
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Guilin, Guangxi, China
1. Liang Pi (Cold Jelly Noodles)
A refreshing dish made from rice noodles and sliced beef or pork, served in a tangy sauce. Perfect for Guilin's hot climate.
- Cooling Effect: Helps to combat the heat in Guilin's subtropical climate.
- Tangy Flavor: Provides a unique, tangy taste that is different from other noodle dishes.
- Versatility: Can be customized with various meats and spices to suit individual tastes.
2. Guilin Rice Noodle Rolls (Cong You Cun)
Fresh rice noodles wrapped around fillings such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Light and Fresh: A lighter alternative to heavier noodle dishes, perfect for the summer.
- Tangy Dipping Sauce: Adds a unique flavor that complements the dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
3. Guilin Fried Noodles (Gua Niang Mian)
Thick hand-pulled noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, vegetables, and your choice of meat. A staple street food in Guilin.
- Hand-Pulled Noodles: Unique, chewy texture that sets it apart from other noodle dishes.
- Versatile Toppings: Can be customized with various meats and vegetables.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the authentic street food experience in Guilin's vibrant night markets.
4. Bamboo Rice (Zhong Zi Fan)
Sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. A traditional dish from Guilin's ethnic minorities.
- Cultural Significance: A unique dish that reflects Guilin's rich cultural heritage.
- Flavorful Sticky Rice: The bamboo leaves impart a subtle, earthy flavor to the sticky rice.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations.
5. Fish in Coconut (He Ye Niang Tou)
Whole fish cooked in a coconut with various spices and chili peppers. A flavorful dish from the Li ethnic group.
- Spicy and Fragrant: The combination of chilies, spices, and coconut creates a unique, fragrant flavor.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that reflects the Li ethnic group's culinary traditions.
- Local Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally sourced fish and coconuts.
6. Duck in Orange Sauce (Ju Dan Hu)
Duck slices served in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. A popular dish in Guilin's restaurants.
- Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The combination of orange juice, vinegar, and soy sauce creates a unique, tangy flavor.
- Tender Duck Meat: The duck is cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- Restaurant Experience: Enjoy this dish in one of Guilin's many restaurants offering traditional Cantonese cuisine.
7. Guilin Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)
Thin pancakes made from wheat flour and scallions, pan-fried until crispy. A popular street food in Guilin.
- Crunchy Texture: The crispy texture makes it a perfect snack.
- Versatile Side Dish: Can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish with other meals.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the authentic street food experience in Guilin's vibrant night markets.
8. Guilin Snail Vermicelli (Wu Gui Mian Xian)
Thin vermicelli noodles served with snails and a variety of vegetables. A unique dish in Guilin's culinary scene.
- Unique Ingredient: The use of snails sets this dish apart from other noodle dishes.
- Health Benefits: Snails are a good source of protein and other nutrients.
- Versatile Toppings: Can be customized with various vegetables and spices.
9. Guilin Fried Fish Slices (Gua Niang Yu Pian)
Crispy fish slices fried with green peppers and onions. A popular dish in Guilin's restaurants.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of the fish slices is a highlight.
- Versatile Side Dish: Can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish with other meals.
- Restaurant Experience: Enjoy this dish in one of Guilin's many restaurants offering traditional Cantonese cuisine.
10. Guilin Stewed Pork (Gua Niang Rou)
Tender pork stewed with soy sauce and various spices. A comforting dish in Guilin's culinary scene.
- Tender Meat: The pork is cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of soy sauce and spices creates a comforting, home-cooked flavor.
- Restaurant Experience: Enjoy this dish in one of Guilin's many restaurants offering traditional Cantonese cuisine.
11. Guilin Fruit Wine (Gua Niang Jiu)
Traditional fruit wine made from local fruits such as lychees and longans. A popular drink in Guilin.
- Refreshing and Sweet: The sweet, refreshing taste of the fruit wine makes it a perfect beverage.
- Local Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally sourced fruits.
- Traditional Beverage: A traditional beverage that reflects Guilin's culinary heritage.
12. Guilin Chicken Soup (Gua Niang Ji Tang)
A hearty chicken soup made with ginger and various spices. A comforting dish in Guilin's culinary scene.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of ginger and spices creates a comforting, home-cooked flavor.
- Versatile Meal: Can be enjoyed as a main meal or a side dish.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional recipe passed down through generations.
13. Guilin Bamboo Fish (Zhong Zi Yu)
Whole fish wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. A traditional dish from Guilin's ethnic minorities.
- Tender and Flavorful: The bamboo leaves impart a subtle, earthy flavor to the fish while keeping it tender.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that reflects Guilin's rich cultural heritage.
- Local Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally sourced fish and bamboo leaves.
14. Guilin Stewed Duck (Gua Niang Ya Tou)
Tender duck stewed with red dates and various spices. A comforting dish in Guilin's culinary scene.
- Tender Meat: The duck is cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of red dates and spices creates a comforting, home-cooked flavor.
- Restaurant Experience: Enjoy this dish in one of Guilin's many restaurants offering traditional Cantonese cuisine.
15. Guilin Sweet Osmanthus Cake (Gua Niang Gao)
Sweet cakes made from glutinous rice flour and fragrant osmanthus flowers. A traditional dessert in Guilin.
- Fragrant and Sweet: The sweet, fragrant taste of the osmanthus flowers makes it a perfect dessert.
- Traditional Dessert: A traditional dessert that reflects Guilin's culinary heritage.
- Local Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally sourced osmanthus flowers and glutinous rice flour.