PuR'aisin Pairs Natural Wines With Yunnan Food

PuR’aisin is a wine bar in Changning serving Yunnan bites alongside natural and organic wines. It’s from the same people behind Purus, also a wine bar that serves Chinese bites.

The Space

I’m going to assume the name “PuR’aisin” is borrowed from a series of natural wines by producer Domaine Einhart; otherwise in French, “raisin pur” means pure grape. It’s nerdy, which is expected of most natural wine folks.

It’s located on the ground floor of a mixed use building on Xuanhua Lu. You’d think the wide road would be busy and noisy, but from where PuR’aisin is perched, it’s quiet and rather private.

The Food

Their Yunnan-native chef has repackaged a number of classic Yunnan dishes into bite-sized snacks to pair with wine and comforting bowls like goose fat rice. It’s easy-going, tasty, and inexpensive. I wouldn't say it's a dinner place, but they do have larger plates and dishes like whole roasted fish for that purpose. It's more of a "wine with bites" spot that's great for hanging out. Plus, the space is dog-friendly, both in and out.

Fried Tofu (¥28, 云南建水包浆豆腐) – Little puffs of tofu, fried and served with a peppery spice mix to dip. They’re pretty dense, but still light. A good drinking snack.

Sticky Rice Blood Sausage (¥38, 保山糯米血肠配辣椒面) – Exactly what it sounds like, a blood sausage made with sticky rice, spiced, sliced, and fried. Served with the same dry spice to dip. I’m a sucker for these things.Delicious.

Fried Rice Noodles (¥58, 腾冲大救驾) – Rice-flour dough cut into triangles and stir-fried with tomato, vegetables, egg, and scallions. Tasty, filling, and comforting. The Chinese name for this roughly translates to "rescuing the emperor," and there is a backstory, but Google that for yourself.

Goose Fat Rice (¥48, 鹅油拌饭) – I’d eat this any day. A petit portion of goose fat rice with pickles, shredded fried mushrooms, and salted pork. Flavorful with lots of fun textures.

Dried Beef with Mint (¥88, 原味牛干巴) – It’s essentially beef jerky fried with mint. The more you chew, the tastier it becomes.

Hand-Shredded Lemon Chicken (¥48, 柠檬手撕鸡) – Zesty and spicy chicken with fresh mint, served cold.

Pepper Fried Termite Mushrooms (¥48, 烧椒鸡枞菌) – Delicious mushrooms fried with chilies, peppers, and carrots.

Rubing with Pineapple & Bacon (¥68, 烟熏培根乳饼卷) – Yunnan’s famed goat milk cheese wrapped in caramelized smoked bacon with pineapple. It’s juicy, savory, and sweet, all in one bite.

I don't know much about wine, and even less about the natural stuff. Thankfully, they have staff on hand who are keen to recommend. Otherwise, wines by the glass range from ¥69 to ¥119, bottles from ¥300. It’s very accessible, just like the food.

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PuR'aisin
Click here for the venue listing