Guiyang's Lesser-Known Delicacies Worth Discovering

Nestled in the heart of China’s southwestern Guizhou Province, Guiyang is a city that often flies under the radar for international travelers. While its stunning karst landscapes and vibrant ethnic minority cultures draw visitors, the city’s culinary scene remains one of its best-kept secrets. Beyond the famous sour fish soup (酸汤鱼) and sticky rice cakes (糍粑), Guiyang boasts a treasure trove of lesser-known delicacies that are just waiting to be discovered.

Hidden Gems of Guiyang’s Street Food

Changwang Noodles (肠旺面) – A Breakfast Staple

If you’re wandering Guiyang’s streets in the early morning, follow the locals to a humble noodle stall serving Changwang Mian. This hearty dish features thick wheat noodles swimming in a rich, spicy broth, topped with slices of pork intestine (chang) and blood curd (wang). The combination might sound intimidating, but the flavors—earthy, umami-rich, and slightly numbing from Guizhou’s famed ma la (numbing-spicy) seasoning—are unforgettable.

Siwawa (丝娃娃) – DIY Freshness

A lighter but equally addictive option is Siwawa, often called "Guiyang’s answer to Vietnamese spring rolls." Thin rice pancakes are served with a colorful array of fillings: shredded carrots, cucumber, pickled radish, and herbs. The magic happens when you wrap them up and dunk them in a tangy, spicy dipping sauce. It’s a refreshing, interactive meal perfect for Guiyang’s humid summers.

Unusual Yet Delicious Snacks

La Rou Bing (腊肉饼) – Smoky Pancake Delight

Guiyang’s version of a savory pancake, La Rou Bing, is a crispy, flaky flatbread stuffed with smoky cured pork (la rou). The meat’s deep, salty flavor contrasts beautifully with the dough’s slight sweetness. Street vendors often grill these to order, making them an ideal on-the-go snack while exploring the city’s bustling markets.

Zhe’ergen (折耳根) – The Love-It-or-Hate-It Herb

No discussion of Guiyang’s food is complete without mentioning zhe’ergen (Houttuynia cordata), a pungent herb that’s a divisive staple in local cuisine. Often mixed into salads or used as a garnish, its fishy, medicinal taste is an acquired pleasure. Adventurous eaters should try it in liangfen (cold mung bean jelly), where its boldness cuts through the dish’s mildness.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurants

Family-Run Sour Soup Hot Pots

While sour fish soup is well-known, lesser-visited family eateries serve variations with wild mushrooms, tofu, or even goose meat. The broth, fermented with tomatoes and rice, has a tangy depth that’s uniquely Guizhou. Seek out spots like Lao Kaili Sour Soup in back alleys—where the decor is sparse, but the flavors are rich.

Miao Ethnic BBQ in the Suburbs

Venture beyond downtown to villages like Qingyan Ancient Town, where Miao minority chefs grill skewers of fresh river fish, lamb, and even insects over open flames. The smoky, spice-rubbed meats paired with baijiu (local liquor) make for a memorable feast under the stars.

Sweet Surprises

Baba Zhou (粑粑粥) – Comfort in a Bowl

This sweet-rice porridge, slow-cooked with red beans and glutinous rice balls, is a nostalgic dessert for locals. Topped with crushed peanuts or osmanthus syrup, it’s a warm hug on chilly evenings.

Ice Jelly (冰粉) – Summer’s Best Friend

A street-side lifesaver in Guiyang’s sweltering summers, bingfen is a wobbly, translucent jelly made from Rubus seeds, served with brown sugar syrup, fruit, and crushed ice. It’s the perfect palate cleanser after a spicy meal.

Guiyang’s food scene is a playground for the curious eater. Beyond the guidebook favorites, these hidden bites offer a taste of the city’s soul—unpretentious, bold, and deeply rooted in its misty mountains and vibrant cultures. So ditch the familiar, and let your taste buds lead the way.