If you’re planning a trip to Guilin and want to indulge in authentic local flavors, look no further! As a Guilin native for over 20 years, I’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants that locals swear by. From succulent roast goose to savory rice noodles, this guide will help you enjoy the best of Guilin’s cuisine, ensuring a delightful culinary experience during your visit.
Top 9 Restaurants in Guilin
1. Chunji Roast Goose (椿记烧鹅)
- A fantastic spot for roast meats, especially the roast goose and Da Qian goose wings, which are highly recommended! The ambiance is great, and this restaurant offers both quality and authenticity.
- Average cost: 50 CNY per person
- Address: 2nd Floor, Zhongshan Hotel, No. 2 Zhongshan Middle Road
2. Hetianyuan (禾田苑)
- Known for its excellent flavor, the roast chicken here is a must-try, and it’s so delicious that you won’t tire of it! This restaurant is part of a popular chain, so you can find it in various locations around the city.
- Average cost: 50 CNY per person
- Address: No. 7 Chaoyang Road, Qixing District (Opposite the North Gate of Guangxi Normal University)
3. Yipin Fish (一品鱼)
- This restaurant offers tender and fresh fish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The Yipin Tofu is another must-try, with a crispy exterior and soft, tender interior.
- Average cost: 50-60 CNY per person
- Address: Anxin Residential Area
4. A Gan Restaurant (阿甘酒家)
- A chain serving authentic Guangxi cuisine, this place is a favorite for those craving local flavors. Try their signature dishes, which offer a true taste of the region.
- Average cost: 50-60 CNY per person
- Address: 1-2 Floor, Huitong Plaza, No. 25 Zhongshan South Road, Xiangshan District
5. Zeng Sanjia Flavor Restaurant (曾三家味馆)
- For those seeking a homey atmosphere and a taste of local flavors, Zeng Sanjia is a perfect choice. The dishes are comforting, just like home-cooked meals.
- Average cost: 50-60 CNY per person
- Address: Intersection of Hongling Road and Dong’an Road, Xiufeng District (Xin Business Hotel)
6. New Guoji Oil Tea (新郭记油茶)
- A favorite for its tasty and affordable offerings. This place is known for its delicious oil tea and is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Average cost: 40-50 CNY per person
- Address: No. 121 Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District
7. Xin Gui Chuan (欣桂厨)
- Formerly known as Xiao Nanguo, this restaurant serves Southern-style dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. With several locations, it’s an easy go-to for a delicious meal.
- Average cost: 40-60 CNY per person
- Address: 1st Floor, Wanfu Plaza, No. 90 Kaifeng Road, Xiangshan District
8. Lao Dongjiang Rice Noodles (老东江米粉)
- For the best rice noodles in Guilin, head to the original location of Lao Dongjiang. Known for its rich flavors and generous portions, this is a must-visit for noodle lovers.
- Average cost: 6-10 CNY per person
- Address: No. 3 Longyin Road, Qixing District
9. Haitian Rice Rolls (海天肠粉)
- A great spot for tasty and affordable rice rolls. Their char siu (barbecue pork), shrimp, and pig liver rolls are highly recommended.
- Average cost: 8-10 CNY per person
- Address: No. 6 Taiping Road
Other Must-Try Dishes
- Xie Dajie Beer Fish (谢大姐啤酒鱼)
- Water Chestnut Cake (马蹄糕)
- Longji Bamboo Tube Rice (龙脊竹筒饭)
- Longsheng Fish Sashimi (龙胜鱼生)
- Lipu Taro Braised Pork (荔浦芋扣肉)
- Quanzhou Vinegar Blood Duck (全州醋血鸭)
- Lotus Leaf Steamed Pork (荷叶粉蒸肉)
- Lingui Soy Sauce Duck (临桂酱板鸭)
- Cui Tea Master (萃茶师)
- Lotus Seed Cake (莲子糕)
What to Avoid in Guilin
- Miao Wang Street Food Market (庙王街美食街): This street caters mainly to tourists, and both the flavor and hygiene are questionable. It’s best to avoid this area for an authentic experience.
- Cane Juice from Street Vendors: Some cane juices may not be fresh, and there’s even a risk that they use red heart sugarcane, which is not ideal.
- Popular Bamboo Tube Milk Tea (网红竹筒奶茶): While the bamboo tube presentation is unique, the tea itself is just average, and the bamboo tube may not be hygienic.
- Old Salt Street for Rice Noodles (老盐街米粉): This area is overpriced and too commercialized, so it’s better to stick to Lao Dongjiang for authentic rice noodles.
- Stinky Tofu in Guilin: While stinky tofu is a beloved dish in many parts of China, the version served in Guilin isn’t particularly special. For the best experience, head to Changsha for top-notch stinky tofu.