Guilin, China

Friday, Dec 1, 2023 | 3 minute read | Updated at Friday, Dec 1, 2023

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Taste the Riverscapes: Bamboo-Rice-Fish trio of Guilin’s flowing veins

🇨🇳 Guilin, China: A Culinary Adventure! 🍴

1. Rice Noodles (米线 - Mi Xun): Ah, the crown jewel of Guilin’s gastronomy! These delicate rice noodles are a must-try when in this beautiful city. They come in various forms, but the most iconic is Mi Xun, a bowl of piping hot noodles swirling in a flavorful broth, adorned with tender slices of beef or pork, and fragrant vegetables. Each slurp is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more! 🍣🍲🥢

2. Snail Rice Noodles (螺蛳粉 - Liang Fen): Ready for something truly unique? Enter Liang Fen, a street food sensation made of small, chewy snails served with tangy, spicy seasoning and slippery rice noodles. The textures in this dish will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha! 🐌🥢🎉

3. Steamed River Snail (水蛤): A delicacy native to Guilin, these snails are steamed and served with a dash of soy sauce or vinegar. They’re tender, succulent, and have an intriguing briny taste that you won’t find anywhere else! 🐌🍣💦

4. Guilin Four Specialties (桂林四特产): This famous quartet includes lotus root seeds, Longji Green Tea, osmanthus wine, and the iconic rice noodles we mentioned earlier. Each item represents a piece of Guilin’s rich history and culture, making them not just delicious but also a must-have cultural experience. 🍵🌱🥄🍞

5. Guilin Duck (桂林鸭): Tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection, this dish is a testament to Guilin’s masterful culinary skills. The duck is marinated in a special sauce, then deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and succulent interior. Served with rice or noodles, it’s the perfect blend of flavors that will leave you licking your fingers clean! 🥩🍚

6. Guilin Pork Chop Rice (桂林猪排饭): This simple yet satisfying dish is a staple in Guilin cuisine. Tender pork chops, battered and deep-fried to golden perfection, sit atop a bed of fluffy rice, all drenched in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. A comfort food must-have! 🥩🍚💦

7. Bamboo Rice (竹笋鸡肉): Intriguingly presented in bamboo stalks, this dish features tender chicken and fragrant rice cooked together for a perfect balance of flavors. The bamboo imparts an earthy aroma that elevates the dish to new heights! 🌳🍲🐓

8. Guilin Bean Paste (桂林豆瓣): This fermented soybean paste is a staple in Guilin cuisine, used as a seasoning in various dishes or eaten as a side dish with rice. It has a rich, tangy flavor that adds depth to every bite! 🌱🍲🥢

9. Guilin Fish (桂林鱼): Freshwater fish play a significant role in Guilin’s culinary scene. The fish is steamed or stir-fried with garlic and ginger, bringing out its natural flavors without overpowering them. A simple yet delicious dish that showcases the freshest of catches! 🐠🍲💦

10. Guilin Mooncakes (桂林月饼): Although not savory, these mooncakes are a must-try dessert during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They come in various flavors, but the traditional lotus seed paste filling is a favorite among locals and tourists alike! 🎆🍞🌕