Detailed Introduction to Local Dishes of Qujing City

 

Qujing City, located in eastern Yunnan and known as the “Gateway to Yunnan”, has a rich culinary heritage shaped by its plateau climate, Hui and Yi ethnic influences, and centuries-old farming traditions. Its cuisine is characterized by bold aromas, hearty flavors, sour-spicy freshness, and highly distinctive local ingredients. From steaming hotpots to delicate snacks, Qujing offers an exciting taste of eastern Yunnan.

 

1. Qujing “Small Pot Rice Noodles” (曲靖小锅米线)

 

Signature dish of the city—simple, fragrant, irresistible.

Qujing’s small pot rice noodles are cooked one portion at a time in small iron pots. The broth is typically made from pork bones, tomatoes, and spices.

Features:

 

Rich and naturally sweet broth

 

Smooth, elastic rice noodles

 

Stir-fried toppings like minced pork, tomatoes, garlic, and chili oil

This dish captures Qujing residents’ daily life and is considered the city’s must-try comfort food.

 

2. Zhanyi “Cross-Bridge Beef Tripe” (沾益过桥牛肚)

 

A specialty from Zhanyi District.

Delicate beef tripe is blanched and dipped into hot broth similar to “cross-bridge rice noodles,” then paired with chili, garlic, and vinegar.

Characteristics: tender texture, spicy-fresh aroma, and very popular among locals as a nighttime snack.

 

3. Qiaojia Hotpot Chicken (巧家砂锅鸡 / 巧家小锅鸡)

 

Although Qiaojia is now under Zhaotong, this dish remains widely loved and served across Qujing due to close regional influence.

Qujing’s version features local free-range chicken, simmered with Yunnan spices in clay pots.

Flavors: warming, aromatic, slightly spicy.

Great for cold plateau nights.

 

4. Luliang Steamed Chicken (陆良板鸭 / 陆良蒸鸡)

 

Luliang is famous for its poultry, especially its distinctive processed duck and steamed chicken.

Luliang steamed chicken uses native chicken, ginger, and Yunnan ham to create a fragrant, juicy, umami-rich dish that pairs perfectly with rice.

 

5. Malong Potato–Bean Jelly (马龙洋芋凉粉)

 

A local snack using high-starch Malong potatoes, ground into a jelly-like texture.

Often served cold with chili oil, vinegar, scallions, and crispy soybeans.

Taste profile: refreshing, spicy-sour, smooth but slightly chewy.

 

6. Xuanwei Ham (宣威火腿) – The Pride of Qujing

 

Xuanwei City is famous nationwide for its ham, considered one of China’s top three hams.

Key traits:

 

Made from locally raised “Wumeng pigs”

 

Naturally aged in mountain air for over a year

 

Deep aroma, ruby color, and clean salty-umami flavor

 

It is used in numerous local dishes: steamed ham slices, ham fried rice, ham with goat cheese, and ham stew with potatoes.

 

7. Xuanwei Sausages (宣威小香肠 / 小火腿)

 

In addition to ham, Xuanwei is known for its small sausages: smoky, slightly spicy, and incredibly fragrant.

Often stir-fried with peppers or steamed over rice.

 

8. Hilly-Area Barbecue Culture (曲靖高原烧烤)

 

Qujing’s plateau nights are perfect for barbecue, and locals love:

 

Grilled tofu (烤豆腐)

 

Grilled potatoes (烤洋芋)

 

Grilled pork belly (烤五花)

 

Grilled beef strips (烤牛干巴)

Qujing seasoning tends to be spicier than in Kunming, with an emphasis on chili flakes, cumin, and small green peppers.

 

9. Qujing “Sour Soup Dishes” (酸汤类美食)

 

Qujing people enjoy sour flavors. Popular dishes include:

 

Sour Soup Fish (酸汤鱼)

 

Sour Soup Beef (酸汤牛肉)

 

Sour Vegetable Stew (酸菜炖汤)

 

The soup base is made from naturally fermented tomatoes and rice, giving a bright, tangy, appetizing flavor.

 

10. Yi Ethnic “Pounded Potatoes” (彝族舂洋芋)

 

A beloved Yi snack in the Qujing region.

Cooked potatoes are pounded with chili, ginger, and salt in wooden mortars.

Taste: slightly spicy, rustic, comforting—an authentic taste of Yi mountain life.

 

11. Dousha Baba (曲靖豆沙粑粑)

 

A traditional pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, pan-fried until crispy outside and soft inside.

Especially popular during festivals.

 

12. Qujing Millet Wine & Local Snacks (曲靖小吃与酒)

 

Qujing’s highland millet wine is lightly sweet and low in alcohol, commonly enjoyed with snacks like—

 

Crispy rice crackers

 

Fried pea cakes

 

Steamed wheat cakes

 

Conclusion

 

Qujing’s cuisine combines hearty plateau ingredients, spicy-fresh flavors, ethnic traditions, and nationally famous cured meats. Whether it’s small pot rice noodles, world-famous Xuanwei ham