Best Places to Eat in Guilin, China: A Guide to Street Food Delights

Guilin, a scenic city nestled in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, offers an unforgettable culinary experience. The city’s unique location and rich cultural heritage contribute to its diverse and mouthwatering street food scene. Here are some must-try spots to indulge in authentic Guilin cuisine!

1. Ronghu New Street (捺湖新街)

One of the most famous streets in Guilin, Ronghu New Street offers a myriad of local delicacies. Try dishes like snail soup (豉汁蛌), fried tofu with pickled vegetables (咸菜豆腐), and rice noodle rolls with sesame paste (芝麻酱米线). Don’t forget to sample the local desserts such as cakes made from lotus root (蓟) or glutinous rice balls filled with sweet red bean paste (汤圆).

2. West Street (西街)

Known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Guilin, West Street is a vibrant hub for local and international cuisine. While you can find various global dishes here, make sure to sample some street food specialties like grilled squid (烧虾), bamboo rice (竹笋饭), and glutinous rice dumplings with lotus leaf wrapping (香巧克力包).

3. Li River Wharf (漓江码头)

The Li River Wharf provides a picturesque setting for enjoying local street food. Try the classic Guilin dishes such as fish slices in chili sauce (辣椒鱼片), snail and gluten dish (冻蛇蛎), and bamboo-tube rice (笋篁米饭). These are perfect for satisfying your appetite after a long day of exploring the beautiful landscape of Guilin.

4. Zhaocun Pedestrian Street (兆村步行街)

This lively pedestrian street offers a variety of local snacks, including fried dough sticks (油条), sweet potato balls (糖芋球), and Guilin-style cold noodles (凉面). Don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous Guilin-style barbecue (桂林串儿)—a must-have street food in this city.

5. Seven-Star Crag Snack Street (七星岩小吃街)

Located at the foot of the Seven-Star Crag, this snack street offers stunning views and delicious local food. Sample dishes like fried snake (炒蛇), fish slices in chili sauce (辣椒鱼片), and rice noodle rolls with pickled vegetables (酸菜米线).

Guilin’s street food scene is a melting pot of flavors, textures, and traditions that will leave you craving more. So, come hungry and ready to savor the delights of this enchanting city!