Guilin used to be a traffic junction in ancient times. Due to its location, food habits and lifestyle in Guilin have been influenced by neighboring regions.
Since the last century, Guilin cuisine has integrated flavors from Canton and Sichuan, developing its own style that is characteristically spicy and sour. Some of the most representative and exquisite dishes of Guilin are presented here, such as rice noodles, Lipu taro (colocasia) with meat, Yangshuo beer fish, and Gongcheng oil tea.
Yangshuo beer fish is one of the most famous local dishes and is especially popular with travelers. This dish features fresh fish cooked in beer, offering a delicious flavor that has earned praise from locals and visitors alike. This dish is known for its crispy fish skin and tasty sauce, with pepper being a key ingredient. For those who avoid pepper, you may be missing out on an essential part of the culinary experience of this dish.
Guilin's rice noodles are as iconic as its landscape. Made from high-quality rice, these noodles are soft and delicious, with a silky texture. The key component of this dish is the brine, which is made by boiling pork, beef bone, mangosteen, and a variety of aromatic seasonings.
The brine in Guilin rice noodles is said to be invented in the time of The First Emperor of Qin, when it was used for medicinal purposes for soldiers. Over time, the recipe has been perfected, resulting in the unmistakable flavor of Guilin rice noodles.
Gongcheng oil tea is another notable delicacy, widely appreciated by travelers and local residents alike. Some western travelers called it “Chinese Coffee” for its smell and flavor.
In Gongcheng, drinking oil tea is a daily practice, with some families consuming it up to three times a day. This tea is made using old black tea leaves, which are fried until they acquire an appetizing aroma, then salt and water are added to boil. Ginger is often incorporated during preparation, and in some regions of Gongcheng, peanut powder is added to soften its bitterness.
Oil tea is not only tasty, but also nutritious, as tea leaves have health-promoting properties, ginger helps remove moisture, and peanuts provide energy. These qualities contribute to the longevity of the residents of Gongcheng, known as the longevity village in China.
Lipu taro cooked with meat is a traditional Guilin dish, commonly served on special occasions such as parties, weddings and banquets. The meat is tender and fragrant, while the taro is soft and sweet. This dish uses the best taro from Lipu County, located 104 km south of Guilin. Steamed over low heat, Lipu taro with meat is rich in protein, starch, vitamins and minerals, offering both flavor and nutritional value. It is a dish that deserves to be tasted during a visit to Guilin.
These are some of the most famous foods in Guilin. Enjoying these dishes during a visit to the city is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich culture and culinary traditions of this ancient and beautiful place.
