Guailu Style Street Food (Yunshang Fangzhou)

Guailu Style Street Food is a street-food-style restaurant in the Yunshang Fangzhou complex in the exhibition area of Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province in southwest China. The concept groups together the kinds of Guizhou snacks that are normally eaten standing or walking in the city's night markets and alleys, and offers them in a sit-down setting. The menu includes Guizhou street snacks in general, with grilled tofu being the best-known item named. Grilled tofu is a classic Guiyang snack in which small cubes of tofu are cooked over charcoal until the surface is blistered and the inside is soft, then dressed with chili powder, fermented chili sauce, scallion and herbs. Other typical items in this style include rice noodles, skewers, fried potatoes and cold dishes, and the restaurant is a place to sample several in one visit. The setting in Yunshang Fangzhou, a commercial complex near the exhibition district in the western part of the city, makes it a convenient option for visitors attending trade events or staying in the area, and it gives travellers who do not wish to eat at street stalls a comfortable alternative. The atmosphere is informal and lively, with shared tables, a moderate to high noise level and no dress code. Beverages are tea, soft drinks and beer, with no wine programme. Walk-ins are accepted, and reservations are rarely needed, although arriving before 7PM at peak times is advisable in the evening or during exhibitions. Prices are low, in the budget range, so groups can order a wide selection of small dishes. The format suits those who like to graze and compare, and it is a good way to introduce the bold, sour, spicy and smoky flavours of Guizhou. Visitors should note that street-food-style menus can change and that portion sizes are small, so ordering several dishes per person is normal.