Youmian Kaolaolao is a typical staple in the northern province of Shanxi 山西, where this unique species of oat grows. The word ‘Youmian’ 莜面 refers to the flour made from the Eurasian ‘naked oat’ called ‘Youmai’ 荞麦, which is only commercially grown across northwestern China from Inner Mongolia to Gansu. Youmian Kaolaolao is eaten very much like rice or noodles, so there are no specific instructions on what normally is eaten with this oat pasta. The texture of Youmian Kaolaolao is smooth, and compared to normal pasta made from wheat, you do not feel bloated after eating it.
