This is episode 2 of our Lost Plate Food Tour across Yunnan, China. We started the day off with the most authentic breakfast in the town of XIzhou before making our way to the waters edge of Erhai Lake. After a lunch consisting of the ingridents from the lake we headed farther into Yunnan to a small picturesque village called Shaaxi. In Shaaxi we finished our day off with an epic Yunnanese meal with cheese, ham and more!
Luke Martin explores Yunnan's hidden street food, from Xizhou Baba to Erhai Lake. He experiences indigo tie-dye and enjoys unique local dishes like goat cheese and taro stems in Shaaxi.
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
Embark on a culinary journey through Yunnan, China, with Luke Martin on the Lost Plate Food Tour. Discover the hidden street food village of Xizhou, savoring the unique, lard-rich Xizhou Baba, a five-generation family recipe. Experience the serene beauty of Erhai Lake before indulging in a fresh lakeside lunch. Explore the Bai ethnic community's indigo tie-dye traditions and finally, delight in an extraordinary dinner in Shaaxi, featuring local delicacies like fried goat cheese, triple-cooked taro stems, and stuffed beans.
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China's Hidden Street Food Village: Xizhou & Shaaxi Culinary Tour
This is episode 2 of our Lost Plate Food Tour across Yunnan, China. We started the day off with the most authentic breakfast in the town of XIzhou before making our way to the waters edge of Erhai Lake. After a lunch consisting of the ingridents from the lake we headed farther into Yunnan to a small...
Yunnan Street Food & Culture: Xizhou Baba, Erhai Lake, Shaaxi Delicacies
Embark on a culinary adventure through Yunnan, China, with Luke Martin as he uncovers hidden street food gems. This episode takes you to Xizhou for an authentic breakfast, followed by a lakeside lunch featuring fresh ingredients from Erhai Lake. The journey continues to the charming village of Shaaxi, where a delightful Yunnanese meal awaits, complete with local cheese and ham. Experience the vibrant flavors and local culture that often go unnoticed by tourists.
Attractions in this video: Erhai Lake, Xizhou Baba, Indigo Tie Dye
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-10-26)
This episode of Chopstick Travel takes us on a culinary adventure through Yunnan, China, following the ancient Teahorse Trail. The journey begins in the town of Xizhou, where Luke Martin discovers a hidden gem serving a local specialty called Xizhou Baba. This unique bread, made with a generous amount of lard and various fillings like rose petal jam, pork, and green onions, is cooked in a charcoal oven, resulting in a flaky, crispy texture. The recipe has been passed down for five generations, showcasing a dedication to tradition. After savoring the delicious Baba, the exploration continues to Erhai Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in Yunnan. Despite some commercialization along the shore, the natural beauty and pleasant climate offer a refreshing interlude before lunch.
The culinary journey then moves to Shaaxi, a picturesque village, where an authentic Yunnanese meal awaits. The focus shifts to fresh ingredients, including fish from Erhai Lake, prepared with local seasonings and a hot oil bath for crispy skin. Other dishes include tiny silver fish scrambled with eggs and snails cooked in a Sichuan style with bold flavors. A unique experience unfolds at a Bai ethnic minority community, renowned for its indigo tie-dyeing. Participants get hands-on, creating their own unique patterns on handkerchiefs using natural indigo dye, a process that involves multiple dips and oxidation to achieve the vibrant blue hues. The traditional courtyard setting, adorned with the ladies' ethnic clothing, adds to the cultural immersion.
The final stop is a dinner in Shaaxi, featuring a remarkable array of dishes prepared by all-female chefs. Highlights include crispy fried goat cheese with sugar and salt, a surprisingly delicious combination. Taro stems, which are poisonous if not cooked correctly, undergo a triple cooking process (deep-fried, stir-fried, and steamed) to become creamy and melt-in-your-mouth. A unique dish of local beans stuffed with pork, resembling mini tacos, is also presented. The meal is rounded off with famous Yunnanese ham, salty and flavorful, often enjoyed with the local cheese, creating a dining experience that feels distinct from traditional Chinese cuisine.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
Q: What is Xizhou Baba?
A: It's a local specialty bread popular for breakfast in Xizhou, made with lard, various fillings, and cooked in a charcoal oven for a flaky texture.
Q: What is special about the food in Shaaxi?
A: Shaaxi offers unique dishes like fried goat cheese, triple-cooked taro stems, and beans stuffed with pork, showcasing local ingredients and preparation methods.
Q: What is the indigo tie-dye experience like?
A: It's a hands-on activity with the Bai ethnic group, using natural indigo dye to create unique patterns on fabric, resulting in beautiful blue creations.
Q: What makes Yunnanese ham unique?
A: Yunnanese ham is steamed and known for being very salty and flavorful, often paired with local cheese for a distinct culinary experience.
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