Foreign influences in Yunnan

Yunnan borders Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam and is relatively isolated from the rest of China, so the cuisine reflects many influences from the surrounding countries. This province is home to the Miao, Bai, Sami, Yi and Dai hill tribes, all of whom have their own typical methods and ingredients for favourite dishes. Rice, sugar cane, pineapples and bananas are cultivated in Yunnan province and figure prominently in the cooking.