Hello everyone! I’m Emma Lee, a food-loving blogger living in China. Ever since I arrived in China, I have been deeply fascinated by the rich and diverse food culture here. From street snacks to fine dining, I love trying and sharing unforgettable flavors. Today, I will take you deep into the world of Chongqing cuisine, from the famous Chongqing hotpot to the authentic small noodles, let’s explore the delicious dishes of this mountain city!

Summary

Must-Try Traditional Chongqing Dishes

Chongqing Hotpot

Chongqing Hotpot
  • Introduction: Chongqing Hotpot is famous for its spicy, numbing, and fragrant flavor, combining a variety of ingredients to cook together. The key feature is the use of a large amount of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a broth that is both spicy and numbing, but not overly hot. Diners can choose from a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients based on their preferences.
  • Chinese Name: 重庆火锅
  • Pinyin: Chong Qing Huo Guo
  • Main Ingredients: Beef, lamb, pork, duck intestines, tofu products, various vegetables, seafood
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Lianjie Hotpot (Jiefangbei Branch)
    • Address: 重庆市渝中区临江支路30号二楼左边 (Apple Map / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Average Price: 85 RMB
  • Dongma Hotpot (Jiefangbei Branch)
    • Address: 重庆市渝中区较场口得意世界89号一楼 (Apple Map / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Average Price: 88 RMB
  • Ding Glasses Hotpot
    • Address: 重庆市渝中区宏声巷9号楼1-1 (Apple Map / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Average Price: 68 RMB
  • Wai Hotpot (Head Office)
    • Address: 重庆市南岸区回龙路69号附53号 (Apple Map / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 3:00 AM
    • Average Price: 95 RMB

Chongqing Noodles

Chongqing Noodles
  • Introduction: Chongqing Noodles is a simple yet flavorful dish, known for its distinct red oil and fragrant scallions. The noodles are typically firmer in texture and paired with a spicy red oil sauce and various seasonings, creating a dish that is both appetizing and satisfying.
  • Chinese Name: 重庆小面
  • Pinyin: Chong Qing Xiao Mian
  • Main Ingredients: Noodles, red oil, Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Li Shun Li Noodle Restaurant (Guanyinqiao Branch)
    • Address: No. 14, Yanghe West Road, Guanyinqiao, Jiangbei District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 06:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Average Price: 13 RMB

Douhua Rice

Douhua Rice
  • Introduction: Douhua Rice is a traditional snack from Chongqing, featuring silky tofu pudding served with rice. It’s typically accompanied by a mildly spicy seasoning, offering a smooth yet satisfying taste.
  • Chinese Name: 豆花饭
  • Pinyin: Dou Hua Fan
  • Main Ingredients: Tofu pudding, rice, chili peppers, scallions
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Tianmen Douhua (Dasheng Mall Branch)
    • Address: 3rd Floor, Dasheng Mall, Fire Fighting Door, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
    • Average Price: 13 RMB
  • Renhe Shuishangpiao
    • Address: No. 1-1, Longshou Alley, Yubei District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 09:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    • Average Price: 47 RMB

Mao Xue Wang

Mao Xue Wang
  • Introduction: Mao Xue Wang is a flavorful dish from the Sichuan-Chongqing region. It features duck blood, tripe, ham, and tofu cooked in a spicy, aromatic broth. The result is a rich, spicy, and savory taste that is both bold and flavorful.
  • Chinese Name: 毛血旺
  • Pinyin: Mao Xue Wang
  • Main Ingredients: Duck blood, tripe, ham, tofu
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Baozao Laoma Mao Xue Wang
    • Address: No. 22, Xingta Road, Jiangbei District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 11:00 AM – 03:00 AM
    • Average Price: 21 RMB

Suan La Fen (Hot and Sour Noodles)

Suan La Fen (Hot and Sour Noodles)
  • Introduction: Suan La Fen is a popular street snack in Chongqing, known for its unique hot and sour flavor. The noodles, made from sweet potato or mung beans, are combined with a spicy, tangy sauce that offers an appetizing and stimulating experience.
  • Chinese Name: 酸辣粉
  • Pinyin: Suan La Fen
  • Main Ingredients: Noodles, vinegar, chili peppers, peanuts
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Haoyoulai (Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street Branch)
    • Address: 16 Minzu Road, New Chongqing International Smallware Wholesale Center F1, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 08:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    • Average Price: 12 RMB

Jiang Hu Cai (River and Lake Cuisine)

Jiang Hu Cai (River and Lake Cuisine)
  • Introduction: Jiang Hu Cai refers to a variety of dishes made from wild or semi-wild ingredients found in the Chongqing region. These dishes focus on using natural ingredients and traditional cooking methods, offering a diverse range of flavors beloved by locals.
  • Chinese Name: 江湖菜
  • Pinyin: Jiang Hu Cai
  • Main Ingredients: Wild mushrooms, wild rabbit, bamboo shoots, various mountain vegetables
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Xiaowang Restaurant
    • Address: No. 24, Mofang Alley, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    • Average Price: 37 RMB

Kao Tiao Pi (Grilled Sweet Potato Skin)

Kao Tiao Pi (Grilled Sweet Potato Skin)
  • Introduction: Kao Tiao Pi is a popular local snack in Chongqing, known for its unique sweet and spicy flavor. After special processing, the sweet potato skins are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. It is often served with a special spicy sauce for extra flavor.
  • Chinese Name: 烤苕皮
  • Pinyin: Kao Shao Pi
  • Main Ingredients: Sweet potato skins, chili powder, Sichuan pepper
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Qibo Xiaozhang BBQ (Ranjiaba Direct Store)
    • Address: No. 2-7, Yusong 1st Branch Road, Yubei District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
    • Average Price: 85 RMB

Quan Shui Ji (Spring Water Chicken)

Quan Shui Ji (Spring Water Chicken)
  • Introduction: Quan Shui Ji is a dish made with free-range chicken cooked in spring water, resulting in a clean, sweet-tasting broth. The chicken is stewed with various wild vegetables and herbs, creating an exceptionally flavorful and tender dish.
  • Chinese Name: 泉水鸡
  • Pinyin: Quan Shui Ji
  • Main Ingredients: Free-range chicken, wild vegetables, herbs
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Yaomei Spring Chicken
    • Address: No. 104, Nanshan Park Road, Nan’an District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Average Price: 103 RMB

Mei Wa Yu Tou (Spicy Frog and Fish Head)

Mei Wa Yu Tou (Spicy Frog and Fish Head)
  • Introduction: Mei Wa Yu Tou is an innovative dish combining frog meat and fish head. The selected fish head and tender frog meat are cooked with chili sauce and Sichuan pepper, making the dish aromatic and spicy yet not overwhelming.
  • Chinese Name: 美蛙鱼头
  • Pinyin: Mei Wa Yu Tou
  • Main Ingredients: Grass carp fish head, bullfrog, chili peppers
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Yang Sandao Boiling Fish Frog (Huangnibang Branch)
    • Address: No. 164, Honghuang Road, Yubei District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Average Price: 74 RMB

Chao Shou (Sichuan Wontons)

Chao Shou (Sichuan Wontons)
  • Introduction: Chao Shou, also known as Sichuan-style wontons, is a popular snack in Chongqing, famous for its fragrant meat filling and ultra-thin wrappers. It is often served with chili oil, Sichuan pepper, and other seasonings, delivering a fresh and mildly spicy taste.
  • Chinese Name: 抄手
  • Pinyin: Chao Shou
  • Main Ingredients: Pork filling, wheat flour wrappers, chili oil, Sichuan pepper
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Laoma Chao Shou Chongqing Noodles (Jiefangbei Branch)
    • Address: No. 250, Minsheng Road, HNA Chongqing Center, opposite to Poly International Center, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
    • Average Price: 14 RMB

Guo Ba Tu Dou (Crispy Potatoes with Rice)

Guo Ba Tu Dou (Crispy Potatoes with Rice)
  • Introduction: Guo Ba Tu Dou is a simple yet delicious home-style dish featuring crispy rice crust paired with tender potato slices. During cooking, the addition of chili and vinegar enhances the flavor, making it unique and rich in texture.
  • Chinese Name: 锅巴土豆
  • Pinyin: Guo Ba Tu Dou
  • Main Ingredients: Potatoes, rice, chili
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Guo Jin Jin Meng Huo Laoshaguo
    • Address: No. 14-9, Yanghe West Road, Jiangbei District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
    • Average Price: 27 RMB

Yan Shui Ya (Salted Boiled Duck)

Yan Shui Ya (Salted Boiled Duck)
  • Introduction: Yan Shui Ya is a traditional Chongqing-style boiled duck, known for its tender meat and light flavor. The duck is marinated in a special salted brine, making it juicy and flavorful.
  • Chinese Name: 盐水鸭
  • Pinyin: Yan Shui Ya
  • Main Ingredients: Duck meat, salt, Sichuan pepper, star anise
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Pangzima Traditional Boiled Duck with Salt (Jiefangbei Branch)
    • Address: No. 181, Bayi Road, 1st Floor, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Average Price: 37 RMB

Chong Qing Mi Xian (Chongqing Rice Noodles)

Chong Qing Mi Xian (Chongqing Rice Noodles)
  • Introduction: Chongqing Mi Xian is famous for its delicate texture and rich broth. Often served with chili oil and Sichuan pepper, the dish has a spicy and numbing flavor that is very appetizing, making it a popular breakfast option in Chongqing.
  • Chinese Name: 重庆米线
  • Pinyin: Chong Qing Mi Xian
  • Main Ingredients: Rice noodles, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, scallions
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Tieguoge Rice Noodles (Liberation Monument Direct Store)
    • Address: No. 96-3, Minzu Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
    • Average Price: 19 RMB

Bing Tang Yuan (Cold Glutinous Rice Balls)

Bing Tang Yuan (Cold Glutinous Rice Balls)
  • Introduction: Bing Tang Yuan is a popular summer dessert in Chongqing, offering a refreshing twist on the traditional hot tang yuan. Served cold in iced water, the rice balls are stuffed with fillings such as peanuts, red beans, or sesame, providing a cooling effect for hot summer days.
  • Chinese Name: 冰汤圆
  • Pinyin: Bing Tang Yuan
  • Main Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, peanuts, red beans, sesame
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Yuweidao Cryoconite Bingtangyuan Shop (Dajing Alley)
    • Address: No. 5, Dajing South Alley, opposite the Public Security Bureau Kindergarten, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10:50 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Average Price: 13 RMB

Guo Kui (Traditional Chongqing Flatbread)

Guo Kui (Traditional Chongqing Flatbread)
  • Introduction: Guo Kui is a traditional Chongqing snack that resembles a hat in shape, with a crispy texture. It is often sprinkled with sesame and scallions, creating a fragrant and crispy flavor when baked.
  • Chinese Name: 锅盔
  • Pinyin: Guo Kui
  • Main Ingredients: Flour, sesame, scallions
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Liangjifang Guokui (Yile Garden Unit 1 Shop)
    • Address: No. 49, Daping Main Street, Chatingcun, 1st Floor, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    • Average Price: 10 RMB

Liang Xia (Cold Shrimp)

Liang Xia (Cold Shrimp)
  • Introduction: Liang Xia is a unique Chongqing summer snack, made with fresh river shrimp and paired with a special chili sauce. It offers a delicious, spicy flavor without overwhelming heat.
  • Chinese Name: 凉虾
  • Pinyin: Liang Xia
  • Main Ingredients: River shrimp, chili, Sichuan pepper, garlic
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Glasses Liangxia Lianggao
    • Address: Yuanjuyuan Community, Huafu Alley, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 5:30 PM – 12:00 AM
    • Average Price: 4 RMB

Kao Nao Hua (Grilled Pig’s Brain)

Kao Nao Hua (Grilled Pig's Brain)
  • Introduction: Kao Nao Hua is a popular street food in Chongqing, made by grilling pig or lamb brains with a special chili sauce and spices. The result is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a strong spicy flavor.
  • Chinese Name: 烤脑花
  • Pinyin: Kao Nao Hua
  • Main Ingredients: Pig’s brain/lamb brain, chili powder, Sichuan pepper, minced garlic
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Quchi Kao Nao Hua
    • Address: No. 152, Qixinggang Yinzhong Mansion, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 5:30 PM – 3:00 AM
    • Average Price: 48 RMB

Chen Ma Hua (Traditional Chongqing Twist)

Chen Ma Hua (Traditional Chongqing Twist)
  • Introduction: Chen Ma Hua is one of Chongqing’s traditional snacks, known for its crispy yet soft texture and a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. It is usually made by weaving multiple layers of dough, which are deep-fried to create a crispy exterior and soft interior, offering a unique taste.
  • Chinese Name: 陈麻花
  • Pinyin: Chen Ma Hua
  • Main Ingredients: Flour, sesame, sugar, egg wash
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Chen Jianping Ma Hua (Bayi Road Branch)
    • Address: No. 181, Bayi Road, 2nd Floor A1, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Average Price: 20 RMB

Mi Hua Tang (Rice Sugar Candy)

Mi Hua Tang (Rice Sugar Candy)
  • Introduction: Mi Hua Tang is an ancient traditional snack, loved for its crunchy sweetness. It is typically made from glutinous rice, peanuts, and sugar, and is both a visual treat and a delicious snack.
  • Chinese Name: 米花糖
  • Pinyin: Mi Hua Tang
  • Main Ingredients: Glutinous rice, peanuts, sugar
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Available at most street-side supermarkets and small shops. It’s also great as a souvenir.
    • Average Price: 10 RMB

Guai Wei Hu Dou (Strange-Flavored Green Beans)

Guai Wei Hu Dou (Strange-Flavored Green Beans)
  • Introduction: Guai Wei Hu Dou is a unique Chongqing snack, known for its “strange flavor” (麻, 辣, 鲜, 香, 酸—spicy, numbing, fresh, fragrant, and sour). It is made by mixing green beans with a variety of spices and seasonings, creating a layered and flavorful snack.
  • Chinese Name: 怪味胡豆
  • Pinyin: Guai Wei Hu Dou
  • Main Ingredients: Green beans, Sichuan pepper oil
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Available at most street-side supermarkets and small shops. It’s also great as a souvenir.
    • Average Price: 5 RMB

Nuo Mi Tuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)

Nuo Mi Tuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)
  • Introduction: Nuo Mi Tuan is a traditional snack in Chongqing and the surrounding regions. Made from glutinous rice flour, these round balls can be filled with various sweet or savory fillings. They are soft, sticky, and delicious, with a sweet flavor.
  • Chinese Name: 糯米团
  • Pinyin: Nuo Mi Tuan
  • Main Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, peanuts, sugar
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Fanniang Niangchunsen Road Nuomituan
    • Address: No. 59, Xuetianwan Main Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
    • Average Price: 4 RMB

You Lao Zao (Fermented Rice Soup)

You Lao Zao (Fermented Rice Soup)
  • Introduction: You Lao Zao is a traditional Chongqing dessert made from fermented glutinous rice. It has a unique taste, offering a slightly intoxicating sweetness, and is often served during festivals or special occasions as a dessert.
  • Chinese Name: 油醪糟
  • Pinyin: You Lao Zao
  • Main Ingredients: Glutinous rice, black sesame
  • Typical Meal Times: Snack
  • Recommended Season: Available year-round
  • Ganpopo Laozao
    • Address: No. 99, Nanshan Road, Nan’an District, Chongqing, China (Apple Map/Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    • Average Price: 16 RMB

Essential Chongqing Travel Resources