Latiao: The spicy Chinese snack winning fans worldwide

(ECNS) -- One unexpected Chinese streetfood snack is gathering a huge global following right now.

Known as latiao, these chewy wheatbased strips carry a unique mix of spicy and sweet flavors. AFP reported, the snack is now exported to more than 160 countries worldwide, citing from an industry insider.

On social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, overseas creators are sharing their firsttime tasting videos. Many viewers say they find its bold flavor surprisingly addictive fueling the grassroots #Chinamaxxing trend sweeping social media.

What makes this story so interesting is that latiao started out as an inexpensive local snack.

More often than not, these small everyday food items, rather than grand landmarks, create the most sincere and accessible cultural connections between cultures.