Amid the picturesque landscapes of Yunnan lies a culinary legend that transcends time — Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles. This dish is not only a significant aspect of culinary heritage but also a delightful union of nature’s gifts and cultural warmth. “Yinmi,” which already flourishes with three branches in Dali, stands as the custodian and promoter of this culinary tradition. Now, residents of Hong Kong can experience and savour authentic Yunnan flavours without the need to travel.
The well-established brand “Yinmi,” specialising in traditional Yunnan Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, has officially opened its doors in Hong Kong, brought forth by Gaia Group. With a commitment to “original flavour and health,” it seamlessly blends authentic tastes with a modern dining experience, aiming to craft a bowl of exquisite Yunnan Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles that provides a dual treat for both the eyes and the palate.
“Yinmi” is celebrated for its health-conscious approach and genuine flavours. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients and adheres to traditional techniques, crafting a rich broth from Mengzi, Yunnan, using over ten ingredients, including chicken and pork bones, simmered daily for 16 hours. This process results in a golden broth that is exceptionally flavourful.
“Yinmi” utilises high-quality rice noodles sourced from Yunnan, known for their smooth and chewy texture, perfectly absorbing the broth’s rich flavours. Due to the meticulous daily preparation of the broth, the rice noodles are offered in limited quantities, making each mouthful a rare delight.
The ceremonial nature of Yunnan’s Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles is vividly brought to life at “Yinmi.” The broth is served steaming hot in custom 300°C stone bowls to maintain its temperature. The team host a “Three-Minute Soup Ceremony” to ensure that the
Temperature of each bowl of soup is maintained at the optimal 98°C, enabling the ingredients to be quickly cooked while preserving their tenderness. Diners “cross the bridge” amidst the rising steam, creating not only flavour but also immersing themselves in culture.
The presentation is as exquisite as a work of art — each bowl features nearly twenty classic ingredients, including Yunnan Xuanwei Ham, Crispy Fried Pork, Abalone, Quail Eggs, and Fresh Cordyceps Flowers. Notably, rare fresh wild Golden Ear Fungus are flown in daily from Yunnan, prized for their rich nutritional profile, including polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, and minerals, renowned for their immune-boosting, antioxidant, and lung-soothing properties.
Additionally, fresh Morel Mushrooms and the “King of Mushrooms,” Matsutake, are featured, their unique aromas and rich nutrition further elevating the dining experience while blending luxury with health benefits.
During dining, remember to take the photos first! Whether it’s the visually pleasing presentation or the interactive “crossing the bridge” ceremony, these are highlights worth capturing and can’t be missed by the camera. “Yinmi” not only offers authentic cuisine but also a “shareable story”, which explains its long-standing popularity among diners.
“Yinmi” offers great value for its high-quality dining experience, with rice noodle sets priced between HK$68 and HK$128, allowing everyone to enjoy authentic Yunnan flavours. Alongside the main dishes, a variety of Yunnan specialty dishes are available, providing diners with a comprehensive taste of Yunnan’s culinary offerings.
A must-try is the Health Preservation Yunnan Steamed Clay Pot Chicken, featuring fresh chicken, mushrooms, and Yunnan Xuanwei Ham, slow-cooked in a traditional Yunnan clay pot. During steaming, the steam traverses through a central vent, cooking the chicken without additional water, resulting in a rich and flavorful, clear broth bursting with sweetness.
Another traditional highlight is the Yunnan Wild Mushroom and Chicken Nourishing Hot Pot, showcasing a range of wild mushrooms including Mountain Snow Mushroom, Golden Ear Mushroom, Morel, Black Boletus, Dragon Claw mushroom, and Black-skinned chicken mushroom, all cooked in a secret delicious broth. The rich broth melds perfectly with the sweet, tender mushrooms, with options to add beef, chicken, or rice noodles for a fulfilling main dish.
The Beef Brisket Stew with Mint, prepared in a handmade copper pot from Yunnan, ensures the beef becomes delectably tender while harmonising the refreshing aroma of mint with its rich flavour.
For fans of sour fish soup, the Sour Fish Soup with Wild Fruit in Copper Pot is an essential choice, utilising unique Yunnan spices with specialty Sour Papaya and Tamarillo, both known for their digestive benefits. The fusion of their unique fruit acids with sweet, tender fish creates an incredibly delightful sour flavour.
Completing the original recipe, the Yunnan-style Sweet Ham Bun, filled with sugar and Yunnan Xuanwei Ham, also introduces an exclusive Hong Kong version with the addition of rose, resulting in a rich texture and layered flavours.
The traditional Yunnan-style Marinated Platter combines beef shank, duck gizzards, quail eggs, and tofu puff, each marinated to perfection and bursting with flavour.
Furthermore, the Rice Wine and Rushan Cheese Sweet Thick Soup, made from “Milk Fan” Rushan Cheese and sweet rice wine, delivers a smooth texture with intertwining aromas that are both tangy and sweet, making it an appealing dish.
