Eating well is not a problem in Kunming. Try regional specialties in the city's restaurants and among the numerous roadside stalls. The city's temperate weather makes for great outdoor dining, so hit the street, load up on the city's best-known dishes, and dig in. Don't miss these local treats:

Yunnan rice noodles (Guoqiao mixian) 

Literally called "crossing-the-bridge rice noodles," this dish consists of a bowl of hot oily broth, a dish of thin pork or chicken slices and vegetables with various spices, and an additional bowl of cold rice noodles. Once served, diners pour all the components into the steaming broth, cooking the ingredients instantly. You can find this tasty make-your-own dish at Jixin Yunnan Flavor Restaurant, Mengzi Guoqiao Mixian or the Guoqiaodu Restaurant.

Xuanwei Ham (Xuanwei Huotui) 

Salted and cured, Yunnan ham (also known as yun tui) is famous throughout China. It shows up as an important ingredient in several regional dishes or just eaten alone. To prepare, cooks follow an intricate process of baking, salting, warming, and freezing. The resulting ham can be stored for long periods of time. Around China, Yunnan ham is often served at wedding banquets.

Yunnan Eight Pastries 

The famous Yunnan Eight Pastries (dian bajian) are made with several different local fillings - salty Xuanwei ham, seasoned chicken, sweet fruit or sesame seeds. Wrapped up in a decorative box, these savory morsels make great gifts.

Muslim Dishes 

Muslim populations first appeared in Yunnan in the 13th century. Today, the minority influences the city through its religion, culture and food. In Kunming, try Muslim noodles (ban mian), fried noodles (suo mian) or road-side lamb kabobs (yangrouchanr).

Snacks 

Mouth-watering snacks can be found in the streets of Kunming well into the night. Check out the food stalls on Shuncheng Jie, Beijing Lu or off Renmin Xi Lu.