Xizhou Baba

Xizhou Baba

　　Xizhou Baba, also known as Pòsū, is a delicious wheat flour baked flatbread renowned for its color, aroma, and taste. It is a popular snack in both urban and rural areas of Dali, with the traditional version from Xizhou’s Bai ethnic group being the most famous. Wheat flour is the main ingredient, and the dough preparation is quite particular — the right amount of alkaline is added, the dough is kneaded thoroughly, then layered with essential oil, and sprinkled with chopped scallions, Sichuan peppercorns, and salt for the savory version, or filled with ham, diced meat, pork cracklings, and brown sugar for the sweet version. Once shaped into small round flatbreads, six are arranged at a time — half savory and half sweet — neatly placed on a round cutting board. A layer of sesame oil is brushed onto the top of each piece before they are placed in the frying pan to bake. After about ten minutes, a golden, fragrant, crispy, and flaky batch of “Pòsū” is ready. Not only are Xizhou Baba delicious and aromatic, but they are also affordable and have long been a beloved everyday breakfast food, widely enjoyed by many.