Guilin Spicy and Sour Noodle Soup

Guilin Spicy and Sour Noodle Soup is a favorite of bold flavor lovers, with sweet potato noodles in a spicy, tangy broth—one of the most vibrant street foods. To make it, sweet potato noodles are soaked, boiled 3 minutes, then placed in a bowl with pickled bamboo shoots, pickled cowpeas, fried soybeans, peanuts, garlic, cilantro, and red oil broth (made with bean paste, chili flakes, and bone broth). The key is "balanced spicy-sour": pickled veggies add rich tang, red oil brings intense heat, and bone broth softens the intensity—exciting but not overwhelming. Sweet potato noodles are chewier than rice noodles, holding onto the broth; each bite is spicy, sour, and addictive—you sweat but can't stop. At Guilin night markets, long lines form at stalls; chefs skillfully add seasonings and ladle broth, their aroma drawing crowds. A hot bowl paired with iced soy milk is a summer night joy for locals. Foreigners may be startled by the spiciness but will love the bold taste, finding it like a "Chinese spicy sweet potato noodle soup" full of lively street food energy.