Dali Food

Most of the best and charming restaurants in the Xiaguan/Dali area are in the ancient city (Dali Gucheng), where the town is mostly inhabited by ethnic Bai people. The local Bai people still boast some distinguishing characteristics, their Bai cuisine being an important aspect of the culture.

Some famous Bai dishes are earthenware pot fish, the "three cups of tea" and milk fan, a kind of dairy product like cheese. These authentic Bai dishes can be found in Dali Gucheng at the Bailixiang and Jingjing Snack House. The Apricot Flower Restaurant also has Bai food and other Chinese regional food.

But what has really made Dali famous among foreign travelers is the small backpacker cafes, guesthouses and restaurants on Huguo Lu. Also known as "foreigner's street", this street boasts some great restaurants serving a full range of Western, Yunnan, Bai and Chinese dishes. Each of these restaurants have their own distinct features and menu. Some of the most frequented cafes are the Tibetan Cafe, Cafe De Jack, the Old Wooden House and the Sunshine Cafe. Yunnan Cafe, Dali Window and Claire's Cafe are also very popular.

Food is not the only reason people come to the cafes in Dali, the cafes also offer a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, cool music and cold beer. Many places also have comprehensive travel information, ticket booking service and bicycle rental.

Dali Restaurants

In the Old town, western food is widely available and cheap. For a traditional Chinese meal served catering for 4 people along with beer expect to pay 80Y. Western meals average around 25 yuan, including a bottle of the local beer. Brefast prix fixe menus are served everywhere and average around 25 yuan including coffee.

Note: fruit stands and corner stores abound. Try to get a feel for prices before buying if you want to avoid paying exorbitant prices. At the time of writing (Sept 2008), you can buy apples for 1 to 2 yuan/ shijin (a half kilo), a bottle of water for 1.5 yuan and noodles/ dumplings for 4 yuan/ plate.

The Sweet Tooth. On Boai Lu. This cafe specializes in pastries and desserts. Situated on a corner in Old Dali, the cafe is owned and operated by the local hard of hearing. The owner, having studied culinary arts in the United States, produces delicious and high quality desserts, coffee, and milkshakes among other items.

Old Dali Four Seasons Inn This is a great place to meet people and pick up travel tips; the Inn is a major backpacker hangout and everyone discusses their next expedition over breakfast. Unfortunately, this place relocated to near East Gate and no longer provide all-you-can-eat breakfast as today Dec 08, 2008.

September Sichuan food Tel: 0086-872-2670266.

Vegetarian, Beef and Pork DumplingsJust down the road on Ren Min Lu there is a great place for fresh homemade dumplings. Nine dumplings with sauce just made and freshly steamed only cost 3.5 yuan.

Lost Angel Internet Cafe Small and Cozy place in Dali Boai street.Great Breakfast and delicious Westen and Chinese food. Free laptop to get on the internet in each table.If you have enough time,Second level DVD room provide more than hundry DVDs and movies can be select to watch there.