Heritage of Yunnan
A journey through time, taste, and tradition
In the southwestern highlands of China, where ancient trade routes converge and twenty-five ethnic minorities call home, lies the culinary soul of our story.
Chapter One
The Ancient Crossroads
"In the beginning, there were the mountains..."
Long before the Silk Road became legend, Yunnan served as the crossroads of Asia. Here, in valleys shrouded by perpetual mist, twenty-five distinct ethnic groups developed their own culinary languages—each dish a dialect, each flavor a story passed down through generations.
The Bai people perfected the art of fermented dairy. The Dai mastered tropical herbs. The Yi elevated wild mushrooms to poetry. Together, they created a symphony of tastes that would define a province and, eventually, inspire a dream that would cross oceans.
This is where our story begins—not in a restaurant, but in the soul of a homeland.
Chapter Two
The Great Journey
"Homesickness became the catalyst for creation..."
Li Wei arrived in New York in 2015 with nothing but a suitcase and an NYU acceptance letter. Like countless students before him, he discovered that the deepest longing wasn't for familiar faces or familiar places—it was for familiar flavors.
In a cramped Greenwich Village studio, he began recreating the tastes of home. Night after night, he simmered bones on a hot plate, filling the building with aromas that transported him across continents. Neighbors began knocking, drawn by scents they couldn't name but somehow recognized as comfort.
What started as survival became purpose. What began as longing became legacy.
In 2018, the first South of the Clouds opened its doors, not just as a restaurant, but as a bridge between worlds.
Our Sacred Promise
"We are not merely serving food—we are preserving memory, honoring tradition, and creating new stories that bridge the ancient wisdom of Yunnan with the vibrant energy of New York."
Every dish carries the weight of history and the promise of authenticity.
Every ingredient is sourced with respect for its origin and purpose.
Every meal is an invitation to experience culture, not just consume cuisine.
Chapter Three
Today & Tomorrow
From a single dream in Greenwich Village to three celebrated locations across New York and New Jersey, our story continues to unfold.
Greenwich Village
Where it all began—our intimate flagship location preserves the soul of our founding vision.
Jersey City
Our waterfront sanctuary offers breathtaking views alongside timeless flavors.
Manhattan Upper West Side
Our newest chapter brings refined elegance to Manhattan's cultural heartland.
The Artisans
Behind every exceptional dish stands a master craftsperson, each bringing their own story and expertise to our collective vision.
Liheng Geng
Founder of South of the Clouds, dedicated to bringing authentic Yunnan flavors to the world.
Recognition
Our commitment to authenticity and excellence has earned recognition from culinary institutions and beloved guests alike.
James Beard Nominee
Outstanding Restaurant, 2023 • Best Chef NYC, 2022
Michelin Recognition
Bib Gourmand, 2022-2025 • Recommended by Michelin Guide
Media Acclaim
NY Times 3 Stars • Eater NY Essential • Time Out Best
Community Choice
OpenTable Diners' Choice • Yelp Elite Recognition
The Story Continues
What began as one student's homesickness has grown into a cultural bridge connecting two worlds. But this is not an ending—it is a beginning.
We continue to honor the past while embracing the future, preserving traditions while creating new memories, serving not just meals but moments that matter.
Every guest who walks through our doors becomes part of our story.