In Kunming, picturesque natural scenery enhances delicious local foods. Kunming dishes are representative of Dian (Yunnan Province's short name) cuisine, which combines cooking styles of other cities as well as other ethnic minority group cuisine from around and outside Kunming in Yunnan Province. With its high humidity and mild temperatures Kunming provides abundant fruits and vegetables all year for local cuisine. In addition, there are numerous snack options in high streets and back lanes. And there are also many pubs, bars and cafes that serve good quality meals.

Dian dishes are moderately salty and spicy. Unique delicacies from Kunming are famous throughout China; especially the fresh wild mushrooms. There is an edible wild mushroom family of over 200 varieties in Kunming, the tastes of which remains in the mind. Some recommended Dian dishes include the following:

Kunming is host to various wild mushrooms including Jizong. Whenever the sun shines after a rain from June to September, many Jizong, which are shaped like small grey umbrellas, appear on the mountain. The chicken-like taste of Jizong is popular with gourmands.

Steaming- Pot Chicken

Kunming has numerous snack options in high streets and back lanes. Some famous snacks are as follows:

Bridge Rice Noodle (Yunnan Guoqiao Mixian)

Xuanwei Ham(Xuanwei Huotui)
Steamed Dumpling (Shaomai)
Modern Cake(Modeng Baba)
Shepherd's Purse Dumpling (Jicaijiao)
Stinky Bean Curd(Choudoufu)
Bean Jelly (Wandou Fen)
Pastry

This is one of the featured specialties of Kunming and Yunnan. It has three main parts: a bowl of extremely hot chicken broth, various slices of meat, including chicken, fish, and meat up to nine varieties, with various seasonings and rice noodles.

Xuanwei Ham (Xuanwei Huotui) Also called 'Yuntui' or 'Yunnan Ham', this ham is one of the three famous and best hams in China. The main ingredient in many local dishes, Yunnan Ham retains its unique flavor and can be stored for long periods of time. Offered in most local restaurants, ham preparation includes baking, salting, pestle, warming, and freezing.

PastryPastry is another local favorite in Kunming. Xuanwei Ham Moon cake is a Dian style moon cake praised even by emperors. Rose Cake is a seasonal fresh-tasting pastry with a stuffing of fragrant roses in bud. Best known is Dian Eight Articles, the representative pastry in Kunming. Eight Articles refers to eight cakes with eight different flavors. We recommend these as gifts.

Other Kunming Snacks
Besides Modeng Baba, other snacks include Shao Mai (steamed dumpling with the dough gathered at the top), Chou Doufu (bean curd), Wandou Fen (bean jelly), and Jicai Jiao (shepherd's purse dumpling).