Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Guilin: A Foodie’s Paradise 🍜✨ Are You Ready to Dig In?，From the iconic Guilin rice noodles to hidden street food gems, dive into the top 10 must-try dishes in Guilin. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds! 🥘🎉
1. Guilin Rice Noodles: The Soul of the City 🍜
When in Guilin, do as the locals do—start your day with a steaming bowl of Guilin rice noodles. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience. The secret lies in the rich, savory broth made from slow-cooked pork bones and spices. Topped with tender slices of meat, crispy fried peanuts, and a sprinkle of cilantro, it’s a flavor explosion in every slurp. 🤤
Pro tip: For the best bowl, head to Lao Ma Guilin Rice Noodles on Zhongshan Road. It’s a bit crowded, but totally worth it!
2. Beer Fish: Fresh from the Li River 🐟
Beer fish is a Guilin specialty that combines the freshness of river fish with the robustness of local beer. The fish is marinated in a blend of spices and then deep-fried until crispy, before being simmered in a beer-based sauce. The result? A dish that’s both crispy and tender, with a hint of sweetness and a kick of spice. 🍻🐟
Fun fact: The best place to try beer fish is at a riverside restaurant where you can watch the boats go by while you savor your meal.
3. Maoxuewang: A Spicy Delight 🌶️
If you’re a fan of spicy food, Maoxuewang is a must-try. This hotpot dish features a bubbling cauldron of red pepper broth, filled with a variety of ingredients like tripe, blood tofu, and mushrooms. The spiciness is intense, but the flavors are complex and rewarding. 🍲🔥
Warning: Bring a friend who can handle the heat, or you might find yourself reaching for the water bottle more often than the chopsticks!
4. Liuzhou Snail Rice Noodles: A Tangy Twist 🐌
While not native to Guilin, Liuzhou snail rice noodles have become a beloved dish in the city. The broth is made from snails and a mix of herbs, giving it a unique tangy flavor. Topped with pickled vegetables, peanuts, and a generous sprinkle of chili oil, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and adventurous. 🍝：
Insider tip: Try the Liuzhou Snail Rice Noodles at Xingyi Road Night Market for an authentic street food experience.
5. Yangrou Paomo: A Meaty Masterpiece 🥩
Yangrou paomo, or shredded flatbread in lamb soup, is a dish that originated in Shaanxi but has found a home in Guilin. The bread is torn into small pieces and served in a rich, aromatic lamb broth. The combination of the soft, chewy bread and the flavorful broth is pure comfort food. 🥄：
Best spot: Head to the Muslim Quarter in Guilin for a taste of this hearty dish.
6. Guilin Roast Duck: A Crispy Delight 🦆
No visit to Guilin is complete without trying the local roast duck. Unlike Beijing duck, Guilin’s version is marinated with a blend of spices and herbs, giving it a unique flavor. The skin is crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. It’s often served with a side of hoisin sauce and steamed buns. 🍗：
Recommendation: For a memorable dining experience, try the roast duck at the Guilin Imperial Feast Restaurant.
7. Bamboo Rice: A Forest Flavor 🍚
Bamboo rice is a traditional dish that’s both visually stunning and delicious. Sticky rice is cooked inside a bamboo tube, infusing it with the natural aroma of bamboo. It’s often served with a variety of fillings, such as mushrooms, chicken, or pork. 🥑：
Where to find it: Look for bamboo rice at local markets or in smaller, family-run restaurants.
8. Guilin Fried Rice: A Simple Yet Satisfying Dish 🍛
Guilin fried rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. Made with leftover rice, eggs, vegetables, and a choice of protein, it’s a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. The key is in the wok hei—the smoky flavor that comes from high-heat cooking. 🍳：
Tip: For the best Guilin fried rice, visit the night markets where the woks are always sizzling.
9. Steamed Fish: Fresh and Light 🐟
For a lighter option, try steamed fish, a dish that highlights the freshness of the fish caught from the Li River. The fish is steamed with a minimal amount of seasoning, allowing its natural flavors to shine. It’s often served with a side of ginger, scallions, and a drizzle of soy sauce. 🍽️：
Best place: Enjoy steamed fish at a riverside restaurant for a serene dining experience.
10. Sweet Osmanthus Tea: A Refreshing Finish 🍵
After a hearty meal, cool down with a cup of sweet osmanthus tea. Made from the fragrant flowers of the osmanthus tree, this tea has a delicate, floral flavor that’s both refreshing and soothing. It’s the perfect way to end a meal and prepare for the next adventure. 🌸：
Where to enjoy: Sip on sweet osmanthus tea at a local teahouse or café.
Future Forecast: What’s Next for Guilin’s Culinary Scene? 🌟
As Guilin continues to grow as a tourist destination, its culinary scene is evolving. Local chefs are experimenting with fusion dishes, combining traditional flavors with modern techniques. From vegan versions of classic dishes to molecular gastronomy, the future looks bright and delicious. 🌈：
Hot prediction: Keep an eye out for pop-up food events and food truck festivals that showcase the latest culinary trends in Guilin