Must-Try Foods In Stone Forest (Kunming) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Natural Wonder

Food History of Stone Forest, Kunming, China

Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province, is not only famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes like the Stone Forest (also known as Shilin), but also for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. Yunnan cuisine, known as Dian cuisine, boasts a unique blend of flavors influenced by the minority groups in the region, the topographical variation, and historical trade routes. In the Stone Forest area, local Yi minority food culture plays a significant role, showcasing the integration of wild edible plants and fungi into their dishes - ingredients that are abundant thanks to the region's climate and fertile land.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Stone Forest, Kunming, China

Crossing-the-bridge Noodles - Non-Veg. A legendary Yunnan dish, it consists of a large bowl of boiling hot broth served with rice noodles and various ingredients like chicken, fish, and vegetables.
Erkuai - Veg. A type of rice cake that’s popular in Yunnan, often served grilled or stuffed with sweet or savory fillings.
Steam-Pot Chicken (Qiguo Ji) - Non-Veg. Chicken cooked in a special ceramic pot with a sealed lid, allowing the meat to become exceptionally tender.
Yunnan Wild Mushrooms - Veg. Yunnan is famous for its wild mushrooms, which can be prepared in various ways, such as stir-fried or used in soups.
Mixian Rice Noodles - Veg/Non-Veg. These rice noodles can be served in a variety of broths and with a multitude of toppings including vegetables, beef, or chicken.
Pu'er Tea - Veg. Yunnan is famous for its Pu'er tea, a type of fermented tea that is often served after meals.
Yiliang Roast Duck - Non-Veg. A local delicacy similar to Peking duck, but with a unique flavor due to the wood used in the roasting process.
Bamboo Rice (Zhu Tong Fan) - Veg/Non-Veg. Sticky rice mixed with various ingredients and then cooked inside a bamboo tube.
Rubing Cheese - Veg. A goat’s milk cheese that can be eaten sliced or fried, often accompanied by a sweet dipping sauce.
Yunnan Goat Cheese Hot Pot - Non-Veg. A warming hot pot where slices of local goat cheese are melted into a rich and flavorful broth with meats and vegetables.

Top Famous Restaurants in Stone Forest, Kunming, China

Shilin Ashima Restaurant: Address: Near Shilin Scenic Area, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming; Famous Food: Crossing-the-bridge Noodles (Non-Veg)
Yi Ren Gu Zhai: Address: Inside the Stone Forest Scenic Area, Kunming; Famous Food: Yi Ethnic Minority Dishes (Veg/Non-Veg)
Overseas Chinese Hotel Restaurant: Address: Shilin Town, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming; Famous Food: Yiliang Roast Duck (Non-Veg)
Shilin Tianranju Restaurant: Address: Shilin County, Kunming
The Old Yunnan Bridge Noodle Restaurant: Address: Multiple Locations in Kunming; Famous Food: Bridge Noodles (Veg/Non-Veg)