I’m Emma, a foreign food blogger living in China. Ever since arriving in this culinary paradise, I’ve been engrossed in exploring China’s street snacks and upscale restaurants, delving into a variety of flavors from traditional to modern. In this article, I’ll take you through the culinary delights of Chengdu, from Sichuan hot pot to the delicate Tianshui noodles, each dish with its own unique story and flavor profile.

Summary

Must-Try Traditional Chengdu Cuisine

Sichuan Hot Pot

Sichuan hot pot with vibrant red chili peppers and numbing peppercorns
  • Introduction: Chengdu’s Sichuan hot pot is celebrated for its balance of spicy, numbing, fresh, and fragrant flavors. The bubbling red oil and aromatic steam invite a sensory feast as ingredients dance in the broth, creating a symphony of flavors through expert seasoning and cooking techniques. Irresistible to locals and tourists alike, this hot pot offers a unique taste experience.
  • Chinese Name: 四川火锅
  • Pinyin: Si Chuan Huo Guo
  • Main Ingredients: Beef, lamb, pork, duck, fish slices, shrimp, vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms.
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Cao Jia Alley Old Hot Pot – Old Brand (Cao Jia Alley Store)
    • Address: 23 Fu 8, Cao Jia Alley, Jinniu District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM
    • Average Price: 85 RMB
  • Cui Niang Niang Old Hot Pot (Chunxi Road Store)
    • Address: 15 Fu 1, Yongxing Alley, Jinjiang District, Chengdu (next to Panda Post Office, 50 meters away)
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
    • Average Price: 91 RMB
  • Lao Luo’s Second Hot Pot (Xinhua Community North Area Store)
    • Address: 77 Xinhong South Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Average Price: 78 RMB
  • Zeng Si Xi Community Hot Pot (Haijiao City Store)
  • Tianxing Zhengyuan Hot Pot (High-tech Zone Store)
    • Address: 288 Huijin Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
    • Average Price: 91 RMB

Mapo Tofu

Spicy and flavorful Mapo Tofu in a clay pot
  • Introduction: Mapo Tofu is renowned both domestically and internationally, combining the flavors of freshness, tenderness, and spiciness. It’s so tender that even the toothless can enjoy it, appealing to a wide range of diners.
  • Chinese Name: 麻婆豆腐
  • Pinyin: Ma Po Dou Fu
  • Main Ingredients: Tofu, ground beef, and doubanjiang (broad bean chili paste).
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Chen Mapo Tofu (Flagship Store)
    • Address: 10-12 Fu 10, Qinghua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00-21:00
    • Average Price: 56 RMB

Dan Dan Noodles

Traditional Dan Dan noodles with minced pork and chili oil
  • Introduction: Dan Dan Noodles, one of the “Top Ten Sichuan Dishes,” were traditionally sold by vendors carrying a dan (a type of carrying pole). The noodles are known for their thin, elastic texture and richly flavored sauce, offering an aromatic and enticing taste with each bite.
  • Chinese Name: 担担面
  • Pinyin: Dan Dan Mian
  • Main Ingredients: Noodles, ground pork, sesame paste, and peanuts.
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Shu San Xun Chicken Soup Covered Noodles (Chunxi Road Store)
    • Address: 8 Fu 2, Cihui Tang Street, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-22:00
    • Average Price: 15 RMB

Fu Qi Fei Pian

Spicy Sichuan Fu Qi Fei Pian
  • Introduction: Named not after its ingredients but its creators, this dish features thinly sliced beef offal seasoned with a piquant mixture of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns, delivering an explosion of flavors in every bite.
  • Chinese Name: 夫妻肺片
  • Pinyin: Fu Qi Fei Pian
  • Main Ingredients: Beef tongue, heart, tripe, and meat.
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Fu Qi Fei Pian
    • Address: 23/25 Zongfu Street, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-21:00
    • Average Price: 65 RMB

Long Chao Shou (Dragon Wontons)

Chengdu style Dragon Wontons in spicy sauce
  • Introduction: A famed snack in Chengdu with over 70 years of history, these wontons are known for their delicate, almost translucent wrappers filled with tender and flavorful pork.
  • Chinese Name: 龙抄手
  • Pinyin: Long Chao Shou
  • Main Ingredients: Pork, flour, sesame paste.
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Long Chao Shou (Main Branch)
    • Address: 63 Chengshou Street, east side of Chunxi Road Central Square, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-21:30
    • Average Price: 41 RMB

Bo Bo Chicken

Chengdu Bo Bo Chicken with spicy dipping sauce
  • Introduction: Originating in the Qing Dynasty, Bo Bo Chicken is a distinctive Chengdu snack where cooked ingredients on skewers are dipped in a chilled, spicy sesame and chili oil, perfect for summer days.
  • Chinese Name: 钵钵鸡
  • Pinyin: Bo Bo Ji
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Jiazhou Ye Popo Bo Bo Chicken (Jinli Store)

San Da Pao (Three Big Cannons)

Sweet sticky rice balls known as Three Great Cannons
  • Introduction: A unique snack from Chengdu made from sticky rice balls that are tossed and make a loud “bang” sound during cooking, reminiscent of cannons—hence the name.
  • Chinese Name: 三大炮
  • Pinyin: San Da Pao
  • Main Ingredients: Sticky rice, brown sugar, peanut powder.
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Old City Courtyard Traditional Chengdu Snacks
    • Address: 88-90 Tongjin Bridge Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-20:00
    • Average Price: 13 RMB

Kung Pao Chicken

Classic Kung Pao Chicken with peanuts and chilies
  • Introduction: Unlike the other snacks listed, Kung Pao Chicken is a staple of authentic Chinese cuisine, adored even by foreign dignitaries. This dish features diced chicken mixed with crunchy peanuts and cucumbers, coated in a savory and slightly spicy sauce, making it a favorite at Chinese restaurants abroad.
  • Chinese Name: 宫保鸡丁
  • Pinyin: Gong Bao Ji Ding
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken, peanuts, bell peppers.
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Yongle Restaurant
    • Address: 36 Xiao Jiahe Middle Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00-13:30, 17:00-20:00
    • Average Price: 28 RMB

Mao Cai

Sichuan Mao Cai with assorted meats and vegetables
  • Introduction: Originating from Chengdu, Mao Cai is a famous local snack known for its intensely spicy broth, which is even spicier than hot pot. It features a variety of ingredients such as beef, duck blood, tofu skin, and vegetables.
  • Chinese Name: 冒菜
  • Pinyin: Mao Cai
  • Main Ingredients: Beef, duck blood, tofu skin, vegetables, cilantro.
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Zhi Wei Mao Cai (Old Store at Building 82, Construction Road Community)
    • Address: 43 Construction Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00-14:30, 16:30-20:30
    • Average Price: 40 RMB

Chuan Chuan Xiang (Skewered Delights)

Spicy hot pot skewers, a popular street food in Chengdu
  • Introduction: Ubiquitous throughout Chengdu’s streets and beyond, Chuan Chuan Xiang is extremely popular. Ingredients on skewers are cooked in a spicy hot pot broth. Diners select their preferred skewers of beef, liver, duck intestines, vegetables, and more, enjoying them cooked in real-time.
  • Chinese Name: 串串香
  • Pinyin: Chuan Chuan Xiang
  • Main Ingredients: Beef, lamb, duck intestines, vegetables, tofu, seafood.
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Zhou Ji Bamboo Sign Skewers (Pingfu Road Branch)
    • Address: 143 Pingfu Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu (next to Xiaochu Apartments)
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00-02:00
    • Average Price: 52 RMB

Tianshui Noodles

Sweet and spicy Tianshui Noodles from Chengdu
  • Introduction: A Chengdu specialty, Tianshui Noodles are ideal for those who prefer less spice. Though not overly sweet, a dash of chili oil can mask the mild sweetness, offering a unique flavor.
  • Chinese Name: 甜水面
  • Pinyin: Tian Shui Mian
  • Main Ingredients: Noodles, brown sugar, crushed peanuts.
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Dongzikou Zhang Lao Er Cold Noodles Wenshu Monastery Old Store
    • Address: 39 Wenshu Monastery Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu (470 meters from Wenshu Monastery Metro Station Exit K)
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:30-18:30
    • Average Price: 23 RMB

Tang You Guo Zi (Sugar Oil Pastry)

Glazed sweet rice balls, a traditional snack from Chengdu
  • Introduction: Known also as “swan eggs,” Tang You Guo Zi is a traditional snack from Chengdu, dating back centuries. These deep-fried sticky rice balls are coated in sesame seeds and dipped in sugar oil, offering a crisp exterior with a soft, sweet interior. Historically a favorite at temple fairs and local markets, they remain a beloved treat in Chengdu, evoking fond memories of community and celebration.
  • Chinese Name: 糖油果子
  • Pinyin: Tang You Guo Zi
  • Main Ingredients: Sticky rice flour, brown sugar, sesame seeds.
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Luo Lao Tou Specializing in Tang You Guo Zi (Yulin Main Store)
    • Address: 13 Fu 1, Yulin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday 12:00-21:00
    • Average Price: 6 RMB

Rabbit Head

Spicy Sichuan-style marinated rabbit head
  • Introduction: A distinctive Chengdu delicacy, rabbit head is seasoned with a variety of flavors including spicy and five-spice. It’s a testament to the resourcefulness of Chengdu’s culinary culture during less abundant times. The meat is tender and rich, offering a unique taste experience.
  • Chinese Name: 兔头
  • Pinyin: Tu Tou
  • Main Ingredients: Rabbit head.
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Deng Style Rabbit Head (Xi Bei Qiao Store)
    • Address: 102 North Second Section of First Ring Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu (near Baima Temple)
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-19:30
    • Average Price: 13 RMB

Dou Hua (Tofu Pudding)

Soft tofu pudding topped with spicy sauce and peanuts
  • Introduction: Dou Hua is another variant of Chengdu’s famed hot pots, distinguished by its numbingly spicy broth that harmoniously blends with the soft texture of tofu. It’s a beloved snack that provides a soothing yet flavorful reprieve from the city’s often fiery cuisine.
  • Chinese Name: 豆花
  • Pinyin: Dou Hua
  • Main Ingredients: Tofu
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Xi Yue Cheng Tan Dou Hua (Chunxi Road Branch)
    • Address: 56 Fu 4, Shuwa North Second Street, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 07:30-21:00
    • Average Price: 23 RMB

Bing Fen (Ice Jelly)

Refreshing ice jelly dessert with fruits and nuts from Chengdu
  • Introduction: A traditional Chengdu dessert, Bing Fen is especially popular during the hot summer months. Made from jelly-like seeds, it’s served chilled with additions like brown sugar, fruits, nuts, and pearls for a refreshing and sweet treat that cools down the spiciness of local dishes.
  • Chinese Name: 冰粉
  • Pinyin: Bing Fen
  • Main Ingredients: Ice jelly seeds, brown sugar, fruits, nuts.
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Hu You Ji · Mint Ice Jelly (Main Store)
    • Address: 8 Fu 1, Shuangqing South Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00-22:00
    • Average Price: 10 RMB

Fei Chang Fen (Pig Intestine Noodles)

Chengdu's spicy pig intestine noodles
  • Introduction: Among the numerous traditional snacks of Chengdu, Fei Chang Fen stands out for its distinctive preparation of silky sweet potato noodles simmered in a rich and aromatic broth with pig intestines, creating an irresistibly savory and chewy texture.
  • Chinese Name: 肥肠粉
  • Pinyin: Fei Chang Fen
  • Main Ingredients: Pig intestines, sweet potato noodles.
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Gan Ji Fei Chang Fen (Ma An North Road 8th Courtyard Store)
    • Address: 18 Ma An North Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu (next to Yulong Hot Pot)
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 00:00-24:00
    • Average Price: 19 RMB

Jun Tun Guo Kui (Military Camp Crispbread)

Traditional crispy flatbread from Chengdu
  • Introduction: Known as “Crisp Military Camp Bread” or “Thousand-Layer Crispbread,” Jun Tun Guo Kui is a traditional snack from Pengzhou, Chengdu. Its long history is matched by the meticulous process of making it, resulting in a crispy, flaky texture that delights with every bite.
  • Chinese Name: 军屯锅盔
  • Pinyin: Jun Tun Guo Kui
  • Main Ingredients: Flour, lard, sesame seeds.
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Jun Tun Imperial City Guo Kui (Chengdu Main Store)
    • Address: 1 Shi Ren West Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 06:00-20:00
    • Average Price: 6 RMB

Zhong Shui Jiao (Zhong Dumplings)

Spicy and savory Zhong-style dumplings from Chengdu
  • Introduction: Zhong Shui Jiao is a unique type of dumpling from Chengdu, characterized by its spicy sauce and tender meat filling. These dumplings are a perfect blend of fresh, spicy flavors that are encapsulated in a thin, delicate wrapper.
  • Chinese Name: 钟水饺
  • Pinyin: Zhong Shui Jiao
  • Main Ingredients: Pork, chives, flour.
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Zhong Dumplings (Kuanzhaixiangzi Branch)
    • Address: 59 Fu 21, Shiye Street, Jinniu District, Chengdu (near Kuanzhaixiangzi Metro Station Exit D, walk 480 meters)
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 08:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Average Price: 22 RMB

Dan Hong Gao (Egg Baked Cake)

Sweet cream-filled egg cake topped with chocolate
  • Introduction: Dan Hong Gao is celebrated for its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Made from a mix of flour, eggs, and milk, the outer shell is crispy while the inside is often filled with cream or other sweet fillings like bean paste, pork floss, or jam.
  • Chinese Name: 蛋烘糕
  • Pinyin: Dan Hong Gao
  • Main Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, cream.
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Seasons: All year round
  • Gaoji Dan Hong Gao (Xinglong Street)
    • Address: B Area, Creative Industry Park, 35 Hongxing Road Section One, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-20:00
    • Average Price: 6 RMB

Essential Chengdu Travel Resources