Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Dali, Yunnan, China

1. Three-Course Bai Cafe Meal

Enjoy a traditional Bai ethnic meal at Xizhou's Ming Dynasty-era houses. This includes sticky rice, smoked fish, and braised chicken.

Authentic Experience: Try a genuine Bai ethnic meal in traditional houses
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Dali
Multi-course Delight: Savor a multi-course meal representative of the region's cuisine

Savor fresh fish caught from Erhai Lake at a local seafood restaurant. Enjoy the lake view while you dine.

Freshness Guaranteed: Enjoy fish freshly caught from the picturesque Erhai Lake
Scenic Dining Experience: Dine with a breathtaking view of Erhai Lake
Local Specialty: Taste a local specialty using fresh lake fish

Savor a three-course meal at a Nanzhao Restaurant showcasing local flavors and Yunnanese cuisine.

Culinary Exploration: Explore the unique flavors of Yunnanese cuisine
Local Specialties: Taste various local dishes representative of Dali's cuisine
Authentic Atmosphere: Dine in an authentic Nanzhao-style restaurant

Experience a luxurious three-course meal at Dali Bai Hotel showcasing refined Bai and Yunnanese cuisine.

Luxury Dining Experience: Enjoy a luxurious dining experience in a high-end hotel
Refined Flavors: Savor refined flavors of Bai and Yunnanese cuisine
Exquisite Setting: Dine in a beautiful, exquisitely designed hotel setting

Learn to cook traditional Bai dishes during a cooking class. Enjoy your own creation for lunch afterward.

Hands-On Experience: Get hands-on experience in a cooking class
Cultural Understanding: Understand the cultural significance of traditional Bai dishes
DIY Dining Experience: Enjoy a meal you've cooked yourself during the class

Try bamboo rice, a local delicacy cooked inside fresh bamboo shoots. Found at street food vendors.

Street Food Adventure: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dali's street food scene
Unique Presentation: Enjoy bamboo rice presented in a unique way – inside fresh bamboo shoots
Local Specialty: Taste a local specialty unique to Dali

Savor a hearty bowl of noodle soup at a local eatery. The soup is usually made with fresh vegetables and meat.

Savor delicious steamed buns filled with meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings. Found at street food vendors.

Street Food Adventure: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dali's street food scene
Variety of Fillings: Choose from a variety of meat, vegetable, or sweet fillings
Quick Snack Option: Enjoy a quick and tasty snack on-the-go

Sample various types of local teas at a tea house. Learn about the different flavors and brewing methods.

Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in China's rich tea culture
Tasting Varieties: Sample various types of local teas
Brewing Techniques: Learn about traditional brewing methods from knowledgeable tea experts

Savor locally-produced barley wines at a brewery or wine tasting venue. Experience the unique flavors and aromas.

Local Produce: Taste locally-produced barley wine
Unique Flavors: Experience the unique flavors and aromas of Dali's barley wines
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Dali's local brewing culture

Shop for fresh, exotic fruits at a bustling local market. Try the unique fruits you've never seen before.

Exotic Produce: Discover and sample exotic fruits unique to Dali
Local Atmosphere: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling local market
Fresh and Affordable: Enjoy fresh, affordable fruits at the market

Shop for local snacks at a specialty store. Try various unique, savory, and sweet treats.

Unique Treats: Discover and taste unique local snacks
Local Atmosphere: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a specialty snack store
Affordable Souvenirs: Find affordable souvenirs to bring home

Embark on a street food crawl to explore various local eateries and try multiple dishes.

Street Food Adventure: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dali's street food scene
Variety of Dishes: Taste a variety of dishes representative of Dali's cuisine
Affordable and Authentic: Enjoy affordable, authentic local eats

Savor a vegetarian meal at a specialized restaurant showcasing creative and delicious plant-based dishes.

Visit a bustling night market to shop for local goods and enjoy street food. The market transforms at night.

Local Atmosphere: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dali's night market
Variety of Goods and Foods: Shop for local goods and try various street foods
Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the local culture and nightlife of Dali