Hangzhou cat-ear shaped noodles 猫耳朵
Hangzhou cat-ear shaped noodles is featured among the local specialties of Hangzhou and Zhejiang.
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Hangzhou maoerduo (猫耳朵) is a small, curled dough preparation named for its resemblance to a cat's ear. Here the name refers to a savoury noodle dish, not an animal ingredient or the crisp striped snack sold under the same name elsewhere.
How it is prepared
Hangzhou Tourism's introduction, republished by the World Tourism Cities Federation, identifies the little ear-shaped noodles and their vegetable accompaniments. Their small curved pieces are the useful visual clue when you compare a menu photograph with a bowl in front of you.
Flavour & texture
Think of separate dough curls in a savoury dish rather than long strands to twirl. The source's vegetable description is not a complete recipe: the actual broth, meat or seafood additions must be checked with the kitchen.
Local context & naming
The tourism account links the snack with established Hangzhou dining and names Zhiweiguan among its examples. Its story about the Qianlong emperor is explicitly a folk legend, so this guide does not use it as a proven invention date.
Ordering this dish
Show 猫耳朵 and ask whether the serving is in soup or otherwise prepared, what the accompaniments are and how big the bowl is. This is especially useful when a menu uses only the literal English translation cat ears.
At the table
A spoon can be easier than chopsticks for the small curls and broth. Compare it with a long-noodle dish if you want a different texture, and avoid treating vegetable garnishes as confirmation of a vegetarian stock.
Ingredients to check
The dough pieces do not establish the broth ingredients. Ask about wheat, meat, seafood and stock in the particular serving.
More dishes to compare
Explore related local specialties and compare their names, preparation notes and ordering guidance.
Hangzhou cat-ear pasta soup 杭州猫耳朵 →
Small curled wheat-dough pieces resemble cat ears and cook in a savory soup. Ask about the meat and vegetable additions because each kitchen varies the mix.
Pianerchuan noodles 片儿川 →
A Hangzhou noodle bowl with a light broth and bamboo shoots. It is a useful breakfast or simple lunch; check the shop's toppings rather than expecting every bowl to be identical.
Questions before you order
Does this dish contain cats?
No. The name describes the dough's curled shape; ask separately about the broth and other additions.
Sources & reading
The linked sources were reviewed for this dish identity, preparation and local context on 8 September 2026. Serving suggestions are editorial guidance. Specific recipe quantities, origin legends and current restaurant availability are not independently established.
Recipes and servings vary between kitchens.