unsweetened tea makes a useful pairing.
Sources & reading
Recipes and servings vary between kitchens.