Dai-style food plays a distinctive role in many Yunnan dishes, and the Dai food in Xishuangbanna is arguably the most typical, and the finest of its type.   Dai food is especially popular with western tastebuds and glutinous rice, sweet flavors, roast meat and an abundance of exotic fruit are the main ingredients. Wild plants are generally used as spice.

There are some great places to eat in Jinhong especially, and as this is where you will most likely be based, it is worth hunting out a few of the best spots. The Mei Mei Cafe on Manting Lu is popular with backpackers and foreigners. There is a good English menu here and the staff are friendly and helpful. A similar place is the Forest Cafe on the corner of Jingde Lu. These places are also great for picking up invaluable bits of information about trekking and walking in the area. Guides tend to advertise around here and are generally very reliable and honest. Check with staff for the most up to date information about the best treks etc.