Back in Guiyang, I tried a viral street hotpot
This time when I returned to Guiyang, I came across a hotpot place that’s recently blown up online — Bu Yi Mei Jie Street Hotpot (located on Qianling East Road, Yunyan District).
Honestly, I had never even heard of it before. No idea where it suddenly “popped out” from. But since it’s trending, I had to gather some friends and give it a try.
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🌶️ Not even seated yet… and already “woken up” by the spice
As soon as we walked in, they were stir-frying their signature fermented black bean (douchi) hotpot base on the spot. Big iron wok, constant tossing — the aroma hit instantly. But let me be real — it’s the kind of aroma that’s extremely spicy and nose-tingling. I wasn’t even seated yet, and my nose was already protesting.
As a “Guizhou local who can’t really handle spicy food” (yes, I know, ironic), this signature douchi base was genuinely quite spicy for me.
⚠️ If you’re like me and not great with heat, make sure to say in advance:
➤Ask for mild spice
➤Or check if they can reduce the spice level further
Otherwise, that first bite might seriously humble you.
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💰 Set menu style — solid value
We mostly ordered set combos.
The ingredients included:
➤Fresh stir-fried signature douchi
➤Fresh-cut pork chuck
➤Spicy marinated beef slices
➤Freshly fried crispy pork
➤Fried potato cakes
➤Tofu sheets
➤Sweet potato glass noodles
Overall, the meat portions were decent and filling.
The crispy pork was funny — as soon as it hit the table, my friend started eating it straight away, with zero intention of putting it into the hotpot. Of course, you can also toss it into the broth and let it simmer — totally up to you.
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🥔 The fried potato cakes were a small surprise
The potato cakes had decorative stamped patterns on the surface. You can dip them into dry chili powder and eat them on their own.
Not mind-blowing in flavor, but that little detail makes them visually interesting.
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🍃 Atmosphere: lively downstairs, more private upstairs
The restaurant has two floors.
The first floor is more open and lively — great for group dinners. The second floor is divided into smaller rooms, each with a few tables, which feels more private and better for chatting.
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🧂 The self-serve area is a plus
There’s a self-serve station on the first floor.
Vegetables are self-serve — pea shoots and bean sprouts, two absolute must-haves for Guizhou-style hotpot. (I’ve heard only people from Guizhou throw pea shoots into super spicy broth. Not sure if that’s true.)
The dipping sauce station is also well stocked.
My go-to combo:
➤Chopped scallions
➤Houttuynia (fish mint)
➤Cilantro
➤MuJiangZi oil
➤And minced garlic
That’s the true Guizhou soul dipping sauce.
They even post recommended sauce recipes, so out-of-town visitors can follow along without messing it up.
You can also help yourself to:
➤Corn rice
➤Buckwheat rice
➤Kumquats
➤Desserts
Quite a generous spread overall.
📖 Final thoughts
✔ Strong aroma
✔ On the spicy side (definitely say something if you can’t handle heat)
✔ Good value set menus
✔ Self-serve section is a bonus
✔ Great for gatherings with friends
It’s not a refined, high-end style of hotpot. But it’s full of street vibes and atmosphere.
If you’re heading back to Guiyang and want to try one of the currently trending street hotpots, it’s worth checking out.
Just make sure you can handle the spice.
Otherwise…
you might end up like me —
eating while tearing up. 😭🔥
#guiyang #chinafood #chinesefoodie #chinaadventures #chinafoodie
My recent trip back to Guiyang wasn't just about revisiting old haunts; it was a deep dive into the city's vibrant culinary scene, especially after trying that viral street hotpot. While that experience was unforgettable, it also reminded me how much more there is to explore when it comes to Guiyang food. One thing I quickly learned is that hotpot in Guiyang is more than just a meal; it's a social event. And managing the spice level is an art! For fellow spice-sensitive foodies, always ask for 'wei la' (mild spice) or even 'wei wei la' (very mild spice) when you order. Don't be afraid to specify, because 'mild' by Guiyang standards can still pack a punch! I found the best way to counteract the heat was to dunk my ingredients into a generous bowl of dipping sauce. The self-serve dipping sauce station at the hotpot place was a revelation; you can truly customize your own flavor bomb. My go-to mix always includes a hefty spoonful of minced garlic, fresh chopped scallions, a touch of cilantro, and a drizzle of MuJiangZi oil. Seriously, this combination is pure Guizhou soul! The availability of various chili pastes and oils also means you can experiment to find your perfect balance. Beyond the main hotpot, I loved how they offered different rice options like corn rice and buckwheat rice – a refreshing change from plain white rice and a great way to soak up the delicious, spicy broth. And those little sweet kumquats? They were an unexpected highlight, acting as the perfect palate cleanser after a fiery bite. Don't overlook the side dishes either; those fried potato cakes, while simple, were a delightful textural contrast, especially when dipped in a bit of dry chili powder. And always, always ensure you load up on green vegetables and bean sprouts; they not only add freshness but also help cut through the richness of the meat. But Guiyang food isn't just about hotpot. If you're exploring the city, you absolutely have to try some of its other iconic dishes. For breakfast, a bowl of 'Chang Wang Mian' (intestine and blood curd noodles) is a must – it sounds adventurous, but it's incredibly flavorful and comforting. Or, for something lighter, 'Si Wa Wa' (silk doll, a type of spring roll where you wrap various shredded vegetables in a thin rice pancake) is a refreshing and interactive meal, often served with a sour and spicy dipping sauce. Another personal favorite is 'Liang Fen' (cold jelly noodles), especially during the warmer months. It's usually served with a mix of chili oil, vinegar, and peanuts, offering a truly unique taste sensation that's both cooling and zesty. Exploring Guiyang's culinary landscape is an adventure in itself. Don't just stick to the trending spots; venture into local markets and smaller eateries. The smells of various spices and chili flakes wafting from street stalls are intoxicating. Keep an open mind, embrace the spice, and you'll discover a world of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. It's a city where every meal tells a story, and every dish is bursting with character.
