Food In Li River

Food History of Li River, Guilin, China

The Li River, winding through the picturesque landscape of Guilin, has been not just a source of natural beauty but also a provider of abundant resources contributing to the area’s unique cuisine. Guilin's gastronomy is heavily influenced by the flavors of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and is noted for its use of fresh, local ingredients picked from both the land and the river itself. Over the centuries, as traders and immigrants passed through, they left their mark on Guilin's culinary traditions, leading to an eclectic mix of flavors and dishes that are savored by locals and travelers alike. Food here often is characterized by its sweetness, delicate use of spices, and the freshness of its ingredients.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Li River, Guilin, China

• Beer Fish (Non-Veg) – A signature dish of Yangshuo, close to the Li River. It's made with fresh river fish cooked in beer, tomatoes, peppers, and spices.
• Guilin Rice Noodles (Veg & Non-Veg options available) – One of the most popular local foods, these are often served with a variety of toppings like pickled vegetables, peanuts, and sliced meats.
• Stuffed Li River Snails (Non-Veg) – These snails are caught from the Li River and are usually stuffed with pork and herbs. (There are no veg versions of this dish.)
• Lipu Taro Looped Meat (Non-Veg) – Pork braised with taro in a sweet and savory sauce made from fermented bean curd, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
• Guilin Water Chestnut Cake (Veg) – A sweet jelly-like cake made from water chestnut flour and has a refreshing, crisp taste.
• Osmanthus Cake (Veg) – A fragrant, sweet cake made with osmanthus flowers, which are abundant in Guilin, and rice flour.
• Yangshuo Pumpkin Cake (Veg) – These small, round cakes are made from mashed pumpkin, rice flour, and sugar.
• Bamboo Leaf Wrapped Zongzi (Veg & Non-Veg options available) – Sticky rice with various fillings like red bean paste or pork, wrapped and steamed in bamboo leaves.
• Fried Sweet Taro (Veg) – Taro slices that are deep-fired till they're crispy and then dipped in a special local sugar syrup.
• Steamed Mung Bean Paste (Veg) – A dessert made from mung bean paste that is steamed and often served chilled.

Top Famous Restaurants in Li River, Guilin, China

1. Kali Mirch (black pepper) Indian Cuisine
   Address: No.15 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin
   Famous For: Authentic Indian cuisine, with both veg and non-veg options
   
2. McFound Restaurant (Qianxin)
   Address: Zhongshan Middle Road, Guilin
   Famous For: Traditional Guilin Rice Noodles, with both veg and non-veg variations
   
3. Secret Garden Cafe
   Address: Yangshuo County, Guilin
   Famous For: Western dishes, with vegetarian-friendly and vegan options, as well as meat dishes
   
4. Cloud 9 Restaurant
   Address: Cheng Zhong Road, Guilin
   Famous For: Local Guilin dishes such as Beer Fish (Non-Veg)
   
5. Café Nissi
   Address: No. 12, Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, Guilin
   Famous For: Its cozy atmosphere and a broad menu with veg and non-veg options