Hot Spring Dishes

Hot Spring Dishes

　　Eryuan County in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture is known as the "Hot Spring City," famous for its saying: “A hot spring every ten li, a thermal spring every five li.” The area is rich in geothermal resources. For example, Jiutai Platform Hot Spring is a sulfur spring with an average water temperature of 76°C, abundant in potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and other trace elements beneficial to the human body. It has therapeutic effects on skin conditions, rheumatism, abdominal ailments, and gynecological diseases. Even more surprisingly, the area also offers unique "hot spring dishes."

　　Hot Spring Egg, also known as Sulfur Egg, is made by boiling an egg wrapped in a gauze bag for 20 minutes and removing it once cooked. The characteristic of this egg is that the egg white is tender and floral in texture, while the yolk remains solid. Both liquid and solid states coexist. Crack open the shell, mix in sugar, stir well, and enjoy it while hot. Its flavor is fresh, tender, and delicious—truly a “nectar of the gods.”

　　Hot Spring Chicken involves plucking and cleaning a young chicken, removing its internal organs, and drying the chicken’s surface with gauze. It is then seasoned with fresh lard, tsao-ko, Sichuan pepper, papaya shreds, salt, and other ingredients, placed in an unwatered clay pot, sealed, and cooked in the hot spring for twenty-four hours. Its characteristics include bone-meat separation, tenderness, fragrance, and a crispy texture—extremely delicious. When cooking the chicken with valuable herbs such as “Notoginseng,” “Cordyceps,” and “Gastrodia elata,” it can be made into a medicinal clay-pot chicken that nourishes yin and boosts qi. Elderly people who eat it may feel rejuvenated and enjoy a longer life.

　　Hot Water Lotus Root is tender and delicious, and can be prepared in various ways such as cold mixed, stewed with pork ribs, wrapped with egg, or stir-fried with pickled vegetables. In addition, there are local specialties such as fresh milk fish soup and white sand well water-boiled white zha meat. It is worth mentioning that Mr. Li Yinglong, a renowned Bai ethnic orchid cultivator, built the country’s top-tier Bilong Orchid Garden near Jiutai Platform. Orchid enthusiasts from both China and abroad flock here to appreciate, enjoy, and purchase orchids.

　　Hot springs are a gift from nature, used by people to cure illnesses and strengthen the body. Stepping into the Hot Spring City, you will feel relaxed and joyful. The hot springs are so gentle, like an affectionate maiden offering warmth and care. The delicious dishes they provide are like a “love dish,” enchanting and mesmerizing. Being there purifies the soul and cultivates the spirit.