Weird & Wonderful Guiyang Dishes - Have You Tried?
Born and raised in Guiyang, I’ve only just realized this city is packed with hidden specialty dishes I’ve never gotten around to trying.
1️⃣ Hongyun Rice Noodle | Big Brother Long Spicy Chicken (Shengfu Road Branch)
Homemade cold rice skin usually uses chili, soy sauce and vinegar, but this signature Hongyun Rice Noodle takes tomato sauce as its core seasoning.
Staff tear whole rolls of rice noodle into strips, pour on the shop’s secret house sauce, sprinkle crispy soybeans and green scallions, and finish with a tiny lavender flower as garnish.
The special sauce is a 95% tomato sauce + 5% fermented chili blend. It starts with soft, sweet tomato flavor, followed by a subtle spicy kick from fermented chili — the sweet and spicy balance is perfect.
2️⃣ Crispy Guizhou Duck | Zuimiaodong Kaili Sour Fish (Huguo Road Branch)
The whole duck undergoes deep frying until it’s ultra-crispy; even tiny bones are chewable. All fat and moisture are rendered out of the duck skin completely.
Bold numbing-spicy flavors hit your taste buds instantly. Halfway through eating, your lips go tingly, leaving a long-lasting mala heat.
Though deep-fried, excess oil is drained thoroughly so it doesn’t feel greasy. Crispness is its best feature. It’s not the healthiest pick, so just have a small portion for a taste instead of overeating.
3️⃣ Raw Beef Skewers | Zhangbao Xunwei Jianghu BBQ
I was totally shocked to find pure raw beef on a Guiyang barbecue menu!
20 yuan gets you 20 skewers with a tiny piece of fresh beef on each. No grilling, frying or cooking at all — it’s eaten completely raw, only topped with chopped scallions, served with wasabi dipping sauce.
Be careful with the wasabi dip! It’s extremely potent; too much will make your eyes water instantly.
4️⃣ Kaili Sour Soup Luosifen | Luopanguan Luosifen (Hongtong City Shopping Mall Branch)
Luosifen is everywhere these days, but swapping the broth for classic Kaili sour soup creates a one-of-a-kind Guizhou twist.
It comes standard with rice noodles, fried tofu skin, wood ear mushrooms, sour beans, sour bamboo shoots, peanuts and lettuce. The tangy sour soup is incredibly appetizing with a unique flavor profile.
Only 15 yuan per bowl, great value for money. The broth is rich and the taste is solid overall. I skipped the fried tofu skin as I didn’t care for it, but finished every other topping and noodle. It’s an affordable way to sample local Guizhou fusion food.
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Drop your underrated hidden restaurant gems and signature dishes in the comments! I’ll head over to test them out for my next food post.
#chinafood #chinatravelguide #chinesefood #chinatravel #guiyang
As someone who has lived in various parts of China, I can say that Guiyang offers a refreshing mix of flavors that truly stand out from more familiar Chinese cuisines. One local favorite I keep coming back to is the Hongyun Rice Noodle. Its use of a tomato-based sauce rather than the usual chili and soy creates a delicate balance of sweet and spicy that’s surprisingly addictive. The addition of crispy soybeans adds a great texture contrast, and that tiny lavender flower garnish really elevates the presentation, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. When visiting Zuimiaodong Kaili Sour Fish, I was taken aback by the uniquely crispy Guizhou Duck. The deep frying produces a crunch unlike any other duck dish I've tried, and the intensity of the mala spice creates a tingling sensation that keeps you wanting more. However, it’s wise to enjoy this dish in moderation due to its richness. Despite its indulgence, its flavor profile is a testament to the boldness of Guiyang’s culinary tradition. Trying the raw beef skewers at Zhangbao Xunwei Jianghu BBQ was definitely a novel experience. The freshness of the beef paired with the sharpness of the potent wasabi dip was exhilarating and something I hadn't encountered in other regions. For those wary of wasabi’s intensity, a light touch is essential to fully enjoy this delicacy without overpowering your senses. Lastly, Luopanguan Luosifen’s Kaili Sour Soup version offers a delicious spin on the popular rice noodle soup. The broth’s unique sourness, combined with an assortment of local ingredients like sour bamboo shoots and wood ear mushrooms, made it a hearty and satisfying meal. At such an affordable price, it’s an excellent gateway dish for exploring Guizhou fusion flavors. For visitors or food explorers wanting to dive deeper into Guiyang’s food scene, I recommend keeping an eye out for smaller, lesser-known eateries. Some of my best food discoveries in Guiyang came from chatting with locals and following their recommendations, which often reveal truly authentic dishes that bigger restaurants might not offer. Don't hesitate to share your own local finds and favorite snacks – Guiyang’s culinary landscape is rich and deserves wider appreciation!
