Yunnan cuisine

When it comes to snacks in Kunming, rice noodles are a must. Mr. Wang Zengqi, who could not forget the rice noodles from various vendors on Wenlin Street, wrote in "Eating in Kunming": "Kunming is known for 'small pot of rice noodles'. Small copper pots heated over a charcoal fire cook two or three bowls in one pot, or even just one bowl."

Daximen's Modern Baba also appeared in the writings of Mr. Wang. In 'Eating in Kunming' he describes it as a baked flour cake made using pine needles, which impart a unique aroma. This kind of cake is only baked and sold by a single vendor in Fengzhu Street. The students of National Southwestern Associated University loved to eat it. The locals affectionately refer to these university students as "modern," hence the name "Modern Baba" has become its official title.

Guandu Baba

In fact, Modern Baba is the earliest traditional sesame salt pretzel, known for its delightful milky aroma when baked. The dough can be stretched and enjoyed from start to finish. Nowadays, many Dian cuisine restaurants and traditional restaurants serve Modern Baba on their menus, such as Xiangyun Huiguan Restaurant and Laodian Shanzhai. There are also some new tricks in the practice, some also added Yunnan's edible flowers into the recipe.

"Apart from Ma Shi Kou and Ma Xing Yuan, these shops no longer exist, but most of the others are still operational." Zhou Fushi, president of the Kunming Catering and Food Industry Association, said that over the years, with changes in the market and the emergence of new consumption scenarios, Kunming's traditional snacks have also been revitalized and presented in fresh ways to both locals and tourists. For example, Duanshi small pot rice noodles has become an important brand of Kunming cuisine. Under the revitalization efforts of Jianxinyuan, a series of traditional snack brands, including Fuhuayuan and Dexinyuan, have also been reinvigorated.

Guanghua Street Douhua Mixian (or tofu pudding rice noodles), now called Deshengqiao Douhua Mixian (or tofu pudding rice noodles), is also a well-known century-old brand, with more than 30 chain stores in Kunming. In addition to tofu pudding rice noodles and Glutinous rice balls mixed with soybean powder, there are many other traditional Kunming snacks to choose from. Located in in commercial centers and near tourist attractions, these outlets serve as vibrant showcases of Kunming’s culinary culture, providing locals and visitors with a unique dining experience.

Liu's Tofu from Qibubuchang

In recent years, Qibuchang tofu has also seen significant growth, hosting multiple tofu banquets and expanding its presence with the popular dining brand "Qibu Xiang," which specializes in Qibuchang tofu. For Yunnan natives living outside the province, the aroma of stinky tofu often evokes a sense of nostalgia. Zhang, a student studying out of Yunnan, recalled, “Yunnan's tofu is different from what you find elsewhere. The stinky tofu from Qibuchang in Chenggong is thetenderest, with a hint of egg flavor.”

Kunming’s snack scene thrives on tradition while embracing growth, finding new life in its culinary heritage.

With the development of time, snacks from all over the country and delicacies from exotic places have sprung up in the streets and lanes of Kunming. In the snack streets such as Nanqiang Street, Kunming Old Street, Yuanxi Road, Shuangqiao Night Market and South Asian Style Garden, residents can taste many delicacies different from the traditional Kunming snacks, including flower cakes, Chinese style crayfish, Dai-style pounded dishes, Vietnamese rice rolls, takoyaki, Thai milk tea, Laotian coffee. The major commercial centres and the unique districts such as Wenlin Street and Banzhu Cuiyuan have also gained more popularity because of the collection of exotic catering and food.

This rich variety enhances the culinary experience for Kunming’s residents and tourists alike, allowing them to savor delicious foods while enjoying the pleasures of life!

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(Editors: Reena, Rachel)