Guilin’s cuisine is a harmonious blend of flavors and techniques from several regional Chinese culinary traditions, including Hunan, Cantonese, and Sichuan cuisines. This rich fusion of styles reflects the city’s long history and geographic position, situated at the crossroads of southern China. While Guilin dishes often carry the boldness of Hunan’s spiciness and the fresh presentation of Cantonese cooking, they have also developed unique qualities over time. The emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including mountain vegetables and fish from the Li River, adds to the distinct character of Guilin’s food.
Guilin Rice Noodles (桂林米粉)
One of Guilin’s most famous dishes is rice noodles. Known for their smooth texture and delicate flavor, these noodles are available in two main forms: round noodles (米粉) and sliced noodles (切粉). Traditionally, the noodles are made from high-quality rice flour, which gives them a soft and silky texture. The noodles are typically served in a rich broth made from pork or beef bones, flavored with the local addition of luohan fruit, which imparts a subtle sweetness. A variety of condiments like pickled vegetables, peanuts, and chili oil are added to enhance the flavor.
Where to eat:
Visit Jinlong Zhai, located at 8 Wenming Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin, for a delicious and authentic bowl of Guilin rice noodles. It is a well-known restaurant offering a range of home-style dishes at affordable prices.
Beer Fish (啤酒鱼)
Beer Fish is a signature dish in Yangshuo, one of Guilin’s most scenic areas. Fresh carp from the Li River is fried in local tea oil before being simmered with premium Guilin beer. The result is a flavorful, crispy, and succulent dish with a distinct aroma. The subtle bitterness of the beer blends beautifully with the fish, making it one of the most popular dishes for visitors to the region. The combination of the fish’s crisp skin and tender meat makes it irresistible.
Where to eat:
Try Master Fu’s Award-Winning Beer Fish, located at the entrance of West Street, Yangshuo County. This restaurant is famous for its beer fish and has even been featured on CCTV’s food program. While you’re there, don’t miss other local specialties like their famous chicken cooked on steel poles and stuffed snails.
Lipu Taro and Pork (荔浦芋扣肉)
Lipu Taro and Pork is a classic Guilin dish made with tender taro from Lipu County and pork belly marinated with local fermented tofu. The taro and pork are steamed together, allowing the flavors to meld, resulting in a dish with layers of rich, savory taste and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dish’s golden-brown color, crispy exterior, and fragrant aroma make it a favorite during family feasts and special occasions.
Where to eat:
Wood Spring Roast Goose, next to Zhongshan Hotel at 2 Zhongshan Middle Road, Guilin, is an old and famous restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Lipu Taro and Pork.
Water Rice Cakes (水糍粑)
Water Rice Cakes are a traditional Guilin snack made from glutinous rice flour. These small, soft cakes have a smooth, chewy texture and are often eaten fresh, straight out of the steamer. They are usually served with a sprinkling of sugar or roasted soybean flour, which enhances the subtle sweetness of the rice. The simplicity and natural flavor of this treat make it a popular snack among locals and tourists alike.
Where to eat:
Visit the Guilin People’s Corner Food Street at 26 Zhongshan Middle Road in Xiufeng District for a wide selection of local snacks, including Water Rice Cakes, oysters, potato noodles, and frog stew. This food street offers a wide array of small dishes, allowing you to pick and choose according to your preferences.
Stir-Fried Li River Shrimp (爆炒漓江虾)
Fresh river shrimp from the Li River are stir-fried with a splash of Guilin’s famous Sanhua rice wine. The dish has a light, crispy texture, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that reflects the purity of the river water. Stir-fried Li River Shrimp is a delicately seasoned dish that offers the true taste of Guilin’s natural bounty.
Where to eat:
Head to Tao Family’s Authentic Beer Fish Restaurant on West Street in Yangshuo County, where you can enjoy this shrimp dish. This restaurant is known not only for its beer fish but also for its tender and flavorful stir-fried Li River shrimp.
Eighteen Stuffed Dishes (十八酿)
The Eighteen Stuffed Dishes of Guilin are a traditional feast of various vegetables and meats, all stuffed with a seasoned mixture of ground pork and spices. Common ingredients include stuffed peppers, bitter melon, eggplant, and tofu. The dishes are steamed or braised to perfection, creating a balance between the savory filling and the fresh, often slightly bitter taste of the vegetable or wrapper. This dish showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of Guilin cuisine.
Where to eat:
The best place to try the Eighteen Stuffed Dishes is in Pingle County, with Pingle Ancient Town offering a number of small eateries that serve authentic versions of this classic Guilin feast.
Conclusion
Guilin’s cuisine offers a window into the heart of southern China’s culinary traditions. Its dishes range from simple yet flavorful snacks to richly complex meals that highlight the region’s unique natural ingredients. Whether you’re savoring a bowl of Guilin rice noodles, indulging in a plate of beer fish, or exploring the diversity of the Eighteen Stuffed Dishes, Guilin’s food will leave a lasting impression. With its blend of Cantonese artistry, Hunan spice, and local innovation, the cuisine of Guilin stands out as a vibrant and delicious experience for any traveler.