To begin with, it may be helpful for one to know that the rice noodle in Yunnan can be divided into two categories, namely the Thick Rice Noodle and the Thin Rice Noodle which are respectively called "suān jiānɡ mǐ xiàn or cū mǐ xiàn" and "ɡān jiānɡ mǐ xiàn or xì mǐ xiàn" in Chinese culinary jargon. 

 

The Thick Rice Noodle is soft, slippery, sweet and fragrant while its counterpart (Thin Rice Noodle) appears slim but not so soft or fragrant as the Thick Rice Noodle. In comparison, the Thick Rice Noodle tastes somewhat sour.

 

Most eateries based in Kunming serve rice rolls (juǎn fēn), erhsi rice noodle and flour noodles besides the two kinds of rice noodles mentioned above. Once you decide which kind of noodle for your alien meal, you are required to give your order for the ways preparing it. We recommend rice noodles prepared in four different ways.

 

(1)Cross-bridge Rice Noodle (ɡuò qiáo mǐ xiàn)

Deriving its name from the story of crossing the bridge in Nanhu Lake of Mengzi city in the south of Yunnan, this local dish would be served in a big pot in which the hot soup is prepared beforehand, sliced chicken, fish and pork etc go after, and finally the vegetables and rice noodle.

 

(2)Small-pot Rice Noodle (xiǎo ɡuō mǐ xiàn)

This course of rice noodle derives its name from the copper pot in which it is cooked and sometimes also served. The copper pot is a little larger than normal bowls. When the broth boils, pork, (pickled) vegetables, seasonings and spices will be at first added into the soup, and next comes the noodle that will be prepared in about 10 minutes.  

 

(3)Rice Noodle with Tofu Pudding (dòu huā mǐ xiàn)

Bean-curd (Tofu) is a “treasure” in China because it contains rich proteins. Soy bean milk, Tofu Pudding (dòu huā) and Fermented Tofu etc all get inextricably involved with Tofu. In Kunming (Yunnan), foodies will get delighted by enjoying Rice Noodle with Tofu Pudding. 

 

(4)Marinated Rice Noodle (lǔ mǐ xiàn)

This dish is made from scalded rice noodle, gravy and assorted seasonings. It tastes sweet and normally goes with rice soup (mǐ tānɡ).

 

Where to eat? 
(1)Most eateries in Kunming City Proper serve different kinds of rice noodles; 
(2)Cross-bridge Rice Noodle is most authentic in chain restaurants such as Jian Xin Yuan and The Brothers Jiang etc;
(3)If you are clients of travel services, you can specially ask to arrange rice noodle meals on your itineraries.