The variety and diversity of Kunming cuisine never fails to satisfy hungry travelers. It really is a ‘crossroads’ for dishes from all over Yunnan, the hallmark of which is a balance of sour and hot flavors. With its high humidity and mild temperatures there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables all year round for use in local cooking and all  around the city, street stalls sell a great variety of delicious snacks.
Some of the most famous Kunming dishes are:
Steaming Pot Chicken (Qiguo Ji)
This dish got its name from steaming chicken in a pot with a hollow tube in its center that allows for continuous basting of the chicken. It is a simple but tasty dish made with ginger, shallot, salt and pepper.
Braised Jizong (mushroom) in Soy Sauce (Hongshao Jizong)
Kunming is host to a variety of wild mushrooms among which is Jizong. The chicken-like taste of Jizong is popular with gourmands.
Kunming Bittern Duck (Kunming Lu Ya)
A top choice among tourists. Fresh duck from Dianshi Lake is served in a thick golden sauce. Very good for health as well.
Kunming Snacks
Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodle (Yunnan Guoqiao Mixian) is a popular specialty of Kunming and Yunnan. It has three main parts: a bowl of extremely hot chicken broth, slices of various meats including chicken, fish, served with various seasonings and rice noodles.
The most authentic and tasty Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles are served at Qiao Xiang Yuan (Culture Street location) at 2 Wenlin Jie, Jinma Biji Square.
Xuanwei Ham (Xuanwei Huotui) is also called ‘Yuntui’ or ‘Yunnan Ham’ and is one of the three most famous and best hams in China. A main ingredient in many local dishes, Yunnan ham retains its unique flavor and can be stored for long periods of time. Offered in most local restaurants, ham preparation includes baking, salting, warming, and freezing.
Modern Cake (Modeng Baba)
Baba is popular in Yunnan. It is made of flour, corn powder, sticky rice, lard, sesame, and meat. The story goes that the creators of Modern Baba were two pretty sisters who made sweet and tasteful Baba that attracts people even today. Modern Baba is crisp outside and soft inside and is sweet with savory cream. |
