Mandarin Chinese for instant noodles. A convenience store staple in Chinese nations. The closest thing widely available in America to pao mien are Ramen noodles, though I shudder to make the comparison. Chinese pao mien is thinner and more brittle than ramen noodles, and with a distinct sort of flavor, perhaps due to MSG and other productions products. Two common brands include Prince noodles and President noodles. (Prince's logo is a red happy boy's face with a hat that says PRINCE on a yellow background. They also make floor wax and other products) Pao mien can easily and enjoyably be eaten raw. It may come sealed in a plastic wrapping with a small packets of flavoring, or in a styrofoam or wax paper bowl. You can live a long time on pao mien.