What Food To Try in Kunming and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Kunming for 2024.
National currency: Yuan Renminbi, symbol — ¥ (international currency code CNY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Kunming cafes and restaurants
$2.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.66
$27.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $27.65
$5.5
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.84
What to Try in Kunming
Must-try Dishes
Rice Noodles - 米线 (mǐ xiàn) - Silky rice noodles served in a savory broth with beef or chicken, topped with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts. Breakfast favorite, often enjoyed at bustling street stalls for a quick energizing start.Spicy Grilled Fish - 烤鱼 (kǎo yú) - Whole fish seasoned with an array of spices and grilled to perfection, often served on skewers with a spicy chili sauce. Street vendors serve it up after dusk, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends.
Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles - 过桥米线 (guò qiáo mǐ xiàn) - A hearty bowl of noodles with slices of raw meat, vegetables, and a rich broth poured over at the table for dramatic effect. A popular lunch dish, often enjoyed in casual dining spots with friends and family.
Mushroom Hotpot - 蘑菇火锅 (mó gū huǒ guō) - A communal pot filled with fresh, locally sourced mushrooms, vegetables, and tofu simmered at the table. This is a cool-weather favorite for dinner gatherings, perfect for sharing stories with friends.
Black Chicken Soup - 乌鸡汤 (wū jī tāng) - Stewed black chicken with herbs and spices, known for its rich flavor and health benefits. This nourishing dish is enjoyed during family meals, especially in colder months, often seen as a comfort food.
Sticky Rice with Persimmon - 柿子粽子 (shì zi zòng zi) - A seasonal delicacy made with glutinous rice wrapped around sweet persimmon, creating an unexpected yet delightful combination. Typically savored during the harvest festival, this dish offers a taste of local traditions.
Dai Style Grilled Pork - 傣味烤肉 (dǎi wèi kǎo ròu) - Tender marinated pork skewers grilled over smoky coals, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors. You'll find this dish served at night markets, often paired with a tangy dipping sauce, and it's a favorite of those who love bold flavors.
Desserts & Drinks
Pu'er Tea - 普洱茶 (fermented tea) - This unique tea is made from aged fermented leaves, offering an earthy flavor that deepens over the years. Locals brew it in a small teapot, often sharing it multiple times throughout the day, particularly during gatherings with family or friends.Banana Milk - 香蕉牛奶 (creamy banana drink) - A delightful mix of fresh bananas and milk, blended until smooth, topped with a sprinkle of sugar. It’s a go-to refreshment on hot afternoons, especially popular among students after school.
Jiu Niang - 酒酿 (sweet fermented rice wine) - This non-alcoholic beverage is made from glutinous rice, fermented to create a naturally sweet, slightly tangy drink. Commonly enjoyed during festivals, especially in the spring, locals love to sip it warm, often with a side of glutinous rice balls to complement the taste.
Mango Sticky Rice Cake - 芒果糯米蛋糕 (sweet dessert) - A soft cake made with sticky rice and infused with fragrant mango puree, creating a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with fresh mango slices. It's a popular light dessert during summer gatherings and is often served at family celebrations.
Ice Jelly - 冰粉 (chilled dessert) - This refreshing, slightly chewy dessert made from konjac jelly is served with a drizzle of syrup and topped with seasonal fruits or nuts. It’s especially enjoyed during the hot season, with locals slurping it up as a cool treat in the bustling night markets.
Food and Groceries in Kunming
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.49 |
| Bananas | $1.04 |
| Oranges | $1.35 |
| Potatoes | $0.37 |
| Apples | $1.45 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.62 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.69 |
| Imported Beer | $1.56 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.06 |
| Milk 1L | $2.35 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $11.58 |
| Chicken | $4.53 |
| Cigarettes | $3.11 |
| Rice | $1.11 |
| Local Cheese | $14.29 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through the bustling streets of Kunming, it’s hard to miss how locals casually stroll into food stalls at around 12:30 PM sharp. Lunchtime in this city buzzes with energy as families, students, and workers gather to enjoy their meals, typically seated on low stools and sharing a vibrant assortment of dishes. Typical lunch prices range from 25 to 50 CNY per person, depending on whether you opt for a hearty rice noodle soup or some delicious stir-fried vegetables with rice.
Dining in Kunming often revolves around the rhythm of communal eating, with breakfast starting around 7 AM, where you might find a blissfully steaming bowl of "mi xian" (rice noodles) or a hearty "jiaozi" (dumplings). Dinner tends to kick off later, around 6 PM to 8 PM, particularly on weekends when families often gather for a leisurely meal. You can expect a notable influx of diners around 7 PM, and securing a table at some popular spots can feel like a challenge. If you want a spot without waiting, aim to dine a bit earlier or later.
Local payment customs are refreshingly straightforward; cash is still a common method here, but apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay have made transactions relatively seamless. However, it’s worth noting that not all smaller eateries might accept card payments, so having a mix of both is wise. Unlike in some western countries, tipping isn’t customary here—leaving your change behind might confuse the staff.
Oh, and before I forget, one common tourist mistake is assuming every meal is served all day. Many traditional dishes are “time-sensitive,” with breakfast foods not available after 10 AM. It’s a good idea to plan your meals around what’s available at different hours.
Although you might find fussier dining options in places like the vibrant Guandu district, where prices can soar to 100 CNY or more for a meal, the real essence of Kunming’s culinary landscape genuinely shines in its street food and local joints. Seasonal variations do happen, especially with the availability of fresh ingredients and local produce, often causing prices to fluctuate—expect to pay a bit more during the spring when everything is in bloom.
As we head into the colder months, you’ll see a shift in local dining habits toward hot pot and richer, warm dishes, reflecting a natural adaptation to the cooler climate. Keeping an eye on local dining trends can help you navigate both flavors and prices effectively, making every meal an adventure in this vibrant city.
Dining in Kunming often revolves around the rhythm of communal eating, with breakfast starting around 7 AM, where you might find a blissfully steaming bowl of "mi xian" (rice noodles) or a hearty "jiaozi" (dumplings). Dinner tends to kick off later, around 6 PM to 8 PM, particularly on weekends when families often gather for a leisurely meal. You can expect a notable influx of diners around 7 PM, and securing a table at some popular spots can feel like a challenge. If you want a spot without waiting, aim to dine a bit earlier or later.
Local payment customs are refreshingly straightforward; cash is still a common method here, but apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay have made transactions relatively seamless. However, it’s worth noting that not all smaller eateries might accept card payments, so having a mix of both is wise. Unlike in some western countries, tipping isn’t customary here—leaving your change behind might confuse the staff.
Oh, and before I forget, one common tourist mistake is assuming every meal is served all day. Many traditional dishes are “time-sensitive,” with breakfast foods not available after 10 AM. It’s a good idea to plan your meals around what’s available at different hours.
Although you might find fussier dining options in places like the vibrant Guandu district, where prices can soar to 100 CNY or more for a meal, the real essence of Kunming’s culinary landscape genuinely shines in its street food and local joints. Seasonal variations do happen, especially with the availability of fresh ingredients and local produce, often causing prices to fluctuate—expect to pay a bit more during the spring when everything is in bloom.
As we head into the colder months, you’ll see a shift in local dining habits toward hot pot and richer, warm dishes, reflecting a natural adaptation to the cooler climate. Keeping an eye on local dining trends can help you navigate both flavors and prices effectively, making every meal an adventure in this vibrant city.