1. What are some popular local dishes in Guilin?
Some popular local dishes in Guilin include:
– Yangshuo beer fish: A specialty dish in Yangshuo featuring fresh fish cooked with beer and a variety of vegetables and spices.
– Guilin rice noodles (mifen): Rice noodles served in a flavorful broth topped with meat, peanuts, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce.
– Stir-fried snails (luosifu): A typical street food in Guilin made with various types of snails stir-fried in a spicy sauce.
– Guihua meat pie: A crispy pastry filled with pork and scallion, flavored with the fragrant osmanthus flower.
– Bajiao roasted duck: Roasted duck marinated with banana leaves for a unique flavor.
– Northern Guangxi bamboo rice (zhutongfan): Sticky rice mixed with meats and vegetables and steamed inside bamboo tubes for a smoky flavor.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options in Guilin?
Yes, there are numerous vegetarian and vegan dining options in Guilin. Many restaurants offer vegetable dishes as part of their menu and some even have dedicated vegetarian or vegan menus. Some popular options include the Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant, Nanxiang Tea Garden, Wada Vegetarian Cuisine, and Yezi Organic Farmhouse Restaurant. There are also specialty vegetarian and vegan restaurants such as Good Works Vegan Kitchen and Happy Veggie Life. Additionally, street food vendors often offer vegetarian options like grilled vegetables, tofu dishes, and steamed buns filled with veggies. It is also common for Buddhist temples to have a vegetarian restaurant or canteen on their premises.
3. Where can I find the best seafood in Guilin?
The best seafood in Guilin can be found at the following places:
1. Zhengyang Pedestrian Street: This street is filled with seafood restaurants offering a variety of fresh seafood dishes.
2. Yangshuo West Street: This popular tourist spot is home to many seafood restaurants serving delicious dishes using local ingredients.
3. Zhuangyuanfang Market: This market offers a wide selection of fresh seafood which can be cooked on-site at the surrounding restaurants.
4. Jiefang Bridge Seafood Market: Located near the Li River, this market has stalls selling various kinds of freshly caught seafood.
5. Huayi Brothers Restaurant: This upscale restaurant specializes in Huizhou-style seafood dishes and also offers a stunning view of the Li River.
6. Shanyue Xiangshan Shalian Seafood Restaurant: This hidden gem serves some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in Guilin, with a focus on local flavors.
7. Baigongfang Seafood Restaurant: Known for its excellent service and high-quality seafood, this restaurant offers a range of dishes including hot pot meals featuring fresh catches.
4. Are there any street food markets in Guilin worth visiting?
There are several street food markets in Guilin worth visiting, including:– Yangshuo West Street Food Market: This is a bustling market with a wide variety of street food options, such as grilled meats on sticks, fried rice cakes, and local specialties like beer fish.
– Zhengyang Pedestrian Street Food Market: Located in the heart of downtown Guilin, this market offers a mix of traditional Chinese snacks and international street food.
– Shangshui Food Street: This is a popular night market in Guilin known for its lively atmosphere and tasty dishes, including spicy hotpot and grilled seafood.
– Gonghuidong Food Market: This market is smaller and less touristy than others, but it’s popular among locals for its wide range of affordable and delicious street foods.
– Cultural Night Market at South Lake Scenic Area: This market offers an array of traditional snacks and desserts, as well as live performances showcasing local culture.
5. What is the typical price range for meals in Guilin?
The typical price range for meals in Guilin is around 20-50 RMB (3-8 USD) for a basic meal at a local restaurant, 50-100 RMB (8-16 USD) for a mid-range meal at a nicer restaurant, and above 100 RMB (16 USD) for a high-end meal. Street food and snacks can be found for as little as 5-10 RMB (1-2 USD). Prices may vary depending on the type of cuisine and location of the restaurant.
6. Can you recommend a good restaurant for traditional Chinese cuisine?
Yes, a good restaurant for traditional Chinese cuisine is Xi’an Famous Foods. They have multiple locations throughout New York City and offer authentic dishes from Xi’an, China such as their famous hand-pulled noodles and spicy cumin lamb. Their menu also includes options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners. Additionally, their prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is casual yet inviting.
7. Is it safe to drink tap water in Guilin, or should I stick to bottled water?
It is generally safe to drink tap water in Guilin, as the city’s tap water is regularly monitored and treated by the local government. However, some people may still choose to stick to bottled water for peace of mind or personal preference. If you have concerns about the tap water, it is always best to err on the side of caution and stick to bottled water.
8. Are there any local farms or markets where I can purchase fresh produce in Guilin?
Yes, there are several local farms and markets in Guilin where you can purchase fresh produce. Some popular options include:1. Yangshuo West Street Farmers’ Market: This market offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local products.
2. Guilin Hongqiao Market: Located near the Li River, this market sells a variety of fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms.
3. Guangxi Agricultural Products Trading Center: This is a wholesale market for fresh produce in Guilin. However, individual customers can also purchase from here at retail prices.
4. Mopanshan Market: This large market is known for its selection of organic fruits and vegetables sourced from local farms around Guilin.
5. Guantang Road Farmers’ Market: This daily market offers a wide range of locally grown fruits and vegetables at affordable prices.
6. Ping Le Farmers’ Market: Situated in downtown Guilin, this busy farmers’ market sells a variety of fresh produce including tropical fruits like mangoes and durian.
It is recommended to visit these markets early in the morning to get the freshest produce available.
10. Is spicy food predominant in Guilin’s local cuisine?
Yes, spicy food is a prominent feature in Guilin’s local cuisine. Many dishes incorporate spicy ingredients such as chili peppers, Szechuan pepper, and garlic to add flavor and heat. The most famous dish of the region, Yangshuo beer fish, uses chili peppers as its main ingredient. Additionally, Guilin is known for its spicy hotpot dish where meats and vegetables are cooked in a simmering broth flavored with spicy seasonings. Overall, Guilin’s local cuisine offers a variety of dishes that include various levels of spiciness to cater to different palates.
11. Do restaurants in Guilin cater to dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or halal options?
Yes, many restaurants in Guilin offer gluten-free and halal options. However, these options may not be available at every restaurant, so it is best to enquire beforehand or check the menu for specific dietary accommodations. Some popular restaurants that cater to dietary restrictions in Guilin include Pure Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant, Lijiang Restaurant (for halal food), and Cloud Taste Kitchen & Bar (for gluten-free options).
12. Is tipping expected at restaurants in Guilin? If so, what is the customary amount?
Tipping is not a usual practice in Guilin, China. However, it has become more common in tourist areas and high-end restaurants due to the influence of Western culture. A small tip of 10% or rounding up the bill is appreciated but not expected.
13. Are there any restaurants with a view of the Li River or other scenic areas of Guilin?
Yes, there are several restaurants in Guilin that offer a view of the Li River or other scenic areas. Some options include:
1. Top Mountain Restaurant – This restaurant is located on the top of Diecai Mountain and offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside.
2. Li River View Restaurant – As the name suggests, this restaurant offers stunning views of the Li River and its karst landscape from its outdoor terrace.
3. Xianggui Restaurant – Located on Yangshuo West Street, this restaurant has a rooftop dining area with views of the Li River and Yangshuo’s iconic limestone peaks.
4. Cathay Garden Terrace Restaurant – This upscale restaurant is situated in a beautiful garden setting with a view of Elephant Trunk Hill, one of Guilin’s most famous landmarks.
5. Puyi Restaurant – With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Li River, this elegant restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with breathtaking views.
6. Huixin Lou Chinese Tea House & Vegetarian Restaurant – This traditional tea house serves vegetarian dishes while guests can enjoy views of Moon Hill, another popular natural attraction in Yangshuo.
7. Rosewood Café & Lounge – Located inside Rosewood Hotel Group’s Casa Lakeview Resort, this café offers both indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of Guilin’s Seven Star Park and nearby lakes.
14. Can you recommend a good place for trying authentic Guilin rice noodles?
One popular and well-known place is called “Xiao Yang Rice Noodles.” It is located at No. 55, Pantao Rd, Xiufeng District, Guilin. They have a variety of toppings and the noodles are handmade, making for a delicious and authentic experience.
15.Are there any popular dessert spots or sweet treats unique to Guilin that shouldn’t be missed?
Yes, there are several popular dessert spots and sweet treats in Guilin that should not be missed:
1. Guilin rice noodles – This is a must-try local specialty in Guilin. The noodles are served in a savory broth with various toppings such as barbecued pork, peanuts, and pickled vegetables.
2. Peanut butter rolls – These are soft dough rolls filled with melted peanut butter. They can be found at many bakeries and street food stalls in Guilin.
3. Osmanthus cakes – Made from the fragrant flowers of the osmanthus tree, these small cakes have a chewy texture and sweet floral flavor.
4. Taro paste – This popular dessert is made from mashed taro root and sugar, often topped with sesame seeds or served with coconut milk.
5. Longevity buns – These steamed buns are filled with a red bean paste or lotus seed paste and shaped like peaches or turtles, symbolizing longevity in Chinese culture.
6. Sweet potato tart – A flaky pastry filled with mashed sweet potato and sometimes topped with nuts or dried fruit.
7. Rice pudding (zongzi) – Glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed, often filled with red bean paste or other fillings.
8.Tangyuan – Also known as glutinous rice balls, these sweet dumplings are often filled with black sesame or red bean paste and served in a light syrup.
9. Guihua wine (osmanthus wine) – A traditional liqueur made by fermenting the osmanthus flower with rice wine, imparting a sweet floral aroma to the drink.
16.Can you suggest any restaurants that offer a fusion of local and international cuisine?
1. Fowl & Fodder – Toledo, Ohio
2. The Acorn Restaurant – Vancouver, British Columbia
3. The Pink Door – Seattle, Washington
4. Spice Market – New York City, New York
5. The Lost Plate Food Tour – Xian, China
6. Le Bazaar – Marrakech, Morocco
7. The Exchange District – Winnipeg, Manitoba
8. NamNam Noodle Bar – Singapore
9. Claro Family Olive Garden Ristorante – Salento, Puglia, Italy
10. Pujol – Mexico City, Mexico
17.Is it common for restaurants and street vendors to accept credit cards, or should I have cash on hand?
It depends on the specific restaurant or street vendor. Some may accept credit cards, while others may only accept cash. It is always a good idea to have some cash on hand, just in case a vendor does not accept credit cards or if there are any technical difficulties with card readers.
18.Which neighborhood or area in Guilin is known for its dining scene?
The Xicheng District is known for its dining scene in Guilin. It has a wide variety of restaurants and street food stalls, offering both traditional Chinese cuisine and international options.
19.Are there any rooftop bars or restaurants with views of the city skyline in Guilin?
Yes, there are several rooftop bars and restaurants with views of the city skyline in Guilin. Some popular options include:1. The Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel Guilin: This elegant rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the Li River and surrounding karst mountains.
2. Sky Bar at Sheraton Guilin Hotel: Located on the 17th floor, this bar offers panoramic views of the city and serves a variety of cocktails and snacks.
3. The Top at Lijiang Waterfall Hotel: Perched on the 28th floor, this restaurant offers stunning views of downtown Guilin while serving traditional Chinese cuisine.
4. La Dolce Vita Rooftop Restaurant & Bar: This Italian restaurant has a beautiful rooftop terrace with views overlooking both the city and the Li River.
5. Longji One Café & Observation Deck: Situated on top of a hill, this café offers breathtaking views of the winding Li River below and is a popular spot for sunset viewing.
6. O’Malley’s Irish Pub: This lively pub has a small rooftop patio with views of central Guilin and also hosts live music performances.
Note that some rooftop bars may only be open during certain seasons or for special events, so it’s recommended to check ahead before visiting.
20.What are some traditional tea houses or cafes that offer a taste of local culture and atmosphere while dining out in Guilin?
1. Moon & Sun Yishan Tea House: This traditional tea house offers a variety of teas and snacks in a peaceful atmosphere.
2. Riverside Teahouse: Located on the banks of the Li River, this teahouse serves up authentic local snacks and has beautiful views of the river.
3. West Street Teahouse: Situated on one of Guilin’s most famous streets, this cozy teahouse offers a range of teas and live music performances in the evenings.
4. Banyan Tree Tea Garden: Set in an elegant courtyard setting, this tea garden serves up delicious bamboo-wrapped rice and other local delicacies.
5. Yi Lou Cang Tea House: This traditional wooden teahouse is surrounded by lush gardens and serves up a variety of teas and snacks with a beautiful view.
6. Shan Xia Fang Tea Culture Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony while dining on delicious local dishes at this unique restaurant.
7. Naomeng Tea Garden: Surrounded by picturesque karst mountains, this teahouse offers stunning views along with their selection of premium teas and tasty treats.
8. Yangshuo Tea Cozy: Serving up fresh-brewed teas alongside homemade cakes and pastries, this cozy café is the perfect spot to relax and soak in some local culture.
9. Flowery Fairyland Teahouse: Nestled within Shilihualang Park, this charming teahouse offers an extensive menu of traditional Chinese dishes and high-quality teas.
10. Flower Viewing Tearoom at Reed Flute Cave: After exploring the stunning Reed Flute Cave, head to the tearoom for some hot tea or refreshing iced tea along with stunning views of the surrounding gardens.