Youtiao is a Chinese breakfast food made from a long strip of dough that is deep-fried until puffed and golden.
The name is often translated as “oil条” or “油条,” meaning an oil-fried stick. The dough is stretched into a long form before frying, creating a light, hollow interior and crisp outside.
Youtiao is frequently eaten with warm soy milk, congee, or other breakfast foods. In some regional dishes, it is wrapped in rice noodles or placed inside a rolled savory pancake. Its shape and preparation distinguish it from mantou, which is steamed, and baozi, which is a filled steamed bun.
The food is also known by English descriptions such as Chinese doughnut or Chinese cruller, though those labels do not fully capture its traditional savory breakfast use.