In the heart of rural Guangyuan, Sichuan province, huoshaomo, a flatbread once relied upon by locals for sustenance is now gaining widespread popularity as a must-try regional delicacy.

Huoshaomo, a kind of flatbread in Yueba village, Guangyuan, Sichuan province [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

This traditional food, originated in Yueba village in Guangyuan, is now recognized as an item of intangible cultural heritage. In the village, an entire street is now dedicated to huoshaomo, lined with bustling food stalls offering freshly made flatbreads. The street, though only a few dozen meters long, is alive with the aroma of baking and the chatter of curious tourists.

Crafted with barley flour from the surrounding mountains and mixed with natural spring water, huoshaomo is carefully shaped, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and flattened into thin disks. These are cooked in hot pans until they form their signature cracked pattern, a sign of perfect texture and doneness. The flatbreads come in a variety of flavors, including original, sweet, spicy-salt, brown sugar, and pickled mustard greens.

Thanks to its meticulous preparation, huoshaomo is exceptionally shelf-stable, lasting up to two weeks even in the heat of summer. This makes it ideal for travelers on the go, as well as a popular gift for friends and family.