Yunnan

Erkuai is a type of rice cake particular to the Yunnan Province of southwest China. The name literally means "ear piece," a reference to the shape of one of its common forms. It is often served stir-fried with vegetables, and málà (麻辣) sauce, which is a mixture of dried red chilis, Sichuan pepper, and salt. It is also sold as the popular street food kăo ĕrkuāi (烤饵块) or shāo ěrkuāi grilled and rolled around a yóutiáo (strip of fried dough), with sweet or savory condiments added, making a rolled-up snack resembling a Mexican burrito. The sweet type contains a sweet brown sauce and peanuts, while the savory type is spread with lǔfǔ and bean sprouts, and various other toppings. Kăo ĕrkuāi is particularly popular in the tourist area of Dali.

Pu'er or pu-erh is a variety of fermented tea traditionally produced in Yunnan Province, China. In the context of traditional Chinese tea production terminology, fermentation refers to microbial fermentation , and is typically applied after the tea leaves have been sufficiently dried and rolled. As the tea undergoes controlled microbial fermentation, it also continues to oxidize, which is also controlled, until the desired flavors are reached. This process produces tea known as hēichá (黑茶), literally "black tea", though the term is commonly translated to English as "dark tea" to distinguish it from the English-language black tea (紅茶 hóngchá, lit. "red tea" in Chinese), which it is not. Most teas, although described as fermented, are actually oxidised by enzymes present in the tea plant. Pu'er is instead fermented microbially by molds, bacteria and yeasts present on the harvested leaves of the tea plant, and thus is truly fermented. There are two main styles of pu'er production: a traditional, longer production process known as shēng (raw) pu'er; and a modern, accelerated production process known as shóu (ripe) pu'er. Pu'er traditionally begins with a raw product called "rough" (máo) chá (毛茶, lit. fuzzy/furry tea) and can be sold in this form or pressed into a number of shapes and sold as "shēng chá (生茶, lit. raw tea). Both of these forms then undergo the complex process of gradual fermentation and maturation with time. The wòduī (渥堆) fermentation process developed in 1973 by the Kunming Tea Factory created a new type of pu'er tea. This process involves an accelerated fermentation into shóu (or shú) chá (熟茶, lit. ripe tea) that is then stored loose or pressed into various shapes. The fermentation process was adopted at the Menghai Tea Factory shortly after and technically developed there. The legitimacy of shóu chá is disputed by some traditionalists when compared to the traditionally longer-aged teas, such as shēng chá.

Sour chicken soup

Ham is pork from a leg cut that has been preserved by wet or dry curing, with or without smoking. As a processed meat, the term ham includes both whole cuts of meat and ones that have been mechanically formed. Ham is made around the world, including a number of regional specialties. In addition, numerous ham products have specific geographical naming protection.

Bamboo chicken is a chicken curry prepared by stuffing chicken in bamboo segments and then cooking it on charcoal. It is a traditional tribal cuisine of Maredumilli, a hill station in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Boluo fan or pineapple rice is a method of preparing rice for consumption that is used by the Dai people, a Tai cultural group residing in Yunnan province, southwest China. The glutinous rice (usually a mix of purple and white) is soaked overnight, then steamed for around an hour. A ripe pineapple is hollowed out by slicing the top off and removing the flesh or by cutting it lengthwise in two halves, and the flesh is cut into small cubes. The steamed glutinous rice is then mixed with the removed pineapple flesh, raisins, rock sugar, salt, coconut milk, and sliced almonds. The mixture is placed back in the hollow pineapple and further steamed for another 20 minutes. Boluo fan is a sweet dish. It is used as a side dish for both Yunnan food and Sichuan dishes.

Stir fried mushrooms, jizong mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms

Chinese bronze drum chicken, often referred to as "Drums of Heaven," features chicken lollipops tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, making it a popular appetizer. The key to this dish is achieving the right balance of flavors in the sauce, typically using ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Dog meat casserole

Spring rolls are rolled appetizers or dim sum commonly found in Chinese, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisines. The kind of wrapper, fillings, and cooking technique used, as well as the name, vary considerably depending on the region's culture, though they are generally filled with vegetables. Spring rolls are a seasonal food consumed during the spring, and started as a pancake filled with the new season's spring vegetables, a welcome change from the preserved foods of the long winter months. In Chinese cuisine, spring rolls are savoury rolls with cabbage and other vegetable fillings inside a thinly wrapped cylindrical pastry. They are usually eaten during the Spring Festival in mainland China, hence the name. Meat varieties, particularly pork, are also popular. Fried spring rolls are generally small and crisp. They can be sweet or savoury; the former often with red bean paste filling, and the latter are typically prepared with vegetables. They are fully wrapped before being pan-fried or deep-fried.

Erkuai is a type of rice cake particular to the Yunnan Province of southwest China. The name literally means "ear piece," a reference to the shape of one of its common forms. It is often served stir-fried with vegetables, and málà (麻辣) sauce, which is a mixture of dried red chilis, Sichuan pepper, and salt. It is also sold as the popular street food kăo ĕrkuāi (烤饵块) or shāo ěrkuāi grilled and rolled around a yóutiáo (strip of fried dough), with sweet or savory condiments added, making a rolled-up snack resembling a Mexican burrito. The sweet type contains a sweet brown sauce and peanuts, while the savory type is spread with lǔfǔ and bean sprouts, and various other toppings. Kăo ĕrkuāi is particularly popular in the tourist area of Dali.

Wild hare cooked with young ginger.

Mashed or chopped potatoes mixed with green onions, seasonings

Chicken broth soup with rice noodles, chicken, pork, quail eggs, shrimp, ham, bean sprouts

Liangfen , also spelled liang fen, is a Chinese legume dish consisting of starch jelly that is usually served cold, with a savory sauce, often in the summer. It is most popular in northern China, including Beijing, Gansu, and Shaanxi, but may also be found in Sichuan and Qinghai. In Tibet and Nepal it is called laping and is a common street vendor food. In Kyrgyzstan it is an ingredient in a noodle dish called ashlan fu. Liangfen is generally white or off-white in color, translucent, and thick. It is usually made from mung bean starch, but may also be made from pea or potato starch. In western China, the jelly-like seeds of Plantago major were formerly also used. The starch is boiled with water and the resulting sheets are then cut into thick strips. Liangfen is generally served cold. The liangfen strips are tossed with seasonings including soy sauce, vinegar, sesame paste, crushed garlic, julienned carrot, and chili oil. In Lanzhou it is often served stir-fried. In Sichuan, a spicy dish called chuanbei liangfen is particularly popular (see photo above).

Spicy stir fried coagulated pork, chicken or duck blood

Mixian is a type of rice noodle from Yunnan Province, China. These noodles are typically distinguished by their round shape, moderate thickness, and smooth, silky texture. They are normally used fresh and are commonly seen in stir-fry recipes, often served with rich broths and sauces. Similar to glass noodles, rice noodles differ notably in texture. As the Traditional Chinese culinary texts, such as shícì (Chinese: 食次), refer to rice noodles as "càn" (Chinese: 粲). They are commonly called "sour pulp rice noodles" (Chinese: 酸浆米线), "sour noodles" (Chinese: 酸粉), "dry rice noodles" (Chinese: 干米线), and "rice noodles"(Chinese: 米粉). Rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, rice noodles cook quickly and evenly, and maintain their firmness when boiled, making them suitable for hot-pot and casual dining. The term "粲" in shícì, an ancient Chinese culinary book, is thought to originate from the term "精米" (jīngmǐ, or refined rice), representing finely crafted dishes. <齐民要术> (QímínYàoshù), a classical Chinese agricultural text, describes the preparation of “粲”: glutinous rice is ground into a fine powder, mixed with honey and water, and extruded through a perforated bamboo utensil, forming fine strands which are then boiled in oil. This meticulous process, which produced delicate rice noodles, contributed to the honorific term "粲."

Bun stuffed with pork, bamboo shoots, Yunnan ham and sugar

Skewered and grilled squid

Chicken steamed with vegetables and spices in a special pot

Tengchong jar chicken from Yunnan, China, is a traditional dish where chicken is marinated with spices like chili, ginger, and Chinese prickly ash, then fermented in a sealed jar for about half a month. The result is a savory, vinegary, and tender chicken.

A dish where thin slices of ingredients, typically including cucumber, are mixed with dried bacillus, a type of fermented soybean product. This salad offers a unique combination of textures and flavors, with the crispness of the vegetables contrasting the umami-rich, slightly tangy taste of the dried bacillus.

"Tiger palm golden noodle" from Yunnan, China, is a dish featuring thick, golden rice noodles that are known for their chewy texture and rich flavor. The noodles are typically served in a hearty broth with various toppings, including meat, vegetables, and sometimes mushrooms, showcasing the region's diverse culinary heritage.

Minced meat kabobs

Xidoufen is a Chinese soup popular in Yunnan province that is made of boiled pea meal, often flavoured with crushed garlic, ginger, coriander, spring onion, dry chilli flakes and Sichuan pepper oil. It is often eaten with deep fried youtiao or Chinese flatbreads, particularly cong you bing.

Pan-fried flatbread made with minced pork, spring onions, sweet red bean paste

Yi Township hot pot is a regional variation of hot pot from Yunnan, China, known for its unique flavors and ingredients, often featuring local mushrooms and meats. This style of hot pot emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and is typically enjoyed in a communal setting.

Duck roasted with pine needles and branches

Houttuynia cordata, also known as fish mint, fish leaf, rainbow plant, chameleon plant, heart leaf, fish wort, or Chinese lizard tail, is one of two species in the genus Houttuynia . It is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. It grows in moist, shady locations. It was named after Martinus Houttuyn. Houttuynia cordata is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow to 0.6–1 m (2 ft 0 in – 3 ft 3 in), spreading up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in). The proximal part of the stem is trailing and produces adventitious roots, while the distal part of the stem grows vertically. The leaves are alternate, broadly heart-shaped, 4–9 cm (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄2 in) long and 3–8 cm (1–3 in) broad. Its flowers are greenish-yellow and borne on a terminal spike 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) long with four to six large white basal bracts. It normally blooms in the summer.

Vigna angularis, also known as the adzuki bean , azuki bean, aduki bean, red bean, or red mung bean, is an annual vine widely cultivated throughout East Asia for its small (approximately 5 mm or 1⁄4 in long) bean. The cultivars most familiar in East Asia have a uniform red color, but there are white, black, gray, and variously mottled varieties.

Baba is a type of thick, round, heavy bread that is prepared either plain or with various fillings by the Naxi people of north-western Yunnan, China. It can be sweet or savory. Sometimes marketed to tourists as "Chinese pizza," it is said to have been invented during the Qing Dynasty and can vary greatly from one part of Yunnan to another. Because of its versatility, baba can be eaten plain, cut into pieces, and turned into a spicy snack or as a popular street food, particularly for breakfast.

Stinky tofu is a Chinese form of fermented tofu that has a strong odor. It is usually sold at night markets or roadside stands as a snack, or in lunch bars as a side dish, rather than in restaurants. Traditionally the dish is fermented in a brine with vegetables and meat, sometimes for months. Modern factory-produced stinky tofu is marinated in brine for one or two days to add odor. Generally speaking, stinky tofu is mainly made of tofu. After fermentation of edible mold, tofu can produce a large number of B vitamins, a variety of minerals and trace elements. The flavor of stinky tofu is bitter. Unlike cheese[citation needed], stinky tofu fermentation does not have a fixed formula for starter bacteria; wide regional and individual variations exist in manufacturing and preparation.

Chuan , especially in the north-east of China referred to as chuan'r (Chinese: 串儿), are small pieces of meat roasted on skewers. Chuan originated in the Xinjiang region of China. It has been spread throughout the rest of the country, most notably in Beijing, Tianjin, Jinan and Jilin, where it is a popular street food. It is a product of the Chinese Islamic cuisine of the Uyghur people and other Chinese Muslims. Chuan are small pieces of meat roasted on skewers over charcoal or sometimes, electric heat. It is also sometimes cooked by deep frying in oil (popular in Beijing). It can be classified as a type of kebab. Chuan was traditionally made from lamb (yáng ròu chuàn, 羊肉串, lamb meat chuan), which is still the most common kind, but now, chicken, pork, beef and various types of seafood can also be used. Especially in some tourist areas, chuan can be found made with various insects, bugs, birds and other exotic animals. In general, chuan may be spiced according to preference, but generally cumin seeds, dried red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper and sesame or sesame oil are sprinkled or brushed onto it. Another popular incarnation is mantou chuan or "steamed bun chuan"; it is commonly brushed with a sweet bean sauce (甜面酱, not to be confused with sweet red bean paste) and its taste serves as a foil to the often spicy meat chuan. In Tianjin and Jinan, chuan is often served with small round breads (馅饼, xiàn bǐng), also grilled with the same spices. Xiàn bǐng technically means "pie" or "filled bread". After cooking the bread and meat, the bread is split open and chuan meat is stuffed inside, then eaten together.

Erkuai is a type of rice cake particular to the Yunnan Province of southwest China. The name literally means "ear piece," a reference to the shape of one of its common forms. It is often served stir-fried with vegetables, and málà (麻辣) sauce, which is a mixture of dried red chilis, Sichuan pepper, and salt. It is also sold as the popular street food kăo ĕrkuāi (烤饵块) or shāo ěrkuāi grilled and rolled around a yóutiáo (strip of fried dough), with sweet or savory condiments added, making a rolled-up snack resembling a Mexican burrito. The sweet type contains a sweet brown sauce and peanuts, while the savory type is spread with lǔfǔ and bean sprouts, and various other toppings. Kăo ĕrkuāi is particularly popular in the tourist area of Dali.

Yunnan-style fried potatoes are typically stir-fried with spices and ingredients like chiles, scallions, and sometimes garlic, creating a slightly spicy dish that can be served hot or at room temperature. This dish is known for its crispy texture and can be enjoyed as a side or main dish.

Jinhua ham is a type of specialty dry-cured ham named after the city of Jinhua, where it is produced, in Zhejiang province, China. The ham is used in Chinese cuisines to flavor stewed and braised foods as well as for making the stocks and broths of many Chinese soups. The ham was awarded first prize in the 1915 Panama International Merchandise Exhibition. Jinhua ham is traditionally produced using the hind legs of a breed of pig native to China known as the "two ends black" (兩頭烏), which have black hair growing on their heads and hindquarters with white midsections. This breed is quick to mature; it has excellent meat quality and thin skin. Ham production begins when air temperatures drop below 10 °C (50 °F). The process takes approximately 8 to 10 months to complete.

In Lijiang, you can find homemade crackers sold by street vendors, which are often a popular snack among locals and tourists alike. These crackers are typically crispy and can come in various flavors, making them a delightful treat to enjoy while exploring the area.

Lufu is a type of fermented bean curd from Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It is colored reddish yellow, it has a soft texture, and it has a savory flavor. It is used as a condiment for kăo ĕrkuāi or made into a sauce for Yunnan-style barbecue or stinky tofu.

Migan is a type of rice noodle from the Dai people, a Tai cultural group from Yunnan Province, China. It is made from ordinary non-glutinous rice, and it is only sold fresh. Unlike the circular mixian, migan is primarily defined by its relatively broad and flat shape. It is somewhat less widely available than mixian, even within Yunnan, though it is still common. Migan is both rice-flour-based and freshly prepared, which differentiate it from the transparent fensi noodles that are common throughout much of mainland China.

Mixian is a type of rice noodle from Yunnan Province, China. These noodles are typically distinguished by their round shape, moderate thickness, and smooth, silky texture. They are normally used fresh and are commonly seen in stir-fry recipes, often served with rich broths and sauces. Similar to glass noodles, rice noodles differ notably in texture. As the Traditional Chinese culinary texts, such as shícì (Chinese: 食次), refer to rice noodles as "càn" (Chinese: 粲). They are commonly called "sour pulp rice noodles" (Chinese: 酸浆米线), "sour noodles" (Chinese: 酸粉), "dry rice noodles" (Chinese: 干米线), and "rice noodles"(Chinese: 米粉). Rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, rice noodles cook quickly and evenly, and maintain their firmness when boiled, making them suitable for hot-pot and casual dining. The term "粲" in shícì, an ancient Chinese culinary book, is thought to originate from the term "精米" (jīngmǐ, or refined rice), representing finely crafted dishes. <齐民要术> (QímínYàoshù), a classical Chinese agricultural text, describes the preparation of “粲”: glutinous rice is ground into a fine powder, mixed with honey and water, and extruded through a perforated bamboo utensil, forming fine strands which are then boiled in oil. This meticulous process, which produced delicate rice noodles, contributed to the honorific term "粲."

Smooth rice pudding

Oden is a type of nabemono (Japanese one-pot dishes) consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon or konjac, and processed fishcakes stewed in a light, soy-flavored dashi broth. Oden was originally what is now commonly called miso dengaku [ja] or simply dengaku; konjac (konnyaku) or tofu was boiled and eaten with miso. Later, instead of using miso, ingredients were cooked in dashi, and oden became popular. Ingredients vary according to region and between each household. Karashi is often used as a condiment.

Rubing is a firm, acid-set, non-melting, fresh goat milk farmer cheese made in the Yunnan Province of China by people of the Bai and Sani (recognized as a branch of the Yi in China) minorities. Its Bai name is youdbap, meaning "goat's milk". Rubing is made by mixing heated goat's milk and a souring agent, traditionally a mixture called năiténg (奶藤; lit. 'milk vine') made from a cultivated vine. Rubing is most often steamed with local ham or salt beef, or sometimes served pan fried with salt and chilli. It may also be stir fried with vegetables (typically a mix of broccoli and carrot), in a similar manner to how other mainland Chinese rural cuisine tends to stir-fry harder forms of tofu.photo It is also pan fried and served with alternative flavourings such as dry chilli powder, salt, and Sichuan pepper powder.

Rushan is a cow's milk cheese of Yunnan, China. It is traditionally made by the Bai people, who call it nvxseiz (or yenx seinp, in another dialect of Bai), the etymology of which is unclear. Freshly made cows’ milk curds are pulled and stretched into thin sheets, wrapped around long bamboo sticks and hung up until yellow and leather dry. Rushan are served in a number of ways. One method uses a charcoal grill to warm and soften the milk fan. Traditionally the inside is spread with rose petal jam. Alternatively, the rushan is simply deep fried until golden and crisp.

Grilled erkuai rice pancake rolled around a youtiao (fried dough) with sweet or savory sauces and condiments

Traditional bean curd (tofu) from Shiping

Pan-fried flatbread made with minced pork, spring onions, sweet red bean paste

Xuanwei ham is a dry-cured ham in Qujing Prefecture of Yunnan province, China. Xuanwei ham has a 250-year history dating back to 1766. In 1909 it was first mass-produced and gained popularity. In 1915 Xuanwei ham won a gold medal at Panama International Fair. Xuanwei ham enjoys a high reputation both internationally and locally. The ham is "rose-red" in color and similarly shaped to a pipa. Xuanwei ham was first created and produced in 1909 by a business man in Yunnan China. In 1911 they[who?] started canning the ham and it first shipped around the world in 1912.