Shadian Hui Muslim Halal Food Street in Gejiu

Shadian (沙甸) in Gejiu (个旧) is home to the largest Hui Muslim Halal food street in Southwest China, bustling with life and delicious food every year. This vibrant food street comes alive around March and April, coinciding with the local food festival. In 2023, the festival ran from March 8th to April 15th, offering a seasonal gastronomic feast unique to the Red River (红河) region.

A Historic Food Destination

Shadian is known as a Hui Muslim (回族) settlement, where all the food has a distinct halal mark, ensuring quality and authenticity. Despite the occasional complaints about higher prices, the food street continues to thrive year after year, attracting both local residents and tourists from afar. Visitors from neighboring provinces, including Beijing (京A) plates, flock to Shadian to sample its distinct halal flavors. In the past, the food street stretched from the old Qingtian Mosque (大清真寺) to the cross-shaped old street, where street vendors lined the alley under red umbrellas, offering a variety of mouthwatering halal snacks.

While the older food street retains a nostalgic charm, the new food street, launched in 2023, has gained more popularity, with nearly 200 stalls gathered in a concentrated area. The new location, marked by an archway reading “Eat at Shadian” (吃在沙甸), is a much-loved destination for food lovers, especially during weekends when the street fills up with eager customers.

Shadian’s Unique Food Culture

What Makes Shadian Different

Unlike other food streets that feature generic national dishes, Shadian stands out for its regional specialty foods. Here, you can taste traditional Hui Muslim dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled beef and lamb, dry beef jerky (干巴), steamed cakes (蒸糕), and the famous golden flatbread (黄金大饼) that are hard to find elsewhere.

One of the most popular dishes here is the grilled skewers, especially the lamb and beef. The meat is exceptionally fresh, as the Hui Muslim community places a high demand on the quality of their ingredients. A signature dish to try is the spicy pickled pepper grilled beef skewers (泡椒烤串), where the grilled beef and tangy, crispy pickled peppers combine in an irresistible flavor.

Exploring Shadian’s Halal Food Festival

Shadian’s Halal food street is a unique destination that allows visitors to experience the culinary delights of the Hui Muslim community. From roasted chicken to spicy pickled skewers, this street has it all. Whether you’re here during the food festival or just passing through, it’s an unforgettable food experience.

A Taste of Tradition and Local Flavor

The food here isn’t just about eating – it’s about experiencing a culture, a community, and the deep-rooted culinary traditions that have been perfected over generations. The Shadian food street is a testament to the richness of local cuisine and the vibrant Muslim culture in the region.

Don’t miss it: If you are in Yunnan (云南), the Shadian Halal food street offers an exceptional taste of the region’s finest halal dishes, set in a lively atmosphere that brings together local food lovers and travelers alike.

Shadian Hui Muslim Halal Food Street in Gejiu

Recommended Restaurants in Shadian

1. Sisi BBQ (思思烧烤) – Roasted Chicken, Grilled Fish, Tamarind Juice (烤鸡、烤鱼、酸角汁)

Sisi BBQ, a restaurant with over 20 years of history, is famous for its signature roasted chicken. It’s a must-visit in Shadian, known for its delicious and juicy chicken and fish.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Average Cost: 15 RMB per person

2. Haoqing Sauce Flatbread (豪青酱香饼) – Sauce Flatbread (酱香饼)

This unique flatbread is only available during the food festival in Shadian. It’s a local specialty that you shouldn’t miss.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Average Cost: 10 RMB per person

3. Shadian Yuege Dried Beef (沙甸跃革干巴) – Cooked Beef (熟牛肉)

If you’re looking to take something home, this shop’s dried beef is a must-try. With over 30 years of experience, the beef is flavorful and aromatic.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Average Cost: 20 RMB per person

4. Shadian Shangpin Private Kitchen (沙甸尚品私厨) – Steamed Lotus Root, Skewer Meat (粉蒸藕、牙签肉)

Their steamed lotus root is soft and glutinous, while the skewer meat is spicy and chewy.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Average Cost: 10 RMB per person

5. Kelan Private Kitchen (可兰私厨) – Steamed Cakes, Coconut Milk (蒸糕、椰奶)

Locals often buy steamed cakes here for gatherings. If you enjoy sweet, chewy treats, this is a great place to try.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Average Cost: 10 RMB per person

6. Coconut Sesame Chicken (椰香芝麻鸡)

For those who enjoy a sweet and non-spicy flavor, try this dish. The chicken has a wonderful coconut aroma and is easy to take home.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Average Cost: 20 RMB per person

Other Popular Restaurants

7. Xingge Fish House (兴阁鱼庄)

Location: Opposite the Tangdian Gas Station (倘甸加油站斜对面)
This restaurant offers a countryside setting with beautiful views of lotus flowers in summer. It’s perfect for family gatherings, serving grilled fish and chicken at affordable prices.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

8. Shadian Quality Life Museum (沙甸品质生活馆)

Location: Shadian North Slope Reservoir, Jijie Town, Kunhe Road (鸡街镇昆河路沙甸北坡水库旁)
Enjoy great food and beautiful sunset views. This restaurant has various entertainment facilities, including billiards, golf, and a teahouse.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Average Cost: 80 RMB per person

9. Yitian Pavilion (伊天阁)

Location: 149 Xingsheng Road, Mengzi City (蒙自市兴盛路149号)
Famous for its “cross-bridge rice noodles” (过桥米线), this restaurant offers generous portions and allows you to add unlimited noodles.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Average Cost: 12 RMB per person

Classic Old Restaurants

• Sisi BBQ (烤鸡): With a 30-year tradition, the roasted chicken here is crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a spicy kick.

• Huiwei Restaurant (回味餐厅): A classic halal restaurant offering breakfast and main dishes, popular for its local flavors and affordable prices.

• Yitian Pavilion (伊天阁): Known for its signature rice noodles, perfect for a hearty meal with friends.

Special Experience Restaurants

10. Shadian Quality Life Museum (沙甸品质生活馆)

• Located on a hilltop, it provides stunning sunset views. The atmosphere is perfect for gatherings with various entertainment options.
  Average Cost: 80 RMB per person

11. Xingge Fish House (兴阁鱼庄)

• This countryside-style restaurant is surrounded by lotus ponds in summer. It’s perfect for family meals with dishes like roasted fish and chicken.
  Average Cost: 70 RMB per person

12. Jinji Food Plaza (金鸡美食广场)

• A popular food destination near the Great Mosque (大清真寺), offering freshly made dumplings, baked buns, and other local snacks.
  Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must-Try Halal Foods in Shadian

Meat Recommendations

1. Spicy Grilled Lamb Chops (香辣烤羊排)

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a special chili powder to enhance the flavor.
Price: 30 RMB

2. Freshly Cut Beef Skewers (现切牛肉串)

Fresh beef grilled on the spot with a special marinade. A favorite for meat lovers.
Price: 5 RMB per skewer

3. Oil Drenched Beef Jerky (油淋干巴)

A traditional Hui Muslim snack, with a savory, chewy texture.
Price: 20 RMB for a box

4. Braised Beef (红烧牛肉)

A hearty dish of beef stew with tender, flavorful chunks of beef.
Price: 20 RMB per bowl

Popular Snacks

1. Shadian Flatbread (沙甸大饼)

Filled with rose sugar or coconut, these sweet flatbreads are perfect for a quick snack.
Price: 3-5 RMB each

2. Oil-Fragrant Dumplings (油香烧麦)

Filled with a savory mushroom and beef mix, these dumplings are crispy and delicate.
Price: 8 RMB each

3. Halal Zongzi (清真粽子)

A traditional rice dumpling with various fillings, including beef and egg yolk.
Price: 13 RMB each

Desserts and Specialties

1. Coconut Pudding (椰奶布丁)

A smooth and creamy dessert with a rich coconut flavor.
Price: 6 RMB

2. Fried Cowhide (炸牛皮)

A crispy, crunchy traditional snack, often paired with spicy sour noodles (酸辣粉).
Price: 9 RMB

3. Rose Ice Porridge (玫瑰冰稀饭)

A seasonal sweet dessert made with handmade rose jam.
Price: 17 RMB

Grilled Skewers

Grilled Lamb and Beef Skewers (烤串)

Renowned for their freshness and taste, these grilled skewers are a must-try in Shadian. Many visitors enjoy pairing the beef skewers with spicy pickled peppers.

Roasted Chicken (烤鸡)

A must-try in Shadian, the roasted chicken boasts crispy golden skin and juicy, tender meat. It’s a nostalgic local favorite, often associated with home-cooked meals.

Golden Flatbread (黄金大饼)

A street food favorite, this golden flatbread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a staple of Shadian’s food culture, often enjoyed as a quick snack.

Steamed Cakes (蒸糕)

These small steamed cakes are sweet, soft, and commonly served during local engagements and celebrations. A popular treat for all ages.

Handmade Tofu (包浆豆腐)

With a crispy exterior and soft interior, this tofu is served on a sizzling hot plate, often accompanied by homemade sauces for an extra layer of flavor.

Fried Glutinous Rice Cakes (油炸粑粑)

A crispy, golden snack with a soft interior and sweet aroma. Fried to perfection, these rice cakes are a local favorite.

Coconut Sesame Chicken (椰香芝麻鸡)

A delightful dish that combines the sweetness of coconut with the richness of sesame. This unique flavor combination is a treat for the taste buds.

Beverage Recommendations

1. Tamarind Juice (酸角汁)

A sweet and sour drink made from tamarind and red sugar, perfect for hot weather. A refreshing, natural treat!

2. Fresh Fruit Juices (鲜榨果汁)

Choose from over 20 flavors made from locally sourced fruits like mango, coconut, and passionfruit. A bottle costs about 6 RMB, offering great value for money.

3. Traditional Herbal Drinks (草药饮品)

For a more traditional flavor, try herbal drinks like sweet and spicy pickled water (蘸水卷粉), which pairs perfectly with local snacks.

Useful Tips for Visitors

• Best Time to Visit: March to April during the food festival, when most stalls are open.

• Hidden Tip: Try the roasted buns (烤包子) with “Pula” (泡鲁达) syrup.

• Cash Payment: Some older stalls only accept cash, so be prepared.

• Parking: Plenty of parking spaces are available at the National Defense Base (国防基地).