best places to eat with kids in Yunnan

Yunnan Cuisine: A Culinary Adventure for the Whole Family

Yunnan, located in southwest China, is a region renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and mouthwatering cuisine. When it comes to planning a family vacation in Yunnan, one thing you'll find is that there is no shortage of delicious food options to satisfy both young and adult taste buds. From hearty street snacks to colorful local specialties, Yunnan offers a plethora of culinary delights that will keep your little ones happy and intrigued throughout your journey. Here are some of the best places to eat with kids in Yunnan.

1. Food Streets: A Gastronomic Adventure

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local food scene is by exploring Yunnan's vibrant food streets. Kunming, the capital city, is home to several bustling food streets such as Guanshang Market and Jinma Biji Square. These streets offer a wide variety of local snacks and dishes, including stuffed buns, noodles, barbecued meats, and fresh fruit smoothies. Your kids will love the lively atmosphere and the chance to try different flavors from various vendors. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the famous Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles, a Yunnan specialty that allows you to customize your own bowl of soup noodles with a selection of meats, vegetables, and condiments.

2. Steam Pot Chicken: A Traditional Delicacy

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, head to Xuanwei, a small city in northeastern Yunnan famous for its steam pot chicken. This traditional dish involves cooking chicken in a special pot placed on top of a steaming soup. As the steam rises, it flavours the chicken, resulting in tender and succulent meat. Besides chicken, you can also find steam pot dishes with duck, pork, fish, and even tofu. The interactive nature of the steam pot chicken experience will undoubtedly captivate your children's attention, and they'll enjoy the thrill of cooking their own food right at the table.

3. Bai Minority Cuisine: A Cultural and Flavourful Treat

The Bai ethnic minority, one of Yunnan's numerous indigenous groups, have a rich culinary heritage that you and your family shouldn't miss. In the city of Dali, you'll find an abundance of Bai restaurants offering dishes like Xizhou Baba, a crispy pancake topped with various ingredients, and Er Si, a sweet rice noodle soup. The Bai people also have their own version of sticky rice cakes and fragrant local teas that are sure to appeal to both adults and children. The unique combination of flavors and textures in Bai cuisine will give your family a true taste of Yunnan's cultural diversity.

4. Ethnic Minority Snacks: Savory and Satisfying

While exploring Yunnan's ethnic minority regions, be on the lookout for local snacks that reflect the unique culinary traditions of each community. In the ancient town of Lijiang, for example, you'll come across Naxi-style barbecue stands where you can try grilled skewered meats and Naxi pancakes filled with shredded vegetables. In Shaxi, a preserved town along the Tea Horse Road, don't miss the chance to try Yak Cheese, a specialty of the Tibetan people. These ethnic minority snacks not only make for a hearty meal but also provide an opportunity to educate your children about Yunnan's diverse cultures.

5. Aquarium Restaurants: Dine with Marine Life

If your kids are fascinated by marine life, Yunnan has a couple of unique dining experiences that will amaze them. In Kunming, you can dine at an aquarium restaurant where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by tanks filled with colorful fish and other sea creatures. This immersive dining experience will surely leave a lasting impression on your little explorers. Additionally, if you're visiting Yunnan's famous Stone Forest in Shilin County, be sure to have a meal at one of the restaurants overlooking the picturesque lake. The serene atmosphere, combined with the breathtaking views, makes for a delightful family dining experience.

Conclusion

Yunnan, with its rich culinary scene, offers a wide array of dining options for families traveling with kids. From exploring vibrant food streets to experiencing traditional cooking methods, there is something to satisfy every palate. Let your tastebuds embark on a culinary adventure, and create lifelong memories as you savor the flavors of Yunnan with your loved ones. Pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable family trip to Yunnan, where gastronomic delights await!

Tags： Adventure Activities