If you’re searching for the best Yunnan restaurant in Beijing, look no further than Yun Er Xiao Zhen (云洱小镇). Known for its bright, vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients, Yunnan cuisine offers a dining experience that’s unlike anything else in Beijing. Beloved by locals, expats and visitors alike, Yun Er Xiao Zhen stands out for its authentic dishes and charming rooftop setting that transports you straight to China’s tropical southwest.
Why Yunnan Cuisine?
Yunnan Province – often called the Land of Eternal Spring – borders Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. It is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and that biodiversity shines through in its cuisine. With more than 19,000 plant species and over 4,000 types of mushrooms, Yunnan food is packed with fresh herbs, bold spices and unique ingredients you won’t find in other Chinese regional cuisines.
Dining at the best Yunnan restaurant in Beijing is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure filled with vibrant flavors, unexpected textures and unforgettable dishes.
What to Eat at Yun Er Xiao Zhen – The Best Yunnan Restaurant in Beijing
When you visit Yun Er Xiao Zhen, these are the must-try dishes that showcase the best of Yunnan cuisine:
1. “Mint and Cloud Skins” 薄荷云皮 Bòhe Yúnpí
This is a salad of fresh mint sprigs and delicate tofu skin (skimmed from the top of boiling soy milk) in a fresh chilli and soy dressing.
2. “Golden Milk Cake” 黄金乳饼 Huángjīn Rǔbǐng
During their 13th-century invasion of China, the Mongol army made it all the way down to Yunnan and attacked the Kingdom of Dali. They left behind a tradition of eating goat’s milk cheese that persists to this day. Try it here pan-fried and lightly spiced.
3. Dry-fried Shredded Potatoes 干煸洋芋丝 Gānbiān Yángyù Sī
Shredded potato fried and served with a spicy dipping powder. Save the dressing from your mint salad to use as a dipping sauce.
4. Salt and Pepper Mushrooms 椒盐蘑菇 Jiāoyán Mógū
Shiitake mushrooms (xianggu in Chinese) battered, deep fried, tossed in salt and pepper, and served with a spicy dipping powder.
5. Roasted Tilapia 烤罗非鱼 Kǎo Luófēiyú
A whole fish butterflied, encrusted with spices, roasted and served with a citrus-chilli dipping sauce
6. Grandma’s Potatoes 老奶洋芋 Lǎo Nǎi Yángyù
Mashed potato fried with spices and pickled vegetables
7. Hand-shredded Chicken with Lemon 柠檬手撕鸡 Níngméng Shǒusī Jī
A cold salad of shredded chicken in a citrus dressing
8. Tangyuan Fried with Pickled Vegetables 酸菜炒汤圆 Suāncài Chǎo Tāngyuán
Glutinous rice balls (tangyuan) stuffed with black sesame paste and fried with pickled vegetables
9. Shrimp Fried with Lemon Leaves 柠檬叶炒虾 Níngméngyè Chǎo Xiā
Fried so crispy that even the shrimp heads and lemon leaves are edible
10. “Wrap-Roasted Wild” Mushrooms 包烤野生菌 Bāokǎo Yěshēngjūn
A selection of mushrooms wrapped in a banana leaf and baked
A bonus 11th dish: Téngchōng Dà Jiùjià 腾冲大救驾 “Tengchong Great Rescue”
As the last emperor of the Southern Ming Dynasty was fleeing the pursuit of Qing Dynasty soldiers, he’s said to have stopped late one night, exhausted and starving, at a farmhouse outside the city of Tengchong in Yunnan. The farmer gave the emperor a dish of stir-fried sliced rice noodle with ham, eggs and vegetables, prompting him to declare “these noodles saved my life!”
Where to Find the Best Yunnan Restaurant in Beijing
Yun Er Xiao Zhen (云洱小镇) is centrally located at 84 Beiluogu Xiang (北锣鼓巷84号), halfway between the Lama Temple and the Drum and Bell Towers. It’s about a 10-minute walk east of the Drum Tower or 20 minutes west of the Lama Temple, and is easily accessible from Gulou Dajie, Andingmen, Nanluoguxiang and Shichahai subway stations.
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📍 Address: 84 Beiluogu Xiang 北锣鼓巷84号
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🕐 Hours: 11am until late
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📞 Phone: 010-84042407 (Call ahead for rooftop seating for groups of 5+)
Whether you’re visiting in rooftop season or during Beijing’s colder months, Yun Er Xiao Zhen remains the best Yunnan restaurant in Beijing for an authentic, delicious taste of China’s southwest.
Craving More?
If you’re searching for regional Chinese food in Beijing beyond the usual options, be sure to check out our other food guides on the UnTour blog. From hidden dumpling spots to the city’s best noodle shops, we’ve got you covered.
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