Xinzhou Oatmeal Kaolaolao

Xinzhou Oatmeal Kaolaolao

　　“Oatmeal Kaolaolao” (pronounced kǎolǎo) is a type of noodle dish from the cold highland regions of Shanxi, especially Xinzhou. The term “kaolaolao” refers to a container woven from willow strips, shaped like a bucket, also known as a “bamboo basket.” “Kaolaolao” is a delicately made oatmeal-based noodle food. Because of its resemblance to a “bamboo basket,” it is commonly called “kaolaolao” among locals. It is a circular frame, uniformly thick from top to bottom, woven from bamboo strips or willow, shaped like a bucket. It is a farming tool traditionally used for carrying water or storing items. The dish is named “kaolaolao” because its shape resembles that of a “bamboo basket.”

　　 The Xinzhou version is the most typical: oatmeal is mixed with boiling or cold water at double the amount, then shaped by hand on a smooth board—each piece is pushed out with the palm and rolled with the index finger into a tube-like shape resembling ‘cat ears.’ Each piece is about an inch long, as thin as a leaf, and pale yellow in color. Once made, they are stood upright and lined up in the steamer basket, closely resembling a honeycomb. When cooked, they give off an inviting aroma. They are typically served with a topping of lamb or mushroom soup, which makes them irresistible, stimulates the appetite, and delivers an exceptionally rich and lingering flavor. The famous Chinese singer Guo Lanying sang in a Shanxi folk song: “...In the mountains of Jiaocheng, there are no fine dishes, only oatmeal kaolaolao and some potatoes,” vividly depicting the dietary customs of mountain folk. This humble grain-based dish from the mountains, “oatmeal kaolaolao,” has a history of over 1,000 years.