A Food Lover’s Guide to Guilin: Must-Try Local Dishes & Where to Find Them

Guilin is world-famous for its breathtaking karst mountains and the Li River, but its culinary scene is equally captivating. From savory noodles to fragrant stews, Guilin’s cuisine reflects the region’s agricultural bounty and cultural diversity. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to the city’s most iconic dishes, complete with English names, descriptions, and recommendations for where to try them.

1. Guilin Rice Noodles (桂林米粉 – Guìlín Mǐfěn)

What it is: A breakfast staple made with thin, smooth rice noodles served in a rich pork or beef broth, topped with crispy pork belly, peanuts, pickled vegetables, and chili oil.
Why try it: The noodles are silky, the broth is deeply flavorful, and the toppings add crunch and heat. Locals eat it daily, and for good reason—it’s cheap, filling, and delicious.
Where to eat:

• Old Dongjiang Rice Noodles (老东江米粉): A local favorite in Guilin’s Shijiyuan area, known for its hearty portions and traditional broth.
• Street stalls: Look for small shops with steaming pots of broth—these often serve the most authentic versions.

2. Yangshuo Beer Fish (阳朔啤酒鱼 – Yángshuò Píjiǔ Yú)

What it is: Fresh river fish (usually carp) cooked in a fragrant broth made with local beer, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. The fish is tender, and the sauce is perfect for soaking up with rice.
Why try it: The dish originated in Yangshuo, a scenic town near Guilin, and combines the freshness of local ingredients with a bold, tangy flavor.
Where to eat:

• Pushi Guibei Fusion Cuisine (璞食·桂北融合菜): Located in Yangshuo’s West Street area, this restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional dishes, including Beer Fish.
• Local riverside restaurants: Many spots along the Li River serve Beer Fish with views of the karst mountains.

3. Lipu Taro Steamed Pork (荔浦芋扣肉 – Lìpǔ Yù Kòuròu)

What it is: Slices of tender pork belly are layered with mashed taro (a starchy root vegetable), steamed until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth soft and the taro absorbs the savory flavors.
Why try it: This dish balances richness and sweetness, with the taro adding a creamy texture that complements the fatty pork. It’s often served during Festivals and family gatherings.
Where to eat:

• He Tian Yuan (禾田苑·田园桂林菜): A Guilin-based chain known for its homestyle cooking and hearty portions. Try the Lipu Taro Steamed Pork here for a taste of tradition.

4. Congcheng Oil tea (恭城油茶 – Gōngchéng Yóuchá)

What it is: A bitter, energizing drink made by pounding tea leaves, ginger, and peanuts into a paste, then boiling it with water. It’s served with crispy rice crackers, fried dough, and pickled vegetables.
Why try it: Oil tea is a staple of the Yao Ethnic Minority and is believed to aid digestion and boost energy. Locals drink it for breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up.
Where to eat:

• Xin Guoji Oil Tea (新郭记油茶): A chain with multiple locations in Guilin, offering a modern take on this traditional drink. Pair it with savory snacks like fried dough sticks.

5. Stuffed Li River Snails (桂林螺蛳酿 – Guìlín Luósī Niàng)

What it is: Large freshwater snails are stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, herbs, and spices, then simmered in a spicy broth and served with rice noodles.
Why try it: The snails are tender and flavorful, and the dish showcases Guilin’s love for “stuffed” or “酿” (niàng) preparations, where ingredients are filled with meat or vegetable mixtures.
Where to eat:

• West Street Night Market (阳朔西街夜市): Explore the bustling stalls in Yangshuo’s West Street area for a casual, affordable meal.

6. Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Dumplings (桂花糯米丸子 – Guìhuā Nuòmǐ Wánzi)

What it is: Sweet glutinous rice balls filled with red bean paste or sesame, served in a syrup infused with osmanthus flowers (a fragrant local bloom).
Why try it: These dumplings are soft, chewy, and floral—a perfect light dessert after a savory meal.
Where to eat:

• Local dessert shops: Look for small stalls selling traditional sweets near tourist attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill.

Tips for Eating Like a Local

1. Street food is safe: Guilin’s street vendors follow strict hygiene standards, especially in tourist areas. Try snacks like fried rice cakes (糍粑 – cíbā) or sweet fermented rice (甜酒酿 – tiánjiǔniàng).
2. Spice tolerance: Guilin cuisine can be spicy—ask for “no chili” (不要辣 – bùyào là) if you prefer milder flavors.
3. Cash is king: Many small restaurants and stalls don’t accept credit cards, so carry small bills.
4. Explore markets: The Xicheng Road Market in Guilin and West Street in Yangshuo are great for sampling a variety of dishes in one place.

Final Thoughts

Guilin’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering a mix of hearty comfort food, fragrant stews, and sweet treats. Whether you’re sipping oil tea at a local tea house or digging into a bowl of rice noodles by the Li River, you’re sure to leave with a full stomach and a deeper appreciation for this culinary gem.