Kunming - Eating
Kunming is famous for Yunnan rice noodles. Not many people have the knowledge that wild mushroom are also specialities here, delicacies prized among the Chinese. For those interested in sampling the local cuisine, it is salty and spicy, but milder than that of Sichuan or Hunan.
Xin Long Men
If ever in the mood to indulge in Chinese high dining, the Xin Long Men or New Dragon’s Gate offers Cantonese cuisine and around 40 suites which can be reserved for exclusive private dining.
The Spring Restaurant Of Kunming
The restaurant makes good use of all kinds of flowers and innovates hundreds of flower dishes, which all are of different flavours and different advantages to a person’s physical well-being. The Flower Feast is the highlight of the year.
Natural Wild Fungus Hot Pot
An old brand of fungus hot pot, this is a bit of a gastronomical adventure. As some mushrooms can be poisonous, it is best enjoyed when prepared in a trusted establishment like this. During the course of dining, they are also able to explain to the guest about the various mushrooms and their benefits. Various kinds of mushroom are prepared, either to be added into your pot or served in the form of dumplings.
Huajichu Hot Pot
Dishes here are served on some of the prettiest flower crockery or hotpots. In Kunming people are experts at using flowers in their cooking, adding dry ingredients and natural spices to cater for local tastes. Recommended are Boletus pork balls and the restaurant’s beef.
Guanxing Road–street Of Fungus
There are more kinds of eatable mushrooms than can be reasonably tried at one sitting. They could be sweet, sour or scented and dips for different palates are available as well. A popular choice is the Wild Fungus Garden.
1910 La Gare Du Sud 1910
Retaining an old French exterior, this well designed restaurant has received great reviews for delicious local dishes. Do try the spicy pig hoof, the most popular item on the menu and a Chinese favorite.
One Imprint-old House
An old house set in a typical courtyard of Kunming, famous for its authentic Yunnan dishes. Some say that if Kunming did not have One Imprint, it would be just like Beijing without its hutongs, having lost their culture representative. Highly recommended.
Blessed House
The restaurant is famous for one dish - the Qiguo Chicken, a herb-infused chicken cooked in a steam pot and it is hugely popular among locals. Reservations are necessary.
Home Of Yunnan
There is a stone path in the doorway and bridges, water features and a decor inspired by Yunnan’s minorities. Mainly serving Dali Bai tribal flavor dishes, the restaurant has also performances and a museum of folk customs.
Rice Noodles
There is no doubt that rice noodles are prevalent in the cuisine of Kunming. Cross the bridge noodles, cold and dressed noodles and literally smallpot noodles are most popular. They are available spicy and non-spicy. Roadside noodle stands and chains like The Brothers Jiang are places to try.
Fengzhu Snacks
The dish to try at this eatery is a traditional dessert known as noodles with bean curd and beanpowder-wrapped Tang-yuan, which is made of sweet rice, rolled into balls, wrapped by bean powder and poured with syrup. Some may be stuffed with peanuts or sesames.
The Culture Alley
An alley that should never be missed for a sense of the cosmopolitan outlook of Kunming. You will find authentic Japanese, Thai, Indian and Korean fare. Most of the customers are students from the schools nearby.
Best Porridge Tea House
An old restaurant that mainly serves Cantonese dishes like porridge and light snacks.
Zhifeng Baked Slice
Baked rice or a flour-made slice with an array of hot and spicy sauces. It comes in sweet or savory flavours. A very traditional snack of Yunnan.
