Yunnan province, located in the southern part of China, is home to more than 20 ethnic groups. Tea provincial kitchencommonly called Yunnan cuisine, it is quite varied and influenced by the gastronomic tradition of each of these ethnic groups, as well as the neighboring countries of Southeast Asia.

Yunnan cuisine, especially that of one of the most famous towns in dali, is characterized mainly by green and fresh ingredients, such as locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits and bamboo. The moderate flavor of the dishes is enhanced by adding sour and spicy Elements that balance the flavor. Most of the dishes are highly addictive, their distinctive aroma haunting the nose before you even take a bite.

Yunnan and Dali cuisine is also sometimes known as “Dian” cuisine. Mushrooms feature frequently in most Dali dishes, which also tend to be a bit spicy. Some of the most popular traditional Yunnan dishes are as follows:

1. Steamed chicken – As the name suggests, this dish is served in a clay pot and contains chicken cooked with fresh vegetables. He it can be made very spicy, but without a doubt delicious and healthy. The chicken is kept in the pot, along with the vegetables and spices, and steamed for a few hours to get the desired thickness and consistency. It is mainly served with noodles or rice.

No matter where you travel in Yunnan, you can easily try this dish at any of the restaurants that specialize in local dishes or at the hotels that cater to tourists. Yunnan restaurants around the world, including the US, also serve this popular dish.

2. Xuanwei Houtui (Ham) – if you are someone who loves ham or meat in general, you should definitely try this ham dish, which is very common in Dali. The recipe for this dish originated in the city of Xuanwei in northeast Yunnan, and over the years it has become very popular among travelers to Dali and even in some restaurants internationally.

Xuanwei ham is distinguished by its bright color, strong aroma, thin skin, rich flavor and thick, tender meat. It is so popular and unique that it won a gold medal at the World’s Fair in Panama in 1915. The ham is widely available in any of the shops in Yunnan that sell processed meat. It is also served in most Dali restaurants, particularly along RenMin Road.

3. Fish in a clay pot – an ideal dish for fish lovers, this dish is served in a clay pot, similar to steamed chicken. Clay pot fish is the traditional dish of the Bai, an ethnic group living in and around Dali. It is made from freshwater fish, usually caught from the nearby Erhai Lake, and cooked with spices and vegetables.

The dish is nutritious, refreshing and delicious, and is often served with steamed rice. Sometimes tofu or bean curd is added to the broth, adding some texture that makes it more flavorful. Adding tofu thickens the broth and gives the dish a distinctive flavor and flavor. Note that unlike other dishes on this list, fish is not very spicy or hotmaking it ideal for those with sensitive taste buds.

4. Rice with bamboo – a specialty of the Dai people, who live in the southern Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan province. To prepare this dish, glutinous rice is first soaked in milk or water for one to two hours. After that, the mixture is put into a bamboo joint and a banana leaf is used to cover the opening.

The bamboo is then placed in a charcoal stove to cook the rice and give the mixture a distinctive, smoky flavor. Other ingredients include peanuts, onions, and vegetables like tomatoes and carrots. Usually served with fish or chicken, this dish is available throughout Yunnan, but is best in the southern part of the province.

5. Mooncakes – yes, it’s true that mooncakes are found in places in China, but the traditional mooncakes made in Yunnan are very different. Yunnan is famous for its “rose” flavored moon cakes which are made from roses, honey, sugar, cooking oil and flour. You can find them at most bakeries and stores that sell cakes.

Special roses that grow in Yunnan are used to make these cakes, which are fragrant and crunchy. They are mostly baked during the fall to mark the change of seasons and celebrate the final harvest of the year.

Apart from the above, there are many other dishes you can try in Yunnan such as Erkuai, pineapple rice, rubing and the famous “Across the Bridge” mixian noodles.