South Silk Road

China is an immense country that is home to 56 ethnic groups, most of which have little in common with the Han majority.

If you’re curious about minority cuisine, consider a meal at this trendy restaurant, which showcases food from Yunnan, China’s southernmost province bordering Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. South Silk Road, located in a contemporary loft-like space with a glass floor (women be warned – wear trousers), is owned by artist Fang Lijun, whose artwork graces the walls.

This is the place that made ethnic eating really chic. Typical (and delicious) Yunnan specialities include smoked ham, wild mushrooms, sausages with cayenne pepper and Sichuan peppercorn, dai-style inflated beef skin, fried goat’s cheese, the ubiquitous cross-the-bridge noodles, niugan mushrooms, and crispy potatoes. A tasty homemade rice wine is the perfect accompaniment to a meal here.