Dali is a place many people dream of visiting. Besides its ancient town, old streets, and the famed “wind, flowers, snow, and moon,” Dali’s cuisine is also quite distinctive. How much do you know about these tempting Dali delicacies?

1. Erkuai (Rice Cake) & Ersi (Rice Noodles)

Erkuai and Ersi are among the most famous specialty snacks in Dali. Made from high-quality rice, the production process includes washing, soaking, steaming, pounding, and finally kneading the rice into desired shapes. They can be boiled, stir-fried, grilled, braised, or deep-fried. The most common way is stir-fried Erkuai, cooked with pea sprouts, green onions, and seasoned with savory or sweet soy sauce for a rich and authentic flavor.Ersi is made by slicing Erkuai into strips. Depending on the shape, the taste varies. White Ersi is very chewy, with a soft and smooth texture. It is generally eaten either boiled or stir-fried. For the boiled version, the Ersi is blanched in boiling water until just cooked but still firm, then served with stewed meat, broth, sprinkled with chopped scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil made from Dahongpao peppercorns, plus garlic juice. This style is commonly called “Paa Rou Ersi” (Soft Pork Ersi), featuring vibrant colors, rich yet not greasy broth, and a fragrant, slightly sweet aftertaste.

When you visit Dali again, make sure to try them all~！