Chinese snack shaobing Photo: Xinhua

Shaobing, a type of traditional flatbread which is particularly popular in the north of China, was selected as one of the world's 50 best breads, according to CNN on local time Monday.

According to bread historian William Rubel, the author of "Bread: A Global History," creating a strict definition of bread is unnecessary, even counterproductive. "Bread is basically what your culture says it is, and it doesn't need to be made with any particular kind of flour," Rubel was quoted by CNN.

It listed 50 of the world's most wonderful breads in alphabetical order by location, stating that these breads are chosen for their "unique ingredients, iconic status and the sheer, homey pleasure of eating them."

Regarding shaobing from China, CNN said rich wheat flavor that tender layers possess can be felt after cracking into the sesame-seed crust. Besides, shaobing baker masters can whirl and slap the dough so thin that the finished product has 18 or more layers. The media also described that shaobing can then be spiked with sweet or savory fillings, such as black sesame paste, smoked meat, or pepper.

Global Times