NanWulijiao Muslim Halal Food Street in Dali Old Town

Located just 4 kilometers from Dali Old Town (大理古城), NanWulijiao Halal Food Street (南五里桥清真美食一条街) is a fantastic destination for exploring authentic Halal cuisine in the region. Whether you’re craving charcoal-grilled chicken (柴火鸡), hotpot (火锅), hand-grabbed rice (手抓饭), rice noodles (米线), or other delicious local dishes, this street has something for everyone!

Diverse Cuisine Options

This street offers a wide variety of food choices, from traditional Yunnan Hui Muslim dishes (云南回族清真菜) to unique Dai-style (傣味) and Xinjiang (新疆) flavors. You’ll find hotpot, dry pot, stir-fried dishes, and much more. It’s an absolute must-visit for food lovers looking to enjoy local and authentic flavors.

  • Marinated rice noodles (卤米线): Salty and savory, with a unique twist using sesame sauce (芝麻酱), quite different from the sweet soy sauce commonly used in Kunming (昆明).

  • Cold rice noodles (凉米线): Refreshing with a tangy, sweet flavor. The thick, chewy noodles are quite different from what you might find in Kunming, offering a satisfying texture.

Experience Dali’s Natural Beauty & Food Culture

As you walk along the DaPoPo (大坡坡), you’ll eventually reach Dali University (大理大学), the highest university in the region. Its entrance is a landmark in itself, making it a great spot for photos. Though there is some dust due to ongoing construction, the breeze that occasionally blows through helps cool the air.

Enjoy Dali’s daily sights, especially the stunning clouds that fill the sky, bringing a sense of peace and happiness. NanWulijiao Halal Food Street (南五里桥清真美食一条街) not only offers delicious food but also showcases the city’s rich culture. Here, you can indulge in Yunnan’s unique dishes and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.

Location & Features

  • Location: NanWulijiao Village (南五里桥村), Dali Town (大理镇), Dali City (大理市), situated near Cang’e Avenue (苍洱大道) with views of Cangshan (苍山) and Erhai Lake (洱海).

  • Size: The street is home to over 57 Halal food restaurants, making it the largest gathering place for Halal food in the area.

  • Features: The street primarily offers Yunnan Hui Muslim cuisine (云南回族清真美食) and features dishes from Dai (傣族) and other ethnic minorities.

Must-Try Dishes

Copper Pot Beef Hotpot (铜瓢牛肉火锅)

  • Baoshan Halal Copper Pot Beef (保山清真铜瓢牛肉): Signature dishes include dry-fried rice (干巴炒饭), homemade sourdough (老面粑粑), and beef tripe (牛肚肉片).

  • Li Guo Halal Copper Pot Beef (黎锅清真铜瓢牛肉): Cost per person 62 CNY. Known for its rich Yunnan-style hotpot (云南火锅) with a 3.9-star rating.

  • Sai Long Fire Pot (赛龙火一瓢): Wild mushroom hotpot paired with chicken broth (土鸡汤底), delivering fresh, savory flavors.

Hand-Grabbed Rice (手抓饭)

  • Dai Si Mi Halal Hand-Grabbed Rice (傣思蜜清真手抓饭): Features grilled lemongrass fish (香茅草烤鱼) and lemon shredded chicken (柠檬手撕鸡), with an average cost of 48 CNY.

  • Cangfeng Halal Dai-style Hand-Grabbed Rice (苍峰清真回傣手抓饭): A multi-story restaurant offering Thai-style pineapple rice (泰式菠萝饭) and lemongrass grilled fish (香茅草烤鱼).

BBQ & Snacks (烧烤与小吃)

  • Fire Flame BBQ (火焰烧烤): Famous for its live grilling performances, offering a variety of meats and skewers. Known for its delicious and tender pork belly (五花肉) and fatty beef (肥牛).

  • Hui Yan Zhai BBQ (回宴斋烤串): Offers large portions of skewered meat for only 30 CNY. A fantastic deal with great flavor.

  • Wei Liuxiang Spicy Hotpot (味留香麻辣烫): Specializes in grilled gluten (烤面筋) and beef tendons (牛筋), which are both flavorful and aromatic.

Practical Information (实用信息)

  • Business Hours: Most restaurants are open from 09:00 to 22:00.

  • Transportation: Accessible via buses Gucheng 1 (古城1号线), C7 (C7路), and 4 (4路), or simply search for NanWulijiao Village Halal Food Street (南五里桥村清真美食街) on your navigation app.

  • Cost Range: Meals typically cost between 30-70 CNY per person. Set meals like hand-grabbed rice (手抓饭) are a great deal.

  • Tips: Expect a crowd during holidays, so try to visit during off-peak hours. Some restaurants may have simpler decor, but the authenticity and flavor make up for it. You can also purchase local specialties such as dried beef (干巴) and milk fan (乳扇) to take home.

Recommended Restaurants

1. Dai Si Mi Hand-Grabbed Rice (傣思蜜手抓饭)

Located in the middle section of NanWulijiao Halal Food Street, this restaurant specializes in Dai-style hand-grabbed rice (傣味手抓饭), where a variety of dishes like grilled fish (烤鱼) and fried tofu (炸豆腐) are served in a bamboo basket.

2. Yard Charcoal Chicken (Home-style Restaurant) (院子里柴火鸡)

This home-style restaurant offers traditional charcoal chicken (柴火鸡) cooked with fresh chicken and various side dishes. The use of a traditional charcoal stove adds a unique flavor to the food.

3. Huo Yi Piao (火一瓢)

A local favorite where hotpot and barbecue are served together. Popular for its delicious pork belly (五花肉) and fatty beef (肥牛), this spot will keep you coming back for more.

4. Hui Wei Charcoal Chicken (回味柴坊柴火鸡)

This bustling restaurant is known for its flavorful charcoal chicken (柴火鸡) and must-try dried konjac (干魔芋), which absorbs all the delicious flavors from the soup.

5. Hui Yan Zhai BBQ Skewers (回宴斋烤串)

A great place to try skewered meat (肉串), with large portions for just 30 CNY. You won’t find a better deal in Dali Old Town (大理古城).

6. Wei Liuxiang Spicy Hotpot (味留香麻辣烫)

Known for its spicy hotpot and delicious grilled gluten (面筋) and beef tendons (牛筋). If you love spicy food, this spot is a must-try!

7. Xiao La Jiao (小辣椒)

Popular for its beef (牛肉) series, this restaurant is perfect for anyone craving tasty and satisfying side dishes. Everything on the menu is worth trying.

8. Dali Bamu Xuan Stone Grilled (大理八木轩石板烧)

A hidden gem offering stone-grilled dishes (石板烧). The fresh ingredients (新鲜食材) and unique marinating methods create unforgettable flavors, perfect for those looking to experience something new.

Explore NanWulijiao Halal Food Street (南五里桥清真美食一条街) for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Dali, where every bite offers a taste of Yunnan’s rich Halal heritage!