Yunnan Non-material Cultural Heritage List of Food

Yunnan has recently announced the fourth batch of provincial-level representative non-material cultural heritage foods. These foods are celebrated not only for their unique flavors but also for the traditional craftsmanship and cultural significance behind their preparation. Below is an in-depth introduction to some of the most iconic Yunnan dishes that are included in this cultural list.

1. Qiaojia Small Bowl Brown Sugar (巧家小碗红糖)

Origin and Tradition

Qiaojia Small Bowl Brown Sugar, also known locally as “bowl sugar”, originates from Qiaojia County (巧家县) along the Jinsha River (金沙江). It has been made using traditional methods since the late Qing Dynasty (清朝). The process involves 18 stages and the use of firewood, ensuring that the sugar retains all of the natural flavors and nutrients of the sugarcane.

Taste and Health Benefits

The sugar is translucent and reddish-yellow in color, with a rich fragrance of sugarcane that lingers in the air. It melts immediately in the mouth, leaving behind a mellow, sweet taste. Known as the “Oriental Chocolate,” it contains multiple trace elements that are beneficial for health, making it a nutritious option.

2. Jianshui Steam Pot Chicken (建水汽锅鸡)

Historical Background

The Jianshui Steam Pot Chicken has been a cherished dish in Jianshui County (建水县) since the Qianlong period (乾隆时期) of the Qing Dynasty. The dish’s signature is its unique cooking method, which involves steaming the chicken in a steam pot (汽锅), a traditional cooking vessel specific to this region.

Cooking Method

The chicken is cleaned and cut into small pieces, then placed in the steam pot with no water, only ginger, onion, and salt for seasoning. The steam pot is placed inside a larger pot with boiling water, and the dish is steamed for 2.5 to 3 hours. The resulting dish is tender and flavorful. When enhanced with medicinal herbs like Chinese angelica (当归), shiitake mushrooms (香菇), and codonopsis pilosula (党参), it becomes a highly nutritious and aromatic treat.

3. Steamed Rice Cake (Ersi) (饵丝)

Popular Varieties

Ersi is a beloved Yunnanese dish made from rice that is shaped into noodles and steamed. Two popular varieties are Qujin Steamed Ersi (曲靖蒸饵丝) and Weishan Steamed Ersi with Pork (洱源蒸饵丝猪肉).

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients include fresh chives, mung bean sprouts, and a special soy sauce. A meat sauce is made by stir-frying fresh hind leg pork with shiitake mushrooms, pickled cabbage (酸菜), and spicy chili oil (北方辣油). This fragrant dish is typically enjoyed with a bowl of pig bone soup, leaving a lasting, savory aftertaste.

4. Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑)

Historical Significance

Lijiang Baba is a traditional flatbread from the Naxi people (纳西族) of Lijiang (丽江). This delicacy dates back to the Ming Dynasty (明朝) and is even mentioned in Xu Xiake’s Travel Notes (徐霞客游记).

Cooking Method

The dough is made from wheat grown in Lijiang with water from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山). It is rolled into thin slices, filled with ham or sugar, then coiled and pressed with sesame and walnut kernels. The dish is pan-fried to a golden yellow and has a crispy texture, making it both visually appealing and delicious.

5. Dried Beef (风干牛肉)

Craftsmanship and Varieties

Dried Beef is a specialty of the Hui people (回族) in Yunnan. It involves the preservation of fresh beef through a lengthy curing process. Xundian Dried Beef (寻甸风干牛肉) is one of the most famous varieties, known for its fresh flavor and attractive appearance.

Preparation and Taste

The beef is typically deep-fried or stir-fried. The deep-fried version can be made tender or crispy, depending on the frying time. It is often paired with green peppers, dried chili, or wild Yunnan mushrooms like boletes (牛肝菌), offering a unique taste of Yunnan.

6. Marinated Tofu (腌豆腐)

Traditional Process

Marinated Tofu is one of Yunnan’s oldest preserved foods. Qidian Marinated Tofu (祁典腌豆腐) is particularly well-known, with a history spanning over a hundred years.

Production and Flavor

The tofu is made from fresh soybeans and undergoes a complex fermentation process. It is dried in the sun, then fermented for up to six months. The final product is a flavorful tofu with a rich, spicy taste that has been carefully marinated with chili powder, liquor, and other spices.

7. Yong Xiang Zhai Rose Rutabaga (玫瑰菜头)

Cultural Legacy

Rose Rutabaga has been a Yunnan specialty since the late Ming Dynasty (明朝) and early Qing Dynasty (清朝). It won a prize at the 1915 Panama World Fair.

Cooking and Uses

The rutabaga has a brown-red color and a crispy texture, often stir-fried with meat, green peppers, or minced meat. It adds a distinctive flavor to any dish it is included in, making it a unique and celebrated local food.

8. Fermented Soybean: Yimen Green Fermented Soybean (宜门发酵黄豆)

Fermentation Process

Yimen Green Fermented Soybean is made from green soybeans that are harvested when 70-80% mature. The soybeans are peeled and fermented to create a fresh and tender taste. This dish is often paired with bright red chili and fresh green soybeans, providing both a visual and flavorful contrast.

Taste and Use

It is commonly used as an ingredient in cooking, particularly in fish dishes, to enhance the flavor. The fermentation process gives the soybeans a unique, sweet, and tender aftertaste.

9. Water Crispy Cake (水脆饼)

History and Popularity

Water Crispy Cake is a traditional snack from Yongsheng County (永胜县) in Yunnan, with a history of over 100 years. It is a type of mooncake, loved for its light texture and ease of digestion.

Varieties

Water Crispy Cakes come in various flavors, including ham, sugar, honey, rose, and five kernels. The cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a popular sweet snack for all ages.

10. Yunnan’s Food Heritage: A Cultural Journey

These foods are more than just culinary delights—they are part of the rich cultural heritage of Yunnan. Passed down through generations, each dish reflects the region’s diverse agricultural products and long-standing traditions. From the sweet and savory Qiaojia Small Bowl Brown Sugar to the nourishing Jianshui Steam Pot Chicken, these dishes are central to the region’s identity.

Whether you are a food enthusiast or someone looking to explore Yunnan’s cultural history, these iconic foods offer a taste of the province’s deep-rooted traditions. Explore the local flavors and enjoy the legacy that has shaped Yunnan’s gastronomic landscape over the centuries.