Must-Try Foods In Guilin (China) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Guilin, China

Guilin, located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is not only famous for its breathtaking landscape but also for its distinctive and flavorful cuisine. Guilin's food history is intricately connected with the diverse cultures in the region, including the Zhuang, Miao, and Dong ethnic groups. Influenced by its geographic location, Guilin cuisine typically involves fresh river fish and local spices that thrive in its subtropical climate. Rice noodles (Guilin Mi Fen) have a special place in this region's culinary history and have been a staple food for hundreds of years. Moreover, Guilin's history of utilizing local herbs and spices in its dishes not only enhances flavor but also often includes medicinal benefits, adhering to traditional Chinese food therapy practices.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Guilin, China

• Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mi Fen) - Non-veg: This dish, comprising rice noodles with a variety of toppings such as braised meat, spring onions, and pickled beans, is the quintessential Guilin dish.
• Yangshuo Beer Fish (Yangshuo Pi Jiu Yu) - Non-veg: A delightful combination of fresh river fish cooked in beer, tomatoes, peppers, and other spices, originating from the neighboring town of Yangshuo.
• Lipu Taro Looped Meat (Lipu Taro Kourou) - Non-veg: Steamed taro with marinated pork, flavored with Guilin's fermented bean curd.
• Stuffed Li River Snails (Luosifen) - Non-veg: River snails filled with pork and herbs, a unique and traditional delicacy of the region.
• Zongzi - Typically non-veg, but veg options available: Glutinous rice with various fillings such as mung beans, dates, or meat wrapped in bamboo leaves.
• Guilin Water Chestnut Cake - Veg: A sweet dessert made from water chestnut powder, creating a jelly-like consistency and often garnished with osmanthus flowers.
• Guilin Chili Sauce - Veg: A spicy condiment made from fresh chili, garlic, and fermented soybeans, found in almost every Guilin household.
• Osmanthus Jelly (Gui Hua Gao) - Veg: Sweet and aromatic jelly dessert infused with the fragrance of Guilin's iconic osmanthus flowers.
• Nuomi Ci - Veg: Sticky rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste and coated with various seeds and nuts.
• Ginkgo and Taro Soup - Veg: A comforting savory soup made with ginkgo nuts and taro, often consumed for its health benefits.

Top Famous Restaurants in Guilin, China

• Old Guilin Rice Noodles
  2 Zhongshan Middle Rd, Xiufeng District, Guilin

  Famous Food: Traditional Guilin Rice Noodles - Non-veg

• Taste Made Restaurant
  15 Binjiang Rd, Xiufeng District, Guilin

  Famous Food: Yangshuo Beer Fish - Non-veg

• Chunji Roasted Goose Restaurant
  13-1 Zhongshan South Rd, Xiangshan District, Guilin

  Famous Food: Roasted Goose - Non-veg (Note: While this dish features poultry, it is part of the traditional cuisine)

• Yiyuan Suyuan Vegetarian Restaurant
  17 Lijun Rd, Xiufeng District, Guilin

  Famous Food: A variety of Vegetarian Dishes - Veg

• Longji Ping'an Restaurant
  Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin

  Famous Food: Bamboo Rice - Non-veg (Note: Some variations can be vegetarian)