Fried Bamboo Insects in Yunnan

Fried bamboo insects, known as Zhuyong (竹虫) or Bamboo Worms, are a unique delicacy enjoyed by the people of Yunnan. From mid-September to the end of October, it is the prime season for catching bamboo worms in Yunnan. In Ximeng Wa Autonomous County (西盟佤族自治县), located in Pu’er City (普洱市), ethnic minorities use machetes to cut open bamboo segments to find these edible insects. Fried bamboo worms are a favorite dish among the local Lahu (拉祜族), Wa (佤族), and Dai (傣族) communities, offering a crispy and fragrant flavor.

Cultural Significance

As the saying goes:

云南十八怪 (Yunnan Eighteen Oddities)

“Three mosquitoes on a plate, grasshoppers can be a side dish.”

The insects living in Yunnan are diverse and abundant, making insect-eating a “bold and wild” dietary habit among the people of Yunnan.

Today, let’s explore the insect banquet, where various insects come together!

![Fried Bamboo Worms](image-source: Pu’er Release)

What Are Bamboo Worms?

Bamboo worms, also referred to as Bamboo Grubs, are the larvae of bamboo weevils, primarily found in the dense bamboo forests of Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), Dehong (德宏), and Pu’er (普洱) in Yunnan. These insects originally parasitize bamboo, feeding on tender bamboo shoots. The adventurous eaters of Yunnan have transformed these pests into a delicious fried food, and due to their taste, they have become quite a rare delicacy.

![Bamboo Worms](image-source: Yunnan Net)

To prepare fried bamboo worms, the worms are rinsed clean in a bowl, drained, and then added to hot oil. After frying until golden, they are taken out, plated, and sprinkled with salt, chili powder, and Sichuan pepper powder. This fragrant and crispy dish is an essential offering at insect banquets.

A Taste of Yunnan

Dare to believe this description of Yunnan:

“What moves is all meat; what is green is all vegetables!”

The rich array of mountain delicacies distinguishes Yunnan from coastal regions. In the past, animals such as deer, pangolins, pythons, bear paws, doves, and wild chickens were abundant in Yunnan. Today, with wildlife consumption prohibited, the local “wild delicacies” have evolved to include insects.

In Yunnan, you can find various insects such as:

  • Grasshoppers (蚂蚱)
  • Bamboo worms (竹虫)
  • Bee larvae (蜂蛹)
  • Water dragonflies (水蜻蜓)
  • Firewood worms (柴虫)
  • Spiders (蜘蛛)
  • Centipedes (蜈蚣)
  • Flying ants (飞蚂蚁)
  • Cicadas (知了)
  • Cicada larvae (蝉蛹)

Among these, bamboo worms and bee larvae are considered the best in terms of flavor and texture; they are my favorites! Other insects do not match their aroma, taste, cleanliness, or nutritional value.

Fried bamboo worms are the most common way to enjoy them. They are fragrant and crunchy, perfect for pairing with drinks. At a festive gathering, they often replace peanuts as the first essential snack!

The plate of fried bamboo worms I had last week at Daiwang Farmhouse (傣旺农家) in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) was deliciously fragrant and crispy, with a delightful sweet taste! I hadn’t tasted such excellent bamboo worms in a long time. In Kunming (昆明), most restaurants serve frozen bamboo worms, which lose their flavor and sweetness when fried. According to Ye Huizhang (叶会长) from Xishuangbanna, this dish is fresh!

The next day, I unexpectedly tried a plate of cold bamboo worms on Guangbie Tea Mountain (广别老寨茶山) in Menghai County (勐海县). After blanching, they were mixed with shredded ginger, bamboo shoots, and cilantro before being served. The astonishing taste, with its freshness and explosion of flavors, amazed me! This is what true gourmet food is!

Not only is the nutritional value retained through frying, but it also preserves the protein, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, making it a truly eco-friendly delicacy.

Versatile Bamboo Worms

Ye Huizhang shared that bamboo worms have many other cooking methods in Xishuangbanna:

  • They can be used in soups.
  • They can be steamed.
  • They can be pounded.
  • They can be stir-fried.
  • They can be braised.
  • They can be eaten raw.
  • They can be used as garnishes for noodles or snacks.

The people of Xishuangbanna, you are amazing! A small insect can be transformed into so many delightful dishes by your hands. Next time I visit Xishuangbanna, I want to try all the different preparations!

Fried bamboo insects are not just a dish but a representation of Yunnan’s rich culinary culture and adventurous spirit. Their unique flavors and various cooking methods showcase the creativity and diversity of local cuisine. So, whether you’re a seasoned insect-eater or trying it for the first time, fried bamboo worms are a must-try when you visit Yunnan!