Tired of Hotpot in Guiyang? Come Here for the Duck
Came back to Western Wharf · Guizhou Courtyard River Fresh (Liuguangmen branch) for one simple reason:
we’ve had way too much hotpot lately.
The restaurant itself is quite spacious, with wooden tables and chairs and bamboo-pattern tabletops that give it a cozy, atmospheric feel.
As soon as you sit down, the staff starts brewing tea for you—almost feels like dining in Guangzhou.
1️⃣ Sticky Rice Roast Sansui Duck 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the must-order.
Don’t be fooled by the crispy duck skin—
the meat underneath is still tender and juicy.
Some parts of the skin carry a bit of fat, and the juices drip down into the sticky rice below.
Honestly, the rice soaked in duck fat and juices is the real highlight—
savory, rich, and incredibly satisfying.
It comes with two dipping sauces:
•A sweet bean paste–like sauce
•A classic Guizhou-style chili powder
Personally, I think the sweet sauce pairs better with the rich duck meat.
2️⃣ Kung Pao Tendon 🌟🌟🌟
Kung Pao tendon is basically a staple in Guizhou cuisine—
you’ll find it in almost every local stir-fry restaurant, and it’s usually solid.
Here, the dish balances: the chewy, bouncy texture of tendon with a bold, spicy kick. Very flavorful overall.
Toward the end it gets a bit oily, so pairing it with rice helps balance things out.
3️⃣ Crispy Potato Cake with Crispy Pork Bits 🌟🌟🌟
Potato cakes are very common in Guiyang,
but topping them with crispy pork bits (cuishao) is a nice touch.
Even more interesting—the potato cakes are stamped with patterns, almost like mooncakes.
Yes, it’s deep-fried—so not exactly healthy—
but every now and then, it’s totally worth it:
•crispy on the outside
•soft and fluffy on the inside
⸻
📖 Final Thoughts
To be honest, since this was my second visit,
it didn’t feel as mind-blowing as the first time.
Got any recommendations for great stir-fry spots in Guiyang?
Drop them in the comments 👇
#chinaadventures #chinafood #summerbod #chinesefood #chinatravel
If you’re visiting Guiyang and feeling overwhelmed by the ubiquitous hotpot scene, trying the Sticky Rice Roast Sansui Duck at Guizhou Courtyard River Fresh is a refreshing change. What makes this dish stand out is not just the expertly roasted duck, with its crispy skin and tender meat, but also the sticky rice beneath that absorbs all the rich, savory fat drippings, resulting in an unforgettable flavor experience. From my own visits to Western Wharf, the ambiance adds to the pleasure—spacious seating with natural wood and bamboo accents creates a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The ritual of being served freshly brewed tea immediately upon seating further enhances the dining experience and makes you feel valued as a guest. Besides the star duck dish, the Kung Pao Tendon offers a delightful textural contrast with its chewy yet bouncy consistency and a punch of spicy heat typical of Guizhou cuisine. Pairing it with rice helps temper the oiliness towards the end, balancing the flavors perfectly. Don’t miss out on the Crispy Potato Cake topped with crispy pork bits—a fusion of crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The artistic patterned stamping on the potato cakes resembles mooncakes, a charming detail that shows the care put into each dish. While deep-fried, this dish is a delicious indulgence worthy of the occasional treat. Having experienced both hotpot and these local specialties, I find that branching out to dishes like these gives a more comprehensive taste of Guiyang’s culinary diversity. Dining here feels somewhat like stepping into Guangzhou’s tea culture, a comforting yet invigorating connection to different Chinese food traditions. For those eager to explore further, venturing beyond the usual hotpot can introduce you to many unique local stir-fries and snacks that highlight Guizhou’s rich food heritage. If you have any favorite stir-fry or duck dishes in Guiyang, sharing your recommendations can really help fellow food lovers discover hidden gems. Exploring the city’s diverse flavors is an adventure well worth taking.
