Must-Try Delicacies and Recommendations in Dali

Classic Dishes 1. Dali Clay Pot Fish This dish features Erhai Lake fish (such as bowfish or carp) simmered in a clay pot with tofu, ham, mushrooms, and other ingredients. The result is tender fish in a flavorful broth, a signature dish for Dali feasts. Recommended location: Time-honored restaurants in Dali Ancient City. 2. Shengpi (Bai Raw Pork) A traditional Bai dish, Shengpi consists of pig skin and partially cooked lean meat seared with pine needles. It's served with plum vinegar, chili, and other seasonings for a unique taste. Note: It's advisable to try this dish at restaurants with reliable hygiene standards. 3. Hot and Sour Fish Erhai Lake fish is the star of this dish, stewed with local sour papaya, plums, chili, and other spices. The hot and sour broth is incredibly appetizing, perfect for pouring over rice. 4. Yongping Braised Chicken A famous dish from Yongping County, Dali, this braised chicken is incredibly tender. It's cooked with a generous amount of spices and chili, resulting in a fragrant and satisfyingly spicy dish. 5. Wild Mushroom Hot Pot A must-try during the rainy season (June-September)! The broth is made with wild mushrooms like porcini, Termitomyces, and matsutake, creating an incredibly fresh and sweet flavor. Local Snacks 1. Rushan (Milk Fan) A traditional Bai dairy product, Rushan is made from milk and shaped into a fan. It can be deep-fried and sprinkled with sugar or grilled until soft and rolled with rose jam. The rich milky aroma is irresistible. Recommended: Grilled Rushan stalls in Xizhou Ancient Town. 2. Xizhou Baba An iconic snack from Xizhou Town, Xizhou Baba comes in sweet (brown sugar and rose filling) and savory (scallion and minced meat filling) varieties. The outer layer is crispy and delicious. 3. Cold Chicken Rice Noodles Cold rice noodles are mixed with shredded chicken, crushed peanuts, and pickled vegetables, then topped with a sweet and sour sauce. It's the perfect dish to beat the summer heat. 4. Erkuai (Rice Cake) A soft and glutinous rice cake that can be grilled, fried, or boiled. A popular way to enjoy Erkuai is to grill it over charcoal, spread it with sauce, and roll it with a fried dough stick ("Erkuai with everything"). 5. Carved Plum A traditional Bai preserved fruit, Carved Plum is made by carving patterns into green plums before preserving them in sugar. It's sweet and sour, making it a popular souvenir. Drinks and Desserts 1. Three-Course Tea A traditional Bai tea ceremony for guests: "First bitter, second sweet, third aftertaste," symbolizing the philosophy of life. A must-try for tea culture enthusiasts. 2. Dali Yogurt Homemade yogurt from local dairies, often with rose jam or honey added. It has a rich and creamy texture. 3. Plum Wine Made with Dali's specialty green plums, this wine is sweet, sour, and refreshing, perfect for pairing with meals. Specialty Ingredients and Souvenirs Nuodeng Ham: Made famous by "A Bite of China," this ham is cured using ancient salt well methods, resulting in a salty and savory flavor. Yangbi Walnuts: A specialty of Yangbi County, Dali, these walnuts have plump kernels. You can also buy walnut candy and walnut milk. Weishan Preserved Fruits: Traditional candied snacks made with flowers and fruits, perfect as gifts. Food Guide Dali Ancient City: Renmin Road and Fuxing Road are lined with snack stalls. Try the grilled Rushan and Erkuai. Xizhou Ancient Town: The most authentic Xizhou Baba and Cold Chicken Rice Noodles can be found here. The cafes by the rice paddies are also worth a visit. Shuanglang Town: The restaurants by Erhai Lake specialize in Hot and Sour Fish and Clay Pot Fish. Enjoy your meal with a stunning lake view. March Street Fair: During festivals, there's a large market where you can sample all kinds of local snacks. Tips 1. Dali cuisine tends to be sour and spicy. You can adjust the spiciness level when ordering. 2. During wild mushroom season, choose reputable restaurants and avoid picking and eating wild mushrooms on your own. 3. Rushan and Carved Plum make great souvenirs. Shops in the ancient city offer vacuum packaging. Dali's cuisine is not just a culinary delight but also a microcosm of ethnic culture. From street stalls to farmhouses, every bite offers a taste of the local life beyond the "wind, flowers, snow, and moon."