Dried fish is a unique food in Yunnan and one of the favorite snacks of Kunming people. Dried fish is made in a unique way. First, the fish is eviscerated and washed, then cut into fillets and dried. When eating, it is usually cut into small pieces and cooked with seasonings. The taste is fresh, tender, fragrant and delicious. Dried fish has become a part of Kunming's food culture, bringing people a unique taste enjoyment.

Kunming people have a soft spot for dried fish, and the legend about dried fish may be proof. According to legend, a bandit tried to capture Kunming, but the defenders of Kunming bravely defended against the bandits' attack. In order to break through the city defense, bandits caught fish and found that it would not rot after drying, and then shared it with hungry soldiers, so soldiers regarded dried fish as a delicious food to relieve hunger.

The technique of making dried fish needs long-term research and meticulous carving to achieve the best taste and nutritional value. Dried fish is often used in barbecue, steaming, cooking and other different ways to enrich people's dining tables, and is also widely used in various catering occasions. It is one of the representatives of Yunnan chefs' cooking. The popularity of dried fish also provides more innovative space for Yunnan chefs' cooking.