Guilin Rice Noodles: Best Food in Guilin

Go on a culinary quest to Guangxi province in China, where the famed Guilin Rice Noodles offer a delectable tableau of taste and nutrition, imbued with a historical richness that has become a cornerstone of local culture.

In this article, let's dive into the storied past of these exquisite noodles, unravel the assortment of varieties that grace the palates of locals and travellers alike, and reveal the secrets behind their preparation. As a nutritious staple, Guilin Rice Noodles not only satiate hunger but also offer a wholesome experience.

Read also: Complete Travel Guide to Shangri-La, Yunnan, China

Table of Content

1. What are Guilin Rice Noodles
2. Recipe & Ingredients
3. How to Make Guilin Rice Noodles
4. How to Eat Guilin Noodles
5. Types of Guilin Rice Noodles
6. Where to Find Guilin Rice Noodles
7. Nutritional Benefits

Guilin Rice Noodles: Best Food in Guilin

Guilin Rice Noodles: Everything You Need to Know About This Popular Dish

What are Guilin Rice Noodles

Guilin Rice Noodles are a type of rice noodle that is made from rice flour and water. The noodles are thin, flat, and translucent, with a slightly chewy texture. They are typically served in a clear broth with various toppings such as sliced pork, pickled vegetables, peanuts, and chili oil. The dish is known for its refreshing taste and is a popular choice for breakfast or lunch.

There are several types of Guilin Rice Noodles, including the traditional Guilin Rice Noodles, which are made from rice flour and water, and the Luosifen Rice Noodles, which are made from rice flour and river snails. The Luosifen Rice Noodles are a specialty of the Liuzhou region and are known for their unique flavour and aroma.

Guilin Rice Noodles are made by mixing rice flour with water to form a dough, which is then rolled out into thin sheets and cut into strips. The noodles are then cooked in boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender and then served in a clear broth with various toppings.

Guilin Rice Noodles in China

Recipe & Ingredients

This is a dish loved by practically everyone – from playful toddlers to manual laborers – and can easily be found on any street in Guilin. The white strips of rice noodles are soft and smooth with different thickness and forms. Made using rice flour starch, they are either round or flat, and are served in a plain, mild broth which has been slow-boiled for hours with cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, meat and tangerine peels.

 

The most unique feature of this dish lays in the interesting choices of toppings, which include sour bamboo shoots, pickled green beans, roasted peanuts, pickled soy beans, pickled cabbage, scallions, coriander leaves, dry toasted chili flakes, pickled white radish, served alongside slices of meat, typically pork or beef. These toppings add fun taste and texture to the dish and can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.

Since there isn't a standard recipe for the beloved Guilin Rice Noodles, the taste varies in every shop. This makes it an adventure of its own, hopping from shop to shop to find one most appealing to your taste buds!

Guilin Rice Noodles is undoubtedly the best food in Guilin

Guilin Rice Noodles ingredients

How to Make Guilin Rice Noodles

Making Guilin Rice Noodles at home is a simple process that requires a few basic ingredients. To make the noodles, you will need rice flour, water, and a pinch of salt.

To make the noodles, start by mixing the rice flour, water, and salt together in a bowl until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Next, roll out the dough into a thin sheet using a rolling pin. Cut the sheet into thin strips using a sharp knife or a pasta cutter.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook the noodles for a few minutes until they are tender and then drain them.

To serve, place the noodles in a bowl and add a clear broth and various toppings such as sliced pork, pickled vegetables, peanuts, and chili oil.

How to Eat Guilin Noodles

Look around and you will immediately notice cleaned and chopped fresh and pickled vegetables being displayed buffet-style across a table (usually at one of the less crowded corners) of the shop. Feel free to add whichever toppings you prefer onto your bowl of Guilin noodles, such as pickled beans, green onion, pickled white radish, fried peanuts, and chili paste. Every type of topping contributes a distinctive texture and flavour to the dish, so it is highly recommended that you put in a little (or a lot) of everything!

Guilin noodles are typically prepared in three sizes: small, medium and large (一两；二两；三两) - so be sure to point this out to the server.

Types of Guilin Rice Noodles

There are several variations of Guilin Rice Noodles. Each type is popular and is often the cheapest Guilin street food, priced at only 3 to 4 yuan per bowl. The most popular Guilin noodle version is 卤菜粉 (lu-cai-fen) or the gravy-type noodles. It is prepared using a pork bone broth and topped with thin slices of marinated meat, pickled beans, fried peanuts, oi and scallion. Other versions include the broth-type noodles known as 汤菜粉 (tang-cai-fen) and boiled noodles known as 煮粉 (zhu-fen).

Types of Guilin Rice Noodles

Pickled and fresh vegetables are popular Guilin Rice Noodles toppings

Where to Find Guilin Rice Noodles

Do not worry about not being able to find Guilin Rice Noodles, because it is sold on literally every street in this beautiful town! One of the most famous restaurants is the Chongshan Rice Noodles (崇善米粉). With several branches across Guilin, it has been selling traditional Guilin rice noodles since 1986, and is loved by both locals and foreigners alike.

When visiting Guangxi, do not forget to try Guilin Rice Noodles at Chongshan Rice Noodles

Nutritional Benefits

Guilin Rice Noodles are a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in fat and calories. Rice noodles are a good source of carbohydrates and are gluten-free, making them a great option for people with gluten intolerance.

Guilin Rice Noodles are also a good source of protein and fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The dish is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, iron, and calcium.

Guilin Rice Noodles are a delicious and nutritious dish that is worth trying. This popular Chinese dish is known for its refreshing taste and is a staple food in the Guangxi province. Whether you are looking to try the traditional Guilin Rice Noodles or the Luosifen Rice Noodles, there are many restaurants and street vendors that offer this delicious dish.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try making Guilin Rice Noodles at home using a few basic ingredients. With its nutritional benefits and delicious taste, Guilin Rice Noodles are a great addition to any healthy diet.

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