Taste Authentic Guizhou Cuisine in Guiyang
I grew up eating at Shu Chu,
and even after years away from home,
I still come back here to relive the true taste of Guizhou cuisine.
This time I visited their location at Da Shizi,
where the walls are decorated with the calligraphy “No Spice, No Joy” —
four simple characters that perfectly capture the essence of Guizhou cuisine.
0️⃣ Self-serve Sunflower Seeds & Peanuts
Help yourself to these snacks while you wait for your dishes — a nice touch of hospitality.
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1️⃣ Shu Chu Spicy Fish🌟🌟🌟🌟
This dish is a classic representation of Guizhou-style spicy food.
Unlike Hunan or Sichuan cuisine, which can push the limits of spiciness,
Guizhou’s spice is more balanced —
it’s “spicy yet fragrant,”
gently infusing the heat into the dish rather than overwhelming you.
The fish skin is crispy from the pan-fry,
while the flesh stays tender and juicy.
The broth soaks into the fish,
creating a rich, layered flavor with every bite.
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2️⃣ Qianbei Pickled Chili Stir-fried Pork 🌟🌟🌟
The pork is tender and springy,
and the pickled chili adds a distinctive sour-and-spicy kick —
a flavor that instantly tells any Guizhou local:
“You’re home.”
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3️⃣ “Super Delicious” Scallion Beef 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Yes, the name literally calls it “Super Delicious,”
but trust me — it lives up to the hype.
The sizzling beef on the hot plate is melt-in-your-mouth tender,
laid over a bed of onions that infuse the meat with a sweet, savory aroma.
A perfect match of flavor and texture.
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4️⃣ Stir-fried Greens (You Mai Cai)🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This dish was absolutely perfect.
The greens absorbed the oil just enough to be flavorful but never greasy.
Cooked to the exact point —
a second longer and they’d be overdone,
a second less and they’d be too raw.
I rarely rave about stir-fried vegetables,
but this dish was so good it made this “meat lover” sing its praises.
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5️⃣ Fresh Fennel with Stir-fried Fava Beans 🌟🌟
This dish was a freebie from an online check-in promotion,
making the meal even more affordable.
With fava beans, freshness is everything —
if they’re too mature, the texture becomes tough.
Unfortunately, the beans this time were a bit on the older side.
Luckily, the aromatic fennel gave the dish a nice lift,
keeping it interesting.
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6️⃣ Sour Pickled Greens with Long Beans 🌟🌟🌟
Guizhou’s pickled greens are made from mustard greens,
fermented until they turn a deep yellow-green.
They lose some of their fresh crunch
but gain that signature Guizhou sourness.
Sometimes they’re chopped into large pieces,
sometimes finely minced —
like in this dish.
Here, the minced pickled greens are simmered with long beans
into a tangy, comforting soup
that instantly awakens your appetite.
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Unfortunately, I noticed that the Da Shizi location is temporarily closed,
and I’m not sure when it will reopen —
but the other branches are still running as usual.
If you ever travel to Guiyang,
I highly recommend coming here to try the flavors of my childhood.
I’m sure there’s at least one dish in Guizhou cuisine that will capture your heart.
#chinesecuisine #guiyang #guizhou #guizhoutravel #guizhou cuisine
Having spent my childhood immersed in the rich culinary traditions of Guizhou, I can tell you there's truly nothing quite like it. When people ask me what makes Guizhou cuisine so special, beyond just the "spicy yet fragrant" tag, I always emphasize its deep connection to the land and its unique approach to flavor. It's truly a "Childhood Flavor Guizhou Cuisine" experience for many locals, and I hope to share that with you. Unlike the tongue-numbing heat of Sichuan or the fiery punch of Hunan, Guizhou’s spice is nuanced, often derived from fermented chilies like Zao La Jiao, which lend a complex aroma and a lingering warmth rather than just raw heat. This carefully balanced spiciness is often paired with a distinctive sourness, a hallmark of Guizhou food. We love our pickled vegetables – from the mustard greens in the delicious Sour Pickled Greens with Long Beans to sour soups made with fermented rice or tomatoes. This sour element doesn't just cut through richness; it awakens the palate, making each bite incredibly refreshing and addictive. It’s a flavor profile that truly sets it apart, making you crave more even after the meal is done. Beyond the well-known spicy and sour notes, Guizhou cuisine offers an array of dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. While there aren't many widely publicized "health benefits" in the medical sense, the traditional cooking methods often involve less oil than other Chinese cuisines and a strong emphasis on fresh vegetables, wild herbs, and lean meats. Locals often believe that the sour and spicy elements stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and help regulate body temperature in our humid climate. It's food that feels wholesome and comforting, deeply rooted in local agricultural practices. If you're exploring Guiyang's food scene, while Shu Chu is a fantastic starting point for its authentic flavors, don't stop there! You absolutely must try other Guizhou cuisine dishes. For instance, Sour Soup Fish (Suan Tang Yu) is an iconic dish, a whole fish simmered in a tangy, aromatic broth that's both comforting and invigorating. Another street food favorite is Siwawa, a DIY spring roll where you wrap an assortment of finely shredded vegetables, pickled ingredients, and chili sauce in a thin, delicate rice wrapper – a fun and delicious experience. And for breakfast, a bowl of Changwangmian (Intestine Noodles), rich with stock and flavorful toppings, is a must-try. These dishes, much like the ones at Shu Chu, embody the soul of Guizhou cooking, offering a genuine taste of the region. My personal tip for navigating Guiyang's culinary landscape is to venture into smaller, bustling eateries. Don't be afraid to point at what others are eating or use translation apps. The locals are incredibly proud of their food, and you'll often find the most authentic and unforgettable experiences tucked away in unexpected corners. Every dish tells a story, and I promise, your taste buds will thank you for this unique journey into Guizhou's authentic flavors.
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