Lijiang’s cuisine is a delicious blend of Naxi, Tibetan and Yunnan flavours, featuring many unique dishes. The bustling food markets and traditional restaurants offer a rich culinary experience that reflects the region’s diverse cultural heritage. Today, I invite you to delve into the culinary world of Lijiang and share with you seven of the city’s most typical dishes that you simply mustn’t miss.
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7 Traditional Dishes You’ll Love No Matter How Many Times You Visit Lijiang
7 Traditional Dishes You’ll Love No Matter How Many Times You Visit Lijiang
Chickpea jelly
Chickpea jelly is one of Lijiang’s most famous traditional dishes. Made from the unique ‘chicken beans’ that grow in the Lijiang highlands, this jelly is smooth and refreshing. It is made by grinding the chickpeas into a fine powder and then forming it into a jelly. It is then seasoned with red chillies, spring onions, vinegar and other condiments, giving it a unique and distinctive flavour and creating a symphony of tastes in the mouth. It is perfect to eat on a hot day whilst strolling through the old town.
Lijiang Cake
The Lijiang cake is a unique delicacy of the Naxi people, with a long history dating back to the Ming Dynasty, as recorded in Xu Xiake’s *Travels*. It is both sweet and savoury, with distinctive colour, aroma and flavour. It is made primarily from fine wheat flour produced in Lijiang. The dough is shaped and filled with sesame seeds, walnuts and other ingredients. Finally, it is cooked in a flat-bottomed pan over a low heat until golden brown. With its golden colour, fragrance, and delicious, crispy texture, it is often enjoyed with butter tea, creating a truly delightful combination.
Rice sausage
Lijiang rice sausage is a traditional dish with a distinctive flavour. It is known as ‘Mabu’ in the Naxi language. Steamed rice or glutinous rice is mixed with fresh pig’s blood, egg white and various spices, and then stuffed into washed pig’s intestines. This is how the delicious Lijiang rice sausage is made. Processing and making rice sausages has become a traditional custom of the Naxi people living in Lijiang.
Sandieshui
The sandieshui is a banquet held in honor of distinguished guests, featuring up to 40 unique dishes, though the menu may vary with seasonal offerings. Local specialties are the centerpiece, and some of these naturally change with the seasons. It includes a variety of local appetizers, mountain delicacies, and seafood. The name "Three Waters Stacked" comes from the use of three sets of plates of different sizes. First: desserts, including candied fruits, rice cakes, seasonal fruits, and preserved fruits. Second: cold dishes, such as cold noodles, dried pork liver, dried tofu, and ham. Third: cooked dishes, primarily steamed, with the most famous being the hot pot of cured pork ribs.
Inflated pork liver
Blown and air-dried pig liver is an indispensable dish for hosting guests at Naxi feasts. It originated from sacrificial pig ceremonies but couldn’t be eaten until at least a month later. The liver is inflated to twice its original size before being stuffed with a mixture of white liquor and white pepper. In the Chinese lunar calendar’s December, the pig liver must first be air-dried and sun-dried. Once cooked, it’s sliced into rounds. Finally, coriander, fried peanuts, salt, vinegar, pepper, and sesame are added and thoroughly mixed. With a unique cooking method, this appetizer is delicious and strikingly colorful. The bright flavor of the liquor and pepper complements the liver perfectly, which is as tender as silk.
Hot black goat's milk soup
The black goat hot pot is a very special typical dish of Lijiang. It is a must-try in the ancient town, forming a long and spectacular scene of the "black goat street" along Changshui Street.
Smoked pork ribs
A trip to Lijiang is incomplete without trying the smoked pork ribs hot pot. This dish features succulent pork ribs cooked in a rich and flavorful broth. The broth, simmered slowly with local herbs and spices, absorbs the essence of the ribs. They use high-quality local pork ribs marinated and air-dried for an extended period, giving the meat a firm and chewy texture. The broth results in a rich and savory base that enhances the smoked flavor of the pork. It's a hearty meal that comforts after a day of sightseeing, perfect for any season.
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Lijiang offers a culinary adventure that goes beyond mere eating. It's about immersing yourself in the local culture, traditions, and flavors. From traditional Naxi dishes to modern interpretations, there's something for every taste. What to eat in Lijiang? The answer is everything! This guide aims to provide an authentic and enriching experience, ensuring visitors leave with unforgettable gastronomic memories. Enjoy your culinary journey through this beautiful city.
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