1.Yunnan Bridge Noodles
If we talk about the ace of Yunnan cuisine, it must be the cross-bridge rice noodles. This bowl of rice noodles is the lifeblood of Yunnan people. The soup base is boiling hot, with a layer of golden oil floating on it. When it is served, the hot steam hits your face. There are a bunch of small plates next to it, with chicken, pork, fresh fish slices, bean curd, and green vegetables. When eating, throw it all into the soup, scald it for a few seconds, and the rice noodles are slippery and covered with soup, which is so delicious that people can’t stop eating.
There is also a heartwarming story about cross-bridge rice noodles. It is said that there was a scholar who studied hard on the island. His wife crossed the bridge to deliver food every day, and the soup was always cold. Later, she came up with a trick, using hot oil to lock the temperature, and the ingredients were packed separately, and they were blanched when they were delivered. This method was passed down and became a signature of Yunnan. Compared with rice noodles elsewhere, this cross-bridge rice noodle soup is rich and full of ingredients, and eating it is a ritual.
2.Steam Pot Chicken
Steam pot chicken sounds special. The unique steam pot in Yunnan boils water underneath, and the steam slowly stews the chicken. When it is served, the soup is as clear as a mirror, the chicken is so tender that it falls apart when touched by chopsticks, and the mouth is full of freshness and fragrance when bitten, and even the bones are full of flavor.
This dish is not only delicious, but also has a bit of historical flavor. I heard that Emperor Qianlong ate it during his southern tour and praised it highly. Yunnan people like to add some Panax notoginseng and wolfberry, which are both nutritious and flavorful. Unlike stewed chicken elsewhere, this steam pot chicken relies entirely on steam to lock in the original flavor, and it is not greasy at all.
3.Xuanwei Ham
Xuanwei ham is the pride of Yunnan. When you cut it open, you will see that it is bright red, with fat and lean parts, and a salty and fragrant aroma. You can cook it in any way, whether it is stir-fried, boiled in soup, or steamed. Take a bite, the meat is firm, salty with a little sweetness, and chewy.
This ham has a great origin. Xuanwei has a special climate, and the pickled ham has a unique flavor. It used to be a tribute, but now every household has it.
4.Wild Mushroom Hotpot
Yunnan is the “Mushroom Kingdom”, and wild mushroom hot pot is definitely a unique skill. The pot is cooked with chicken mushrooms, porcini, and matsutake, with bright colors and fragrance. When eaten, some mushrooms are crispy and some are smooth, so fresh that people squint their eyes.
Every rainy season, there are too many mushrooms in the mountains to pick up. Locals use these treasures to cook hot pot. The soup base is sweet and the mushroom aroma is fragrant. You can’t taste this taste anywhere else. The mountains and forests of Yunnan are so unique. Be careful when eating, and some mushrooms must be cooked thoroughly, otherwise it is easy to get a stomachache.
5.Milk fan
Rushan is a rare product in Yunnan. It has a strong milky aroma and the skin is fried golden. Dip it in chili powder or rose sauce, and it will be crispy when you bite it. The milky flavor spreads in your mouth, like cheese but not quite the same. This is the craftsmanship of the Bai people. They use milk to make thin slices, dry them in the sun, and then process them. The technology is unique. It used to be a treasure for entertaining guests, but now it can be bought casually on the street.
6.Flower Cake
Flower cake is the best dessert in Yunnan. When you bite open the pastry, you will find rose petals inside. It is sweet but not greasy. The fragrance of flowers will penetrate your nose and the taste will remain on your lips after eating.
This cake uses edible roses from Yunnan. The whole city is filled with the fragrance of flowers in spring, and the cake is full of this flavor. I heard that it was already in the palace of the Qing Dynasty, and now it is a standard gift.
7.Dai-style grilled fish
Dai-style grilled fish is a signature dish in southern Yunnan. The fish is smeared with lemongrass and chili peppers, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled over charcoal until it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. When you tear open the leaves, the aroma is fragrant, the fish is so fresh that it seems to melt, and it is spicy.
This is the specialty of the Dai people, and all the tropical flavors of Xishuangbanna are in it. If you want to eat authentic ones, go to the Dai village.
8.Bamboo Rice
Bamboo tube rice is a delicacy in the mountains. Glutinous rice is stuffed into fresh bamboo tubes, slowly roasted over charcoal fire, and the bamboo is peeled off. The rice is soft and sticky, with the fragrance of bamboo, and tastes unique.
This is a traditional food of the Hani and Dai people. The bamboo is cut and used immediately, and the rice absorbs the bamboo juice, which is very fragrant. I ate it once by the terraced fields, with some hot sauce, simple and satisfying.
9.Lijiang Baba
Lijiang Baba is a delicate work of coarse grains. The dough is flattened and baked, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The sweet ones are made with brown sugar, and the salty ones are made with minced meat. It is crispy and delicious. This is a daily snack of the Naxi people, and it can be found all over the streets of Lijiang Ancient Town.
10.Erhai Casserole Fish
Erhai casserole fish is a signature dish of Dali. The casserole is filled with Erhai fresh fish, chicken slices, ham, and mushrooms, stewed until the soup is tender and the freshness goes straight into your mouth.
This is the Bai ethnic group’s masterpiece. The fish raised in the water of Erhai Lake has a different texture. I ate it once in Dali Ancient City, and I wanted to have another bowl of soup after finishing it. When you come to Dali, find a restaurant near the lake and order a pot of it, it will definitely be worth the trip.
The above are the top ten Yunnan delicacies. Every bite carries the soul of the mountains and the flavor of the nation. Fresh and fragrant, full of style, all dancing on the tip of the tongue.
If you come to Yunnan, don’t just look at the scenery, you must try these foods one by one. If you are still greedy after eating, please tell me what delicious Yunnan food you have found, let’s talk about this delicious food together!