First Impressions: Southern Barbarian's Authentic Yunnan Cuisine

Yunnan food has been trendy in Beijing for a while now, but the cuisine is so delectable, I doubt the market is even close to being saturated. Southern Barbarian in Baochao Hutong is the latest arrival and it's already causing a stir.

The restaurant, a five-minute walk up the hutong from Gulou Dongdajie, celebrated its official opening with a party last night that also included a photography exhibition.

Like Lost Heaven, which arrived earlier this year, Southern Barbarian started in Shanghai. However, Southern Barbarian's hutong location should appeal to a different crowd. The two also have different approaches to their food. Lost Heaven is fancier, while Southern Barbarian sticks to authentic roots.

The Yunnan cheese is a must. You can choose from salt and pepper fried goat cheese (RMB 30), ham and goat cheese (RMB 45) and cheese fritters (RMB 40). Of course, Yunnan's also known for its mushrooms, and you've got several options at Southern Barbarian, ranging in price from RMB 45 to RMB 88.

One of the hardest choices you make there will be choosing between a potato-shred pancake (RMB 28), which is a hash brown with Chinese characteristics, and potato balls (RMB 28). I recommend the balls, or, if you're eating with friends who can pack away the carbs, get both of them.

The menu's pretty extensive, and everything we've tried so far has been good. They also serve Yunnan barbecue, mushroom hot pot and the standard cross-bridge rice noodles.

Southern Barbarian is also known for its wide array of beers. I counted an impressive 75 options on the menu.

We'll be heading back for more soon, so keep an eye out for a review in an upcoming issue of the Beijinger.

Southern Barbarian. Daily 11am-11pm. 107 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng District (8408 3372)
东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同107号