THE AUTHENTIC YUNNAN RICE NOODLES!
YOU KIDDING? I'VE BEEN WRONG FOR YEARS?
2015-07-06
Many Hong Kong people are addicted to Yunnan (China) rice noodles which offer a free selection of soup bases and items. But only after visiting Yunnan did I discover that I had been wrong for years. The authentic Yunnan rice noodles should be like this…
(web image)Sorry, no checkboxes!
First of all, in Hong Kong, when we place an order, we’ll just grab a sheet of menu from the rack and choose from the list of food items by checking the boxes – quick and simple! But well in Yunnan, there is no such thing as a checkbox menu. Instead, rice noodles are classified into different versions from Xiucai(Pass) to Zhuangyuan(Number one), creatively named after ancient Chinese imperial exam rankings. The number of food items increases as the ranking goes up. Believe it or not – the Zhuangyuan(Number one) version offers as many as 50+ plates!!!
The well-known Zhuangyuan (Number one) Rice noodles, with food items including beef, beansprouts, quail eggs, fishballs, spiced duck, ham, Chinese leek, tofu sheet and more.
A DIY meal!
The traditional “Yunnan rice noodles” comprises 3 parts – a soup base plus meat, rice noodles, and other food items. The fun part is, the dish is not served in a bowl, but in a big pot and numerous plates. When the waiter serves the dish, he/she will first instruct you how to add the meat and bones (which take longer time to cook) into the boiling chicken soup, then the other food items one by one, and finally you can add as much noodles as you like, which are cooked beforehand. Some may even consider adding a few drops of spicy sauce to touch the whole dish up!
After all, it’s hard to imagine the taste from bare words. Why not start planning your Yunnan trip with your friends and family to get a real taste?
Recommended Yunnan YHA hostel – Lijiang Lao Shay Youth Hostel
With a perfect location in the old town(city centre), Lijiang Lao Shay Youth Hostel adopts the design of the traditional Chinese inns. Its wooden architecture offers guests a tranquil feeling of old China despite being in the busiest tourist district, providing it the best reason to be recommended by Lonely Planet for years.
Rooms cost from HKD 54 only – how can you possible say no to it!
Be a member now to enjoy at least 10% extra discount at YHA hostels in Yunnan.