Kunming, a Famous City for Chinese Cuisine

This episode is definitely a food lover's paradise.

Destination: Kunming, Yunnan, China. Many of you who have visited here already know that Kunming's most famous dishes are Mushroom Hotpot, Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, Steamed Chicken in a Clay Pot, and Chicken Oil Mushrooms. If I had to describe the flavor of Yunnan in one word, it would definitely be "fresh."

Let me first introduce Mushroom Hotpot, a top-tier mountain feast in Yunnan. There are three types of broth to choose from: chicken broth, bone broth, and mushroom broth. The combination of mushrooms and chicken broth is a classic pairing that enhances the freshness of the mushroom soup. The bone broth is made by simmering pork and beef bones for seven hours, resulting in a rich, flavorful base. Now, about the mushrooms—mushrooms are a general term for various fungi in Kunming, and when we have mushroom hotpot, the options are endless. The must-try varieties include Chicken Oil Mushroom, Matsutake, and Morel, all of which ensure the broth stays fresh. The addition of Bamboo Fungus, Boletus, and Chicken Mushrooms adds a crunchy texture to the hotpot. Chicken Oil Mushrooms and Green-Head Mushrooms are also visually stunning, offering a feast for your eyes. However, when eating mushroom hotpot, it's important to follow the server's guidance. The mushrooms must be cooked for at least 20 minutes to avoid the risk of poisoning. But don't worry, as long as you're following the correct steps under the staff's supervision, there will be no problem. Once the mushroom broth is ready, you can sip the clear, rich mushroom essence and taste the mountain delicacies. In China, we describe it as so fresh that it could "make your eyebrows fall off." After drinking the soup, you can pick your favorite mushrooms and savor the different flavors they bring. Once you're done with the mushrooms, you can add some vegetables and tofu to the hotpot. These ingredients, having absorbed the fresh essence of the mushrooms, will taste even more delicious.

Next, let's talk about Steamed Chicken in a Clay Pot, which is the soul of Yunnan cuisine and a true representative of Kunming's food culture. Made in a traditional purple clay pot, it uses only steam—not a drop of water is added—preserving the fresh taste of the chicken. Locals refer to it as "the mountain essence in a pot," and it's not just a daily source of nutrition, but an essential dish at any Kunming banquet. This dish reflects the wisdom of Yunnan's culinary traditions. The chicken used is locally raised, with firm meat, low fat, and plenty of moisture. It is never dry. The 11 accompanying ingredients include Ginseng, Angelica, Mushrooms, Bamboo Fungus, Morels, Red Dates, Goji Berries, Yams, Lotus Root, and others, which not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to its health benefits. When tasting Steamed Chicken in a Clay Pot, you first drink the soup, then eat the chicken, and finally enjoy the side ingredients. All the essence of this dish is concentrated in the rich broth, and there's no need for any additional seasonings—it's a pure, naturally sweet flavor. The beauty of Steamed Chicken lies in its purity: pure ingredients, pure technique, and pure taste. There are no complex seasonings or intricate steps, just steam and time working together to create a delicious and nourishing soup. If you're in Kunming, you must try the authentic Jianshui Purple Clay Pot Chicken and experience the magic of "cooking meat without fire," tasting the sweet and fresh combination of Yunnan's mountains and the local flavors.

Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles paired with Chicken Oil Mushrooms is a perfect match. For many, Chicken Oil Mushrooms might be unfamiliar, but as a local author, I highly recommend them. For Kunming locals, the phrase "a season of mushroom fragrance, a year of fond memories" is the highest compliment for Chicken Oil Mushrooms. Simply put, after eating Chicken Oil Mushrooms, you will yearn for that flavor all year long. The clear broth of the Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, combined with the rich mushroom aroma of Chicken Oil Mushrooms, is the golden combination of "fresh + fragrant" in Yunnan cuisine. The crispy, fragrant oil from the Chicken Oil Mushrooms enhances the clear broth of the rice noodles, while the freshness of the rice noodles balances the rich flavor of the mushrooms, creating a perfect harmony of tastes.

There are so many more amazing foods in Kunming that I could write about them for an entire year. Kunming is not only a renowned food city, but also a famous tourist destination. If you're visiting in the summer, you can also experience the romantic Water Splashing Festival. If I were you, I would definitely bring my partner to Kunming to experience this unique and wonderful place.