Food History of Diecai Hill, Guilin, China
Diecai Hill, located in the picturesque city of Guilin, China, is not only known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its rich culinary traditions that have evolved over centuries. Guilin cuisine, also known as Gui Cuisine, is one of the branches of Hunan cuisine and is known for its sweetness and delicate use of spices. It typically emphasizes fresh, tender, and subtly seasoned flavors. Diecai Hill and the surrounding regions are particularly noted for their use of local ingredients, including fresh river fish, rice noodles, and various plants and fungi that grow in the lush Guilin landscape.
Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Diecai Hill for Tourists
- Guilin Rice Noodles (Mifen) – This dish is a staple breakfast and lunch item in Guilin. The noodles are famously smooth and come with various toppings, including pickled beans, fried peanuts, and sliced green onions (Vegetarian-friendly if served without meat).
- Yangshuo Beer Fish (Pi Jiu Yu) – A delightful savory fish dish often made with fresh river fish cooked with beer, tomatoes, peppers, and other seasonings (Non-Vegetarian).
- Stuffed Li River Snails (Luosifen) – River snails are stuffed with minced pork and spices, which provide a unique and savory taste. This dish is usually enjoyed with a bowl of rice (Non-Vegetarian).
- Lipu Taro Looped Meat (Lipu Taro and Pork) – A famous Guilin dish that combines taro with slices of pork, flavored with Guilin's special sweet and savory sauce (Non-Vegetarian).
- Steamed Li River Fish – A delicate dish where the fish is steamed with fermented soybeans, chilies, and various local herbs to enhance its flavor (Non-Veg).
- Guilin Water Chestnut Cake – A sweet treat made from grounded water chestnuts resulting in a jelly-like dessert, often served with osmanthus flowers (Vegetarian).
- Osmanthus Jelly – A fragrant and sweet jelly dessert made using Guilin's iconic osmanthus flowers, known for its refreshing taste and floral aroma (Vegetarian).
- Zongzi – These are glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, usually filled with sweet red bean paste or dates (Vegetarian-friendly if no meat fillings are used).
- Lotus Leaf Steamed Cakes (He Ye Bing) – A traditional snack that’s sweet or savory, with various fillings wrapped in a lotus leaf and then steamed (Can be Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian depending on the filling).
- Fried Spring Rolls – Often served as an appetizer or snack, these spring rolls are usually packed with vegetables and sometimes meat (Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian depending on the stuffing).
Top Famous Restaurants in Diecai Hill, Guilin, China
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Old Guilin Restaurant
Address: 1 Shangzhi Lane, Zhongshan S Rd, Xiufeng District, Guilin
Famous Dish: Guilin Rice Noodles (Mifen) – Vegetarian-friendly options available
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Kali Mirch Indian Cuisine
Address: 15 Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
Famous Dish: Indian Curry – Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options available
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McFound
Address: No.48-49 Zhongshan Middle Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
Famous Dish: Qing Shuang Pork (Non-Vegetarian)
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Left Bank Cafe
Address: No.8 Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin (near the Li River)
Famous Dish: Clay Pot Dishes – Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options available
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Chunji Roasted Goose Restaurant
Address: 2 Zhongshan Middle Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
Famous Dish: Roasted Goose (Non-Vegetarian)
When visiting Diecai Hill in Guilin, tourists can enjoy a blend of tradition and innovation in the local cuisine, with a variety of dishes to cater to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The harmonious blend of flavors is a true reflection of the region's rich gastronomic heritage.