Welcome to
South of the Clouds
Authentic Yunnan Cuisine
Experience the pinnacle of Yunnan cuisine, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary elegance in the heart of New York.
Our Heritage
South of the Clouds was born from a deep longing for home.
Its Yunnan-born founder, a graduate of New York University, spent many years in the United States yet never forgot the distinctive tastes and comforting warmth of Yunnan cuisine. Driven by nostalgia, he began experimenting in his small kitchen—developing and perfecting recipes that could capture the soul of the dishes he grew up with, each bowl carrying the memories of his homeland.
With passion and determination, he opened a small restaurant near NYU and named it South of the Clouds—a poetic tribute to Yunnan, known as “the land of southern clouds.” What began as a humble spot to share a taste of home with students and neighbors soon became a gathering place for anyone seeking authenticity and comfort.
Over time, South of the Clouds grew from a cozy campus eatery into a beloved culinary destination. From fragrant rice noodles to flavorful local snacks, every dish invites diners to experience the beauty, nature, and culture of Yunnan. Through careful cooking and respect for tradition, the brand continues to preserve the authentic flavors that define Yunnan cuisine—so that every guest can truly taste its spirit.
Our Philosophy
"To honor the authentic flavors and cultural heritage of Yunnan through meticulous craftsmanship — creating experiences where tradition and innovation meet in perfect harmony."
Special Soup Craftsmanship
The Art of Broth-Making
We take pride in the quality of our broth. Each day, we carefully prepare our soup base using pork leg bones, pork spine, beef bones, mature chicken, and chicken frames, simmered slowly for over eight hours. During this long cooking process, proteins, amino acids, peptides, lipids, vitamins, and minerals are gradually released and dissolved into the broth in small, water-soluble forms, making them easier for the body to digest and absorb.
This dedication ensures not only rich flavor and nourishment but also reflects our belief that every bowl of soup should carry warmth, patience, and the spirit of Yunnan cuisine.
Curated Selections
A thoughtful collection of our signature dishes, each embodying the artistry and authentic spirit of Yunnan cuisine.
Signature Yunnan Crossing Bridge
Slow-simmered chicken broth, paired with black-bone chicken and premium ingredients.
Little Pot Rice Noodle Soup
Served in a traditional Yunnan copper pot with chicken broth simmered 4–8 hours.
Steamed Pot Chicken Soup
Farm-fresh free-range chicken, steamed using traditional Yunnan clay pot technique.
Fried Milk Roll
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, made from sweet milk custard.
Our Locations
Three carefully curated spaces across New York and New Jersey, each designed to transport you to the heart of Yunnan.
Cultural Legacy
Every dish carries the weight of history, the wisdom of generations, and the promise of authentic cultural exchange.
Mountain Heritage
Born in the misty highlands of Yunnan, our culinary traditions embody the land’s rich diversity — shaped by its many ethnic cultures and nourished by the abundance of southwestern China.
Artisanal Mastery
Every technique we practice carries centuries of refinement, passed with care from master to apprentice. Through this lineage, we preserve the authentic essence of Yunnan cuisine — craftsmanship grounded in patience, precision, and respect.
Cultural Bridge
As ambassadors of Yunnan culture, we strive to build connections that transcend borders — uniting East and West through the shared language of thoughtful, exceptional food.