Insects Dish in Yunnan

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.