Short answer
Start with Guilin rice noodles for breakfast, then Yangshuo beer fish, river snails, Lipu taro pork, and oil tea. The chilli sauce is a local obsession. Eat where the locals queue.
The essentials
Guilin rice noodles are the city's breakfast staple: rice noodles with braised meat, peanuts, pickles, and a pour of broth. They are cheap, fast, and eaten standing or on low stools. The rice noodle guide explains the ordering ritual.
Yangshuo beer fish is the region's signature dish: river fish braised with beer, tomatoes, and chilli. It is best shared. The beer fish guide covers the types of fish and prices.
Beyond the headlines
River snails are a local snack, usually stir-fried with chilli and herbs. Lipu taro pork is a rich braise of taro and pork belly. Oil tea is a savoury tea drink from the Yao and Dong communities, served with puffed rice.
Sanhua wine, chilli sauce, bamboo rice, and stuffed vegetables round out the table. The food hub has a guide to each dish and where to find it.
How to eat well
Look for busy local restaurants with picture menus or tanks of fish. Avoid the most prominent West Street tourist restaurants, which trade on location. Ask your hotel for a recommendation within walking distance.
The budget guide explains what meals cost. The payments question covers paying at small vendors.
Related questions
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