Short answer
Naxi baba, mushroom hotpot, cured pork ribs, rice noodles, rose cakes, and yak yogurt. Eat where locals eat, and be careful with wild mushrooms unless they are cooked by a professional.
The essentials
Naxi baba is a flatbread, grilled or fried, often with spring onion or sweet fillings. Mushroom hotpot is the region's signature, especially in summer and autumn. Cured pork ribs are smoked and braised, and Lijiang rice noodles are a breakfast staple.
For sweets, try rose cakes and yak yogurt. The food section has a full guide to each dish, including where to find the good versions.
Eating well
Eat where the locals eat: small noodle shops, market stalls, and family restaurants. Tourist restaurants on the main squares are convenient but often bland and overpriced. Look for a short menu and a busy room.
Wild mushrooms must be fully cooked; do not buy them raw at the market unless you know what you are doing. If you have allergies, carry a translation card. The mushroom guide explains the varieties and risks.
Related questions
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