Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is a hidden gem for food lovers. This enchanting city offers a diverse culinary scene, and for foodies visiting for the first time, here are some of the must-try dishes to sample on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure!

 

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Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles
This iconic dish involves assembling your own bowl of deliciousness! A piping hot broth, rich with chicken, duck, or pork stock, is served with fresh rice noodles and a platter of enticing toppings. These can include chicken strips, pork, seasonal veggies, bean curd, chives, mushrooms, and more. The art lies in carefully adding the ingredients to the broth, beginning with the meats, followed by the veggies, noodles and seasonings or sauces. For more foodie discoveries, look to stay at properties like Grand Park Kunming of Park Hotel Group, which offers onsite dining with authentic Sichuan-Yunnan cuisine.

Yunnan Rice Cake
Yunnan rice cake, or ‘Erkuai,’ is another of the beloved local dishes. Made from high-quality rice, it’s cooked, pressed into a mould, and then further prepared in various ways. A popular breakfast option involves roasting rice cakes which can be enjoyed as you experience the many things to do in Kunming on early morning explorations. Consider having your rice cake with ham, sausage or a deep-fried dough stick just as the locals do. Apart from the baked version, you also get boiled and quick-fried rice cake varieties which are worth trying as well.

Steam Pot Chicken
For a truly authentic dining experience, indulge in the exquisite flavours of steam pot chicken. This dish showcases the region’s culinary expertise with its use of a steam pot, which is a specially designed clay vessel, which is placed over boiling water. While the cooking process can take three to four hours, it allows the natural juices and flavours to infuse the meat and veggies within; additionally, the steam which drops back into the pot, results in a flavourful broth. You can expect the chicken to be juicy and will melt in your mouth as you savour each bite!

Sticky Rice Balls
No list of the top Kunming dishes would be complete without adding a popular dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth as well. A traditional culinary creation, sticky rice balls with soybean flour are the variation that is most loved by the locals. Best of all, you get different fillings depending on the recipe passed down from generation to generation. Some sticky rice balls come with minced nuts and sugar, while others may have red beans and sugar. Try the different kinds and find out what your favourite one is!