How ‘wild’ are Yunnan people in terms of cuisine? For the people of Yunnan, every plant growing in the mountains and every creature that runs and moves is a potential ingredient. Eating various wild vegetables, flowers, fried insects, and raw meat, Yunnan cuisine ranges from astonishing to terrifying, surpassing even the daring palate of Guangdong cuisine. Yunnanese have their unique understanding of food and a ‘make-the-most-of-it’ attitude towards diverse species, resulting in a strikingly different cuisine style that is both authentic and richly flavored with a plethora of spices.
In Yunnan, where air conditioning is rare, the sweltering summer also boasts its own ‘colorful’ refreshing cuisine. Let’s see how many of these you’ve tried.
Pea Flour
Chenggong Pea Flour and Qidian Pea Flour, readily found on street food carts in Kunming, are a fond memory for many. On a hot summer day, a bowl of smooth and slippery pea flour is a treat that instantly opens up one’s appetite. The golden-colored pea flour has a rich bean aroma and a soft, delicate texture. Blended with various seasonings, it is both filling and delicious! Pea flour can also be fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior, making it a worthwhile try.
Paoluoda
Paoluoda, a dessert that Yunnan children believe is ubiquitous nationwide, is actually a unique sweet originating from Southeast Asian countries. It gradually spread to other regions of Yunnan after being introduced to Dehong. Combining sweet coconut milk with tapioca pearls and coconut shreds, and topping it off with milky-rich dried bread slices, Paoluoda is a hearty dessert that packs a punch. Despite its simplicity, the flavor is truly unique, with the crunchy sweetness of the bread and the rich aroma of coconut milk leaving a lasting impression.
Tamarind Juice
Tamarind, an unfamiliar fruit to many northerners, has a bean-like appearance and brown fruit, giving it a somewhat rugged appearance. Tamarind can be both sour and sweet, with the sweet variety being edible raw, while the sour variety is suitable for making various dishes. Tamarind juice, for instance, is one such dish. Its taste is similar to plum juice but more intense, making it a favorite among many Yunnanese. On a hot summer day, a bowl of pea flour paired with chilled tamarind juice is the ultimate ‘refreshing’ combination.
Fruit with Chili
For the people of southwestern Yunnan, a mango coated in salt and chili powder is enough to welcome the summer. Due to the hot climate, the region favors sour flavors, and in addition to cold dishes with various vegetables, cold dishes with fruit are also a favorite. Cold mango, cold plums, cold waxberries, cold papayas, cold pineapples… for those who enjoy sour flavors, Yunnan’s cold dishes with fruit will open a new world of possibilities!
Pounded Chicken Feet
Cooked chicken feet, combined with cucumber, carrots, cowpeas, coriander, chili peppers, and lemon juice, are pounded together in a special mortar. This pounding method brings out more flavor than regular cold dishes, and with the bold and unique ingredients of Dai cuisine, the taste is truly unforgettable. The pungent aroma of coriander fills the air, and the intense sour and spicy flavors hit the taste buds, bringing a refreshing sensation that rushes to the top of the head.
Chilled Rice Porridge
When it comes to Yunnan’s summer cuisine, chilled rice porridge is a must-try. As a folk delicacy from Yuxi, it is one of the favorite dishes of Yunnanese in summer, captivating many with its sweet and delicious taste. Chilled rice porridge is primarily made from white glutinous rice, complemented by red dates, tapioca pearls, sesame seeds, colored silk, syrup, and ice crystals. The glutinous rice porridge stands out with its fragrant and sticky texture, while the brightly colored fruits and pure sweetness of the syrup, coupled with the cooling effect of the ice crystals, make for a comforting meal that satisfies the soul.
The summer cuisine of Yunnan, with its distinct regional flavors and a blend of various tastes, is a must-try for anyone visiting the province. Come and embark on a journey of Yunnan’s summer cuisine to experience its unique charm, regardless of where you come from.