Detailed Introduction to Local Dishes of Zhaotong City

 

Zhaotong City, located in northeastern Yunnan on the Yunnan–Guizhou–Sichuan junction, enjoys a cool climate, fertile plateau farmlands, and rich ethnic diversity, which together shape its distinct culinary heritage. Zhaotong cuisine is known for being fragrant, hearty, slightly spicy, sour-savory, and strongly rustic, reflecting the lifestyle of the region’s mountain communities.

 

From steaming hotpots to vinegar-infused dishes, Zhaotong offers a flavorful, warming, and comforting culinary experience.

 

1. Zhaotong Pot Chicken (昭通小锅鸡)

 

One of the city’s most iconic dishes.

 

Features:

 

Chicken stewed in a small iron pot

 

Thick broth flavored with peppercorns, local herbs, and ginger

 

Tender meat and rich soup, perfect for cold weather

 

It reflects the plateau climate and the northern Yunnan cooking tradition of bold, warming flavors.

 

2. Zhaoyang Potato Pancakes (昭阳洋芋粑粑)

 

Potatoes are a staple of Zhaotong’s cool plateau environment.

 

Characteristics:

 

Mashed or shredded potatoes pan-fried until crispy

 

Often mixed with chili, scallions, preserved vegetables

 

Crispy outside, soft inside

 

Zhaotong is known as one of Yunnan’s best potato-producing regions, and this is a must-try local snack.

 

3. Zhenxiong Small Bowl Rice Noodles (镇雄小碗米线)

 

A signature dish in Zhaotong’s largest county, Zhenxiong.

 

Traits:

 

Served in small bowls but with strong flavor

 

Topped with minced chili, braised meat, and scallions

 

Fast, affordable, and full of aroma

 

Locals often eat several small bowls in one sitting.

 

4. Yiliang Yellow Goat (彝良黄羊)

 

One of the region’s most famous specialty meats.

 

Features:

 

Free-range goats raised in mountain pastures

 

Lean, tender meat with minimal gamey taste

 

Common cooking styles:

 

Steamed yellow goat (清蒸黄羊)

 

Goat hotpot (黄羊火锅)

 

Braised goat ribs (红烧黄羊排)

 

Known as the “treasure meat” of Yiliang County.

 

5. Daguan Round-Hotpot Chicken (大关圆锅鸡)

 

A traditional dish using a unique round clay pot.

 

Characteristics:

 

Local chicken simmered with wild mushrooms, ginger, pepper, and herbs

 

Thick, gelatin-rich broth

 

Warming and fragrant

 

This dish shows the local preference for strong, herbal stews.

 

6. Yongshan Preserved Pork (永善腊肉)

 

Yongshan County is famous for high-quality cured meats.

 

Highlights:

 

Air-dried and smoked using pinewood or fruitwood

 

Flavor: salty, aromatic, smoky

 

Often stir-fried with chili, potatoes, or garlic shoots

 

It represents the traditional mountain-livelihood cooking style.

 

7. Weixin Beef (威信牛肉 / 威信黄牛)

 

Weixin County produces excellent yellow cattle.

 

Popular dishes:

 

Sliced beef hotpot (清汤牛肉锅)

 

Braised beef (红烧牛肉)

 

Beef with pickled chilis (泡椒牛肉)

 

Its meat is known for being tender but springy, making it ideal for soups and stir-fries.

 

8. Suijiang Sour Soup Fish (绥江酸汤鱼)

 

Suijiang is located along the Jinsha River, offering fresh river fish.

 

Features:

 

Fish cooked in sour broth made from tomatoes, pickled bamboo shoots, and chilis

 

Bright, aromatic, and refreshing

 

Similar to Guizhou-style sour soup, but lighter

 

Pairs perfectly with local rice noodles.

 

9. Zhaotong “Pickled Vegetable Masterpieces” (昭通咸菜 / 酸菜)

 

Cold climate favors pickling and fermentation.

 

Common varieties:

 

Pickled mustard greens (酸菜)

 

Spicy fermented vegetables (泡菜)

 

Preserved radish (萝卜干)

 

These pair well with noodles, stews, and hotpots.

 

10. Qiaojia Erkuai (巧家饵块)

 

Erkuai is a classic Yunnan rice cake, but Qiaojia’s version is especially famous.

 

Traits:

 

Made with glutinous rice

 

Dense, chewy texture

 

Common ways to eat:

 

Stir-fried Erkuai with chili and preserved vegetables

 

Baked Erkuai in charcoal stoves

 

Erkuai with brown sugar

 

A comforting snack popular throughout northern Yunnan.

 

11. Traditional Mountain Wild Vegetables (山野菜)

 

Due to Zhaotong’s mountainous geography, wild vegetables are abundant.

 

Popular types:

 

Wild ferns (蕨菜)

 

Shepherd’s purse (荠菜)

 

Wild mush