Guangxi, China
Guilin cuisine shows influences from Cantonese and Hunanese traditions. It focuses on fresh ingredients, often incorporating local river fish, rice, and various vegetables. The flavor profile leans towards fresh, sour, and spicy notes.
Rice noodles are a staple. River fish, pork, duck, and chicken are popular proteins. Local vegetables include bamboo shoots, taro, and leafy greens. Snails are also a local delicacy. Flavors often come from pickled vegetables, vinegar, chilies, fermented beans, garlic, ginger, and spring onion.
Meals are typically served family-style for sharing. Ordering more dishes than people is common. Tipping is generally not expected.
Use chopsticks for most dishes. If drinking alcohol, expect toasts; "ganbei" (dry glass) is common.
Payment is usually at a counter or with mobile pay. Breakfast is 7-9 AM, lunch 12-1:30 PM, and dinner 6-8 PM.
The iconic dish: fine, round rice noodles in a flavorful broth, with toppings like sliced beef, peanuts, pickled long beans, and sour bamboo shoots. Available everywhere.
A staple dish found everywhere, from street stalls to specialized restaurants.
A Yangshuo specialty: Li River fish stewed with local beer, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic. The beer adds unique flavor and tenderizes the fish. Best found in Yangshuo restaurants.
A signature dish of Yangshuo, best enjoyed fresh from the river.
Slices of steamed taro layered with braised pork belly, served with a rich, savory sauce. A rich and comforting dish.
A comforting and flavorful dish for a hearty meal.
A sweet, translucent cake with a pleasant chewy texture.
Savory or sweet glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, common during festivals.
Limited in Guilin compared to larger cities. Some luxury hotels provide high-end Chinese or international cuisine, offering a refined dining experience.
Abundant throughout Guilin and Yangshuo. They provide local dishes in a comfortable setting. Search for places popular with locals for authentic flavors and good value.
Guilin Rice Noodle shops are on almost every street corner for quick and inexpensive meals. Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and night markets provide many small eateries and snack stalls.
Vegetarian options are possible; Guilin Rice Noodles can be ordered without meat. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are rare. Vegan is more difficult due to animal-based broths.
Learn phrases like "I do not eat meat" (我吃素) or "no eggs" (不要鸡蛋). A translation app helps with communication.
Halal and Kosher food is extremely limited. Travelers should consider self-catering. Gluten-free is not widely understood; cross-contamination is common. Carry an allergy card translated into Chinese for severe allergies.
Rice and rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but sauces may contain gluten. Research specialized restaurants or online expat groups for advice.
Popular in Yangshuo, offering hands-on experience with local Guangxi cuisine.
Local operators offer tours focusing on rice noodles and street food, for insight into local ingredients.
Some Yangshuo guesthouses provide visits to local farms to see ingredient origins.
Li River excursions may offer simple meals on board with incredible views.
Politely ask for what you need. A smile and simple gestures bridge language gaps.
"Thank you" in Mandarin is "Xièxie" (谢谢).
Hand sanitizer is useful, especially for street food. Many local eateries provide tea for rinsing chopsticks.
Some restaurants provide disposable chopstick covers or individually wrapped utensils.
Most restaurants are child-friendly. Many offer milder dishes. High chairs may be limited in smaller local eateries.
Eat at busy establishments where food turnover is high. Opt for cooked dishes over raw. Be mindful of street food hygiene.
Several schools in Yangshuo offer cooking classes focused on local Guangxi cuisine. You prepare dishes like Beer Fish and stuffed vegetables.
Explore Guilin's culinary scene with guided food tours, often focusing on street food and regional specialties like Guilin Rice Noodles.
Some Yangshuo guesthouses or tour operators provide visits to local farms or fruit orchards, allowing you to see where ingredients originate.
Choosing to dine at local, family-run establishments directly supports the local economy and communities.
Look for smaller restaurants away from main tourist streets.
Dining with locals can be a great way to practice Mandarin and learn more about Chinese culture through food stories.
Ask questions about dishes or ingredients.
Venture beyond tourist areas for more authentic flavors and experiences at local eateries.
Many places display fresh ingredients. Choose restaurants where ingredients are visible and appear .
Ask your hotel staff or locals for their favorite places to eat.
Always carry small notes for street food vendors. Some smaller shops might not be able to break larger bills.
