Xiaoqiao Douhua Rice Noodles
This place dates back to before the liberation, but it was most popular in the 1980s. Their Douhua Rice Noodles are very simple, without mixed sauce or greasy oil, just pickled vegetables, Douhua (tofu pudding), chili, and salt... The auntie says that good rice noodles are also key, and they have always used the high-quality rice noodles from a rice noodle factory established in 1963.
Wenshan Hexianju
A well-established brand with over ten years of history, frequented by locals. You must try the chicken and chicken soup. Locals love this place not only because the chicken and chicken soup taste great, but also because it specializes in chicken rice noodles, ensuring that the soup is made from quality chicken.
Xiaofan Restaurant
With over 20 years of history, this well-established restaurant is most famous for its sweet and salty golden potatoes. The potatoes are coated with a layer of 'golden armor,' giving them a delightful crunch. The most unique aspect is the sweet and salty sauce; the first bite tastes sweet, but the next moment it turns salty, and this cycle repeats several times. It is said that [Ranbu Alley] was once nicknamed [Potato Alley] by food enthusiasts because of this restaurant.
Duanshi Small Pot
A century-old brand, open 24 hours. This place is mainly known for its Duanshi Small Pot Braised Rice Noodles, and most of the customers are locals. They still insist on hand-cutting the rice noodles, which gives them a rough texture that can fully absorb the essence of the seasonings! You can also pair it with spicy beef, crispy pork, cold lotus root, and other snacks. Locals usually also have a glass of papaya water.
Hongdouyuan Restaurant
With over ten years of brand history, this restaurant specializes in home-style Yunnan cuisine and has multiple locations in Kunming. It offers excellent value for money. The Erkuai Chicken is their signature dish. The Bitter Herb Crispy Red Beans are also a must-order for regulars. Most of their meat dishes are priced under 30 yuan, offering a home-style taste of Yunnan cuisine that satisfies the general public.
Dongchun Small Pot Rice Noodles
The shop has been open for 20 years. Firstly, they use a copper pot, secondly, the broth is made with high-quality ingredients and simmered for a long time, and lastly, the chili peppers are made to be fragrant. The overall flavor of their dishes is quite strong, even the minced meat is well-seasoned. Adding a piece of stinky tofu will make you love it even more. Recommended dishes are Yunnan small pot rice noodles and Sichuan pot kui mixed together.
Tie Peng Small Pot Rice Noodles
The rice noodles used by the shop are provided by a large rice noodle manufacturer that has been cooperating for more than ten years. They emphasize that the fresh meat comes from Xuanwei farm's native pork, with the top recommendation being the small pot rice noodles with ribs. The small pot rice noodles with stinky tofu are also very popular. Many people also order soy milk and fried dough sticks; the fried dough sticks can be dipped in the soup, and the soy milk ensures that you are drinking good quality soy milk because their stinky tofu is homemade. Additionally, their flavors are quite strong, and the soy milk can help balance the oily and spicy taste.
Grandma Xia's BBQ
Grandma Xia is 72 years old this year and has been selling BBQ for over 20 years. She is still full of energy, cooking as usual and managing everything personally. Highly recommended are the bursting fish cheeks, which almost every table orders, and the green onion intestines, where the roasted green onions cover some of the intestine's odor, making it acceptable even for those who don't like intestines. The lotus root is a must-try; it's much tastier when grilled compared to the sweet versions we usually eat.
As a protected cultural heritage building in Kunming, it has an irreplaceable value compared to other restaurants. This place offers a variety of Shiping-flavored dishes. If you want to have a more luxurious meal, this is the place to go. This old house, which has three courtyards, was built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and is over 200 years old. Many tourists choose to dine here mainly for the photo opportunities, while locals prefer it for hosting guests due to its numerous private rooms, cultural ambiance, and good but not cheap food.
Fang Tang
This café called Fang Tang has a small courtyard, which is the territory of an Akita named Gongxi. It is quite a 'celebrity' on the internet, and no one who comes here leaves without taking a photo with it. Various events are often held here, and many people form connections and share pleasant times during these events. Their original intention was to create an interesting café and meet interesting people.
Xiaofangting Cafe
This is a high-aesthetic cafe. The female owner is a beauty, and the barista, Afu, is a handsome man. Girls will like a cocktail called 'Blue Skirt'. Holding a 'Blue Skirt' and sitting on the second floor, watching the hustle and bustle of Nanqiang Street below, gives a feeling of being in Dali. The shop has many cups displayed and hung around, some with prices marked, which you can buy if you like. The unmarked cups are the female owner's private collection, many of which are limited editions from around the world.
Ziyue Coffee
Here you can find Yunnan coffee-flavored beer. The menu is entirely hand-drawn, and on one page, you can see Yunnan coffee-flavored beer, a collaboration between Mingqian Coffee and Crazy Beer Studio, exclusively sold at Ziyue Coffee. Out of curiosity, you can give it a try.
Mei Zi Wei Flower Cake
This flower cake shop is not easy to find, and the shop is very small. The customers are mostly local foodies from Kunming who live nearby, and gradually it has gained a good reputation. Many companies and organizations also order from them during holidays. For tourists, it is recommended to call and make a reservation directly, informing them of the hotel you are staying at. Depending on the distance, as long as you purchase a certain amount, they offer free delivery. Since the flower cakes are freshly baked, they are not available in the morning and can only be baked by noon. They are handmade, with layers of crispy pastry, and the filling is very moist, not dry at all, and not overly sweet.
