Honghe, a culinary paradise

For foodies, the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in the southeast of Yunnan Province is a true haven, offering a diverse array of rice noodles, creative tofu dishes, and vibrant night market barbecue gatherings.

Honghe rice noodles

In Honghe, rice noodles take center stage in the local cuisine. From dawn till dusk, these rice noodles grace the dining tables of Honghe residents without fail. In the mornings, crossing-the-bridge rice noodles provide a hearty start to the day, followed by a simple bowl of cold rice noodles at noon, and stir-fried rice noodles at the lively barbecue stalls for evening snacks. The people of Honghe exhibit their deep affection for rice noodles through this daily culinary ritual.

Another beloved delicacy among the people of Honghe is tofu. Shiping tofu and Jianshui tofu each have their own devoted followers. It’s a familiar scene to see a gathering of individuals sitting around a charcoal fire, observing tofu slowly cooking over the glowing embers, gradually puffing up and emitting a fragrant aroma. When cracked open, the tofu remains steamy hot. While the smell may not be universally appealing, the taste is truly delightful.

 

Tofu dishes

Shiping tofu is known for its firm and springy texture. When baked, the tofu develops a golden, slightly charred skin that enhances its overall mouthfeel. Breaking it open reveals a dense network of air pockets, symbolizing the signature elasticity of Shiping tofu. Paired with a touch of locally-made yellow spicy dipping sauce or Honghe residents’ favorite garlic oil and pointed chili, this flavorful tofu and the chili’s heat promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Another specialty in Honghe is jelly tofu, highly favored by food enthusiasts. True to its name, this tofu has a gelatinous interior that, when baked and cracked open, resembles melted cheese. Featuring a delicately crispy crust and an exceptionally soft interior, this type of tofu boasts a rich and pleasing taste. The talented chefs of Honghe have even crafted an exclusive all-tofu banquet, a unique dining experience featuring a wide selection of tofu dishes.

 

Grilled late-night snacks in Honghe 

Barbecues are a timeless favorite for late-night snacks in Honghe. Practically any edible item can be grilled, ranging from sugar and flour-coated pork skewers, pork cracklings, marbled pork, brown rice-filled sausages, yellow croakers, chicken feet, grasshoppers, bamboo worms, eggplants, enoki mushrooms, pumpkins, jelly tofu, and grass shoots. Other delicacies such as drunken shrimp, drunken crab, and spicy crayfish are also popular choices. Notably, Luxi-style roasted potatoes are accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces that can be mixed and matched freely, transforming a common dish into a luxurious indulgence.

Text by wenlvnews.com
Translated by YNTA