Bajie town of Anning in the west of Kunming mainly plants economic crops such as roses, red pear, shallow water lotus root and vegetables etc.
From each 15 April to 10 May, the edible rose plantations in the town totaling about 600 hectares are in full bloom. During the annual event “Slow Life in Bajie, Fragrant Tour“, Bajie is a hot destination in Kunming and visitors can enjoy a wide range of drool inducing, refreshing rose delicacies prepared by local family-run restaurants. And in the local workshops, visitors also get chance to participate in making specialties such as the rose candy.
Chicken stewed with pear and rose
Pork rib prepared with glutinous rice and rose
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Desserts prepared with rose
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The rose banquet
Travel tips
1-Anning city is 30 km west Kunming, bus ride available from Xiaoximen,or
2-Special bus line to Bajie from Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Centre (near the Wal-Mart) during 16 April-15 June. The bus departs to Bajie from Kunming at 08:30, and goes back to Kunming from Bajie at 16:00.
3-Bajie Town is about 37 km from Anning, take bus No. 9 of Anning to Bajie Town where the local government arranges bus ride to the plantation.
Rice noodle is the ubiquitous snack in the province of Yunnan. Whether in the province or many other parts of China, you can easily find a restaurant that specialises in rice noodles. There are at least 10 different ways rice noodle is prepared in the province and you can try when visiting one of the relevant destinations.
Rice noodle with tofu puddings, Kunming City
It is a very special and traditional delicacy visitors can enjoy in Kunming. After scalded in the boiling water, the rice noodle is added with fresh, white tofu puddings and other ingredients like sweet sauce, spring onions or leeks, etc. If you do like local food in Kunming, it is really something to try.
Small-pot rice noodle, Kunming City
It is one of the major styles rice noodle is prepared in Kunming and is served in a small copper pot. When the broth is boiling, fresh pork, leeks, pickles, soy sauce and other ingredients are put in. The last and yet most typical step is adding the appetising Yunnan pickled leek flowers.
Rice noodle with stewed pork feet, Yuxi City
The recipe was innovated by a local famous chef Ren Yawei. Many chain eateries have been opened to specialise this kind of yummy rice noodle in most parts of Yuxi.
Salad rice noodle with pea jelly, Yuxi City
It also enjoys a big popularity in Yuxi. A bowl of rice noodle is at first added with leeks and pieces of 1-cm-thick cuboid pea-jelly, What is the inseparable ingredient is the locally brewed pear vinegar, and for most local eaters, the chili source is a must. The rice noodle is very nice both for its taste and appearance.
Copper-pot rice noodle, Jiangchuan County
Copper or brass pots are the most popular utensils for cooking in Jiangchuan County of Yuxi City. Don’t fuss over the rice noodle served in a quaint copper pot when in Jiangchuan.
Rice noodle with chrysanthemums, Mengzi City
In Mengzi, the cross-bridge rice noodle is the most popular snack the most important part of which is the nutritious soup for which many local restaurants have different recipes. For example, the restaurant San Gen Cong uses pork bone, hen, duck, goose and Xuanwei ham to make the soup which is kept warm by a thin layer of oil. The most typical way for preparing the noodle is adding the petals of edible chrysanthemum offering a refreshing taste.
Rice noodle with marinade chicken, Mi’le City
This is an authentic local flavour delicacy for which many chain restaurants are opened in Luxi and Kunming. The best restaurant offering the rice noodle is Yong Quan Beef Restaurant in Zhuyuan town of Mi’le city. The aromatic, tender chicken plus the genuine yummy beef slices, what a meal!
Kandao rice noodle, Luxi County
“kan dao” in Chinese means “rip off”. 20 years ago, a bowl of this kind of rice noodle was said to be priced at 20 yuan which was a lot at that time. But, the Kandao rice noodle is the top grade of its kind for its assorted, sufficient ingredients including premium ham, fried pork, sour pickles, leeks, and chili sauce etc.
Rice noodle with mushrooms, Chuxiong Prefecture
This kind of rice noodle is an innovation based on the local edible mushroom resources Chuxiong abounds in. The expensive Jizong mushroom (collybia albuminosa) cooked with the rice noodle is absolutely a lavish deal.
Sour soup rice noodle, Guangnan County
The sour soup is called “ba hang” in the ethnic language of the Zhuang people. It is a genuine Zhuang flavour delicacy in Guangnan county of Wenshan prefecture. Because of the hot weather in the river valleys where the local Zhuangs live, the Zhuangs use celery, red cabbage and rice water to make the sour soup by a natural way of fermentation; the result is that the soup appears pink and tastes sour with a slightly sweet aftertaste. The rice noodle is an ideal appetising snack which helps relieve heat in summer.
In the turn of summer and autumn, it is not so sizzling in most parts of Yunnan as many places in China. But the appetising, refreshing local snacks in Yunnan are still the favourite of most foodies. Here are some snacks which are trendy in the time of summer and even autumn.
Cold “rice shrimp”
It is exactly not shrimp, but a kind of snack made from rice. Because of its resemblance to the shrimp, locals in Yunnan give it the special name. After the cooked rice paste is colandered into the cold water, the “rice shrimps” are shaped. Fragrant, tender and soft, the snack gives foodies a refreshing taste.
Cold rice noodle
Rice noodle needless to say is one of the most enjoyed snacks in Yunnan. In a hot day, the cold rice noodle is the best dish to cool off.
Bingfen drink
It is made from the seeds of the plant Pevuvian Apple Herb, and locally called “mu gua shui”. With black sugar, sesame seeds, and rose flavour syrup etc, it offers a refreshing and soft taste.
Paodalu ice cream
It is originally the popular dessert in the South Asian countries such as Thailand and Myanmar. Today, it becomes very popular in Xishuangbanna, Dehong and many other places in Yunnan. With assorted ingredients including coconut shreds, tapioca pudding, rusks, condensed milk and ice etc, it is the very special ice cream.
Salad pea jelly
Pea jelly is a household snack in most parts of Yunnan. In Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and many other places, visitors can easily get chance to enjoy the available snack which is an ideal appetiser.
Iced porridge
It is a side dish cooked with glutinous rice, red beans and peanuts. When cooled down, the porridge is added with ice, red sugar and sesame seeds etc. In many eateries in Kunming, it is available.
Pickled/salted fruits
The way for preparing fruits in Yunnan varies as Yunnan is home to assorted fruits. One of the popular ways is pickling or salting. What you can try includes salted mango, pickle crab-apple, salted strawberry, pickled pear, salted pineapple and pickled olive etc.
September is when the Chinese traditional Middle Autumn Festival takes place, which means a lot for the Chinese families to reunite. In the festive ambience of the Middle Autumn Festival, visitors to Kunming (Yunnan) will have a good opportunity for tasting assorted moon cakes and pastries.
The rose-pied
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The material for making rose pied pastries is the edible roses special to Yunnan. Thanks to the mild climate, Yunnan tops other places of China for roses. It is said that Yunnan rose pied pastries were once praised by Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty about 300 years ago and was chosen as a special dessert in the imperial court. In Bajie Town of Anning in the west of Kunming, there are rose plantations for making rose delicacies including pastries which are available all the year round as many travellers to Kunming know these fragrant pastries are the authentic local produce.
The ham-pied
Among the Yunnan style moon cakes, the ham-pied enjoy a wide popularity in China. This is partly because Yunnan’s climate is suitable for curing hams. The story of the ham-pied moon cakes can date back to the period of the Republic of China (1912-1949) and the producer at that time was the Hexianglou Workshop (in Kunming) which specilised in Han nationality pastries. As the best seller among moon cakes in Kunming today, the ham-pied moon cakes are either decent festival gifts or for locals to enjoy themselves.
Moon cake is one of the most famous Chinese traditional cakes，a traditional food of Mid-Autumn Festival. The shape of moon cake is round, and usually for the whole family eat, symbolizing unity and perfection.
It is said that the custom of eating moon cakes in the Mid-Autumn Festival since the Tang Dynasty. When the Northern Song Dynasty was popular in the royal palace, and then spread among the people. In Ming Dynasty, eat moon cake in Mid-Autumn Festival is become a common eating habit. Moon cakes are combined with local eating habits and then developed many different flavors such as Cantonese style, Beijing style, Su style and Yunnan style.
Yunnan style moon cake use the best part of xuanwei ham, cut it into small cubes, and mix with honey, lard, white sugar to make the filling. And for the pastry part, it use purple wheat flour from Chenggong District. Yunnan style moon cake tastes crisp, soft, and tightly baked, making it more and more popular. Its appearance is brownish yellow and slightly hard. When you eat it, the crisp and soft texture will not break, it also called “hard crust ham moon cake”.
Others
According to different clients, many new kinds of moon cakes are baked, including sugar-free and fruits-pied which are friendly to people even with diabetes.
Where to buy?
In the outlets of supermarkets like Carrefour and Wal-Mart in the city of Kunming, many kinds of moon cakes are available; and many bakeries like the Joy Bakery and Bread Works have very nice moon cakes for sale.
Eating insects is obviously an acquired taste, but in Kunming and other parts of Yunnan, decent markets, restaurants, and the ubiquitous roadside barbecue stalls offer a wide variety of edible insects for the adventurous eater. These include bamboo worms, grasshoppers, and wasp larvae, all of which are rich in protein. When fried or grilled in seasoned oil or with herbs and spices, these insects are transformed into highly desirable and popular snacks with a distinctive taste. Insects are believed to be good for one’s health as they are far more efficient than livestock in converting vegetable matter into protein. Here are some of the more popular insect delicacies that the local population enjoys.
Silkworm Chrysalis (蚕蛹)
In Dali (大理), silkworm chrysalises are sold by the bowl. This area is ideal for silk production because of the vast expanse of semi-arid land, which is perfect for cultivating corn and mulberry trees. Once the silk is removed, the worms are scalded in hot water and sold. However, it is a seasonal product, typically available in the summertime. Fried silkworm chrysalis is delicious but may cause skin issues for those allergic to high protein.
When deep-fried, its distinctive rich aroma can be smelled a mile away, making it a favorite insect dish. If you’re lucky, you might find this delicacy in some restaurants or food stalls in Dali. However, the chances of trying silkworm chrysalis in Kunming are slim, as I only once saw traders selling them in Majie Market (马街市场) in the west of Kunming.
Bamboo Worms (竹虫)
“Bamboo worm” is the local name for a species called Chilofrusciden-talis Hampson in Latin. This mollusk is available in most restaurants and barbecue stalls in Yunnan Province. They resemble the bird feed you may have seen in the Jingxing Free Market (昆明经兴市场) of Kunming.
My first experience with this delicacy was two years ago in Xinping County (新平), about a two-hour drive from Kunming. After a day tour in Mopan Mountain (磨盘山), my friends and I chose to visit a local night barbecue stall instead of a tea house, where we ordered some snacks. The fried worms were one of them, and I remember asking for another plate after finishing the first one in 15 minutes. Upon returning to Kunming, I discovered that some restaurants in the city serve bamboo worms, including Bamboo Civet Time (竹狸馆, 0871-65360866) beside Grand Park Hotel (大观公园) near the Green Lake (滇池).
Locusts (蝗虫)
Another favorite delicacy is locusts. These insects usually feed on crops like rice. In many folktales of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities, locusts have historically been viewed as pests that damage crops, and the Torch Festival (火把节) in Shilin County (石林县) is said to celebrate the triumph over this pest, with locusts expelled by torches in various places.
After plucking off their limbs, these six-legged bugs are usually deep-fried and served as a nut-like accompaniment to drinks. In areas like Yuxi (玉溪), Wenshan (文山), Dali, Honghe (红河), and Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), where rice is widely cultivated, locusts feature prominently on the menu in night barbecue stalls and restaurants. If you are a true gourmet, you can easily find this delicacy in the night barbecues in Kunming.
Ethnic Minorities and Insect Cuisine
Ethnic minorities such as the Hani (哈尼), Dai (傣), Jingpo (景颇), and De’ang (德昂) in Honghe, Dehong (德宏), and Xishuangbanna have traditionally included insects in their daily diet. In addition to locusts and bamboo worms, ant eggs (蚂蚁卵) and bee larvae (蜜蜂幼虫) are also enjoyed. Visit these ethnic flavor restaurants in Kunming, and you may have the chance to try these unique dishes.
The cold bridge traditionally originates from Yuxi to the south of Kunming, but is very popular in Kunming nowadays. As a kind of cold dish to ease hot in summer, the glutinous porridge is prepared with Chinese dates and black sugar, tasting fragrant and refreshing.
Where to try
(1)-Yi Ren Yuan
Add: 938, Jiaoling Rd (near Zhengda Carrefour Supermarket), Kunming
(2)-The No.9 Man in the City
Add: Wenhuaxiang Alley, Kunming
Tel: 0871-6533 2099
(3)-Yunping Restaurant
Add: 39, Huguo Rd, Kunming
Tel: 0871-6317 8524
Locally called Guandu Ba Ba, the tasty pancake is a traditional snack of the Han Nationality in Kunming and enjoys a big popularity among Kunming locals. According to some historical records, Guandu pancake has a history that can date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Pies for this kind of tasty snack are various including benne, perillaseed, bean paste, sesame, peanut, and rose etc.
Where to try
In Guandu Old Town, or the bakery in Green Lake Park (near the north gate)
Besides Dounan flowers, Chenggong of Kunming is known for another famous specialty, the Pearl Pear or Baozhu Pear.
With thin peel, this kind of juicy fruit tastes very tender and sweet, and its biggest weight can reach 500 grammes. Among various kinds of pears in Yunnan Province, the Pearl Pear undoubtedly tops others.
It is said that the name of Chenggong originates from the Pearl Pear. In the Dali Kingdom period, a Buddhist master named Baozhu came to Shanchan City (nowadays Kunming) to preach. With him, he brought Snow Pear seedlings from Dali and grafted them with local pear trees, succeeding in making a kind of quality pear. In honor of the Buddhist master, local people named this kind of new pear-Baozhu Pear which was then was brought to the capital as tribute for the imperial court. The name Chenggong was then bestowed (Cheng Gong in Chinese means paying tributes to the imperial court)
Boluo fan (Chinese: 菠萝饭; pinyin: bōluófàn) or pineapple rice is a method of preparing rice for consumption that is used by the Dai people (傣族), a Tai cultural group residing in southern China.
It is an authentic Dai ethnic dessert with glutinous rice prepared in pineapples. Tasting sweet and fragrant, the pineapple rice is a must-try when traveling in Dai-inhabited areas, including Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) and Dehong (德宏). In Kunming (昆明), there are also many restaurants specializing in Dai ethnic cuisine.
Description of the Process
The 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; the flesh is cut into small cubes.
The steamed glutinous rice is then mixed with the removed pineapple flesh, raisins, rock sugar, a dash of salt, coconut milk, and sliced almonds. This mixture is filled back into the hollow pineapple and steamed for another 20 minutes. Boluo fan is a sweet staple, perfect as a side dish for hot and spicy Yunnan food and also goes well with Sichuan dishes.
Geographical Extent
Similar techniques of preparation exist in other Tai-inhabited areas, including Burma (缅甸), Laos (老挝), Thailand (泰国), and Vietnam (越南).
Where to Try?
In Dai ethnic flavor restaurants in Kunming, such as:
- Duoge Shui Dai Restaurant (多戈水傣餐厅)
Address: Sima Alley (思玛巷) (near the Golden and Jade Rooster Archways in downtown)
Tel: 0871-6362 2227
Exploring Exotic Flavors: Enjoy a Culinary Journey with Dai Pineapple Rice
Introduction
Dai pineapple rice is a specialty dish originating from the Dai ethnic group in China, loved for its unique flavor and preparation techniques. Not only is pineapple rice sweet and tangy, but it is also nutritious, making it a beautiful highlight of Dai culinary culture. This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to the preparation of Dai pineapple rice, allowing you to make authentic Dai pineapple rice at home.
Ingredient Preparation
- Pineapple: Choose fresh, brightly colored pineapples that are free of pests and diseases.
- Rice: Select high-quality rice to ensure its flavor and nutritional value.
- Seasonings: Salt, sugar, white vinegar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chili, etc.
- Utensils: Clean containers, plastic wrap, chopsticks, etc.
Method of Preparing Dai Pineapple Rice
- Preparing the Pineapple: Clean the pineapple, cut it in half, and remove the flesh, keeping the pineapple shell.
- Preparing the Pineapple Shell: Trim part of the inner wall of the pineapple shell to accommodate the rice.
- Steaming the Rice: Rinse the rice, soak it for 30 minutes, and drain the water. Place the rice in a steamer and steam until fully cooked.
- Processing the Pineapple Flesh: Cut the pineapple flesh into small cubes and soak them in saltwater for 10 minutes to remove excess acidity.
- Stir-frying the Rice: In a pan, add an appropriate amount of oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and chili until fragrant. Add the steamed rice and stir-fry evenly.
- Adding Seasonings: Based on personal taste, add salt, sugar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and continue to stir-fry evenly.
- Adding Pineapple Flesh: Add the processed pineapple flesh to the pan and stir-fry evenly with the rice.
- Filling the Pineapple Shell: Pack the stir-fried rice into the pineapple shell, ensuring it is evenly covered.
- Garnishing: You can sprinkle chopped scallions, cilantro, and other garnishes on top of the pineapple rice to enhance its appearance.
Cooking Tips for Dai Pineapple Rice
- Choose fresh, high-quality pineapples and rice to ensure flavor and nutritional value.
- For the pineapple flesh, soaking in saltwater can remove excess acidity, enhancing its flavor.
- Stir-fry the rice at the right temperature to avoid burning.
- When filling the pineapple shell, ensure the rice is evenly covered to prevent air pockets.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Dai Pineapple Rice
- With Staples: Pair the cooked Dai pineapple rice with rice or noodles to enhance texture and nutrition.
- With Cucumber Salad: Enjoy the cooked Dai pineapple rice with cucumber salad for a richer taste experience.
- As a Salad: Combine the cooked Dai pineapple rice with other vegetables and fruits to make a refreshing salad.
- As Filling: Cut the cooked Dai pineapple rice into small pieces, mix it with other ingredients, and use it as filling for dumplings or buns for a unique flavor.
Dai pineapple rice is a unique delicacy, and with the right cooking methods, you can make authentic Dai pineapple rice at home. Remember to select fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure its flavor and nutritional value. Give it a try, and let Dai pineapple rice become a delicious dish on your table!
It is a popular food in Kunming. After the green broad beans or green peas are fried in the steel pot, high quality rice soaked for half an hour is added. Boiled and braised with gentle heat, and adding salts and monosodium glutamates, the beans and rice can be served at tables. With green beans, red meat and white rice, the rice braised with beans is colorful and pleasant to the eye. It tastes sweet and delicious.
Dajiujia (Fried Rice Cake Slices) is a famous snack of Tengchong County, but can be enjoyed in many restaurants in Kunming. Rice cakes made of high quality rice are sliced and cooked with fresh meat, ham, eggs, dried mushrooms and prickled hot peppers, it tastes soft, fragrant and appetizing. A legend goes that Yongli Emperor of the Ming Dynasty Zhu Youlang was chased by Wu Sangui to Tengchong. The emperor was hungry and tired. The villagers feasted him with the cooked rice cakes. The emperor highly praised the food again and again, saying that the food saved his life. So the cooked rice cakes are named “Dajiujia” (saving the life of emperor).
Roasted bean curd is a local snack in South Yunnan, but very popular in Kunming and can be enjoyed at many local restaurants/eateries of Kunming. The best bean curds roasted are from Shiping County and Jianshui County. Made from high quality soybeans, the bean curds smell disgusting but taste appetizing. Roasted on steel net on charcoal fire, and seasoned with spiced brine, hot pepper powder and Chinese prickly ash oil, the roasted bean curds taste fragrant, crisp, fresh and delicious.
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Bajie town of Anning in the west of Kunming mainly plants economic crops such as roses, red pear, shallow water lotus root and vegetables etc. From each 15...
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Yunnan Style Mooncake Pastries for Mid Autumn Festival in Yunnan
September is when the Chinese traditional Middle Autumn Festival takes place, which means a lot for the Chinese families to reunite. In the festive ambience of the Middle Autumn...
Insects Dish in Yunnan
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Cold Porridge in Kunming
The cold bridge traditionally originates from Yuxi to the south of Kunming, but is very popular in Kunming nowadays. As a kind of cold dish to ease hot in...
Guandu Baba Pancake in Guandu District, Kunming
Locally called Guandu Ba Ba, the tasty pancake is a traditional snack of the Han Nationality in Kunming and enjoys a big popularity among Kunming locals. According to some...
Pearl Pear from Chenggong District, Kunming
Besides Dounan flowers, Chenggong of Kunming is known for another famous specialty, the Pearl Pear or Baozhu Pear. With thin peel, this kind of juicy fruit tastes very...
Pineapple Rice in Yunnan
Boluo fan (Chinese: 菠萝饭; pinyin: bōluófàn) or pineapple rice is a method of preparing rice for consumption that is used by the Dai people (傣族), a Tai cultural group...
Rice Braised with Beans in Kunming
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Dajiujia (Fried Rice Cake Slices) from Tengchong County
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