More Chinese taking to tubers

As a fan of potato flour buns, Li Juanjuan likes to frequent a small bakery in Dingxi, Gansu province.

"A toasted potato bun is 2.5 yuan (40 US cents), only 0.5 yuan more than the regular ones, but they are more chewy and nutritious," Li said.

Potato buns are among the various potato-based versions of traditional Chinese offerings, including fried dough twists and mooncakes, sold at Ma Xiaojun's stores.