Street Dim Sums in Shanghai-Youdunzi

Do you know what is it? It's called Youdunzi, an old food in Shanghai. Actually it's a kind of oil-grilled turnip cake.

I remember when I was 5 years old, my grandma bought a Youdunzi for me from a street stall for the first time and after I ate that Youdunzi, I begged for a long time for another. It left a deep impression on me. Nowadays, Youdunzi are sold less and less in the city and it has been extinct from the downtown, important business areas and new residence communities. It can only be seen in some old residence areas. I missed this food for years and finally found it in a street stall near my high school.

Youdunzi is not for any meals, just for snack. I often bought a Youdunzi on my way from school to home in winter and ate it on the street with my friends. We just sat on the ground on the side of the road, keeping a hot Youdunzi in our hands and talked till dust.
Youdunzi is only sold in street stalls. Makers made panada in advance. When somebody ask for a Youdunzi, they put the panada, turnip and meat emulsion together in a die and then put the whole thing in to boiled oil. When they turn to the color of gold, pick them out and the Youdunzi is finished. Youdunzi is very appetizing and delicious. Besides, it will make one think of the Old Shanghai, that age of our grandparents and to me, it makes me miss my high school time so much.