The Ultimate Guide to Sichuan Hot Pot in Chengdu

Hi, I’m Emma Lee, a foreign food blogger living in China. My passion lies in exploring street food gems and fine dining establishments, sharing my culinary adventures with the world. Sichuan Hot Pot is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re seeking an authentic hot pot experience or looking to learn about its cultural significance, this guide is your ultimate resource.

What Is Sichuan Hot Pot?

Sichuan Hot Pot is famous for its bold flavors: spicy, numbing, aromatic, and savory. Originating from humble beginnings, it has grown to become an iconic dish in Sichuan and Chongqing. This communal dish transcends social classes, enjoyed by everyone from laborers to intellectuals.

• Flavor profile: Spicy and numbing
• Key ingredients: Beef tallow, broad bean paste, chili, Sichuan peppercorns
• Who it’s for: Suitable for all ages
• Best place to try: While hot pot is available worldwide, Chengdu is the place to experience its authentic flavors.

Why Is Sichuan Hot Pot So Famous?

The fame of Sichuan Hot Pot lies in its distinctive taste and diverse selection of ingredients. The broth is made by blending various spices and chilies, creating a flavor that is both rich and aromatic. Sichuan peppercorns add a unique numbing sensation, enhancing the overall experience.

In addition to its flavor, the cultural and historical roots of hot pot add to its appeal:

• Historical roots: Tracing back to the Three Kingdoms era, Sichuan Hot Pot has evolved over centuries to incorporate modern culinary creativity.
• Cultural significance: It symbolizes community and togetherness, reflecting the warm and hospitable nature of Sichuan people.

The History of Sichuan Hot Pot

Sichuan Hot Pot dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1821–1851) and originated in Luzhou, along the Yangtze River. Initially, it was a practical solution for boatmen to stay warm. Using clay pots, they cooked a simple stew with chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and vegetables. This cooking method quickly spread, becoming a signature dish in Sichuan.

How to Enjoy Sichuan Hot Pot Like a Pro

Eating hot pot is an art. Follow these tips to elevate your dining experience:

1. Order smart: Start with meats and move on to vegetables. This allows the broth to build layers of flavor.
2. Adjust the spice: For intense spice, pick food from the oil-covered edges of the pot. For milder flavors, dip into the boiling center.
3. Pair with tea: Tea complements the richness of hot pot, aiding digestion and balancing the spicy heat.

Cooking Times for Common Ingredients

• Meat
  • Beef tripe, goose intestine: 15 seconds
  • Lamb or beef slices: 30 seconds
  • Beef tongue, braised meat: 3 minutes
• Vegetables
  • Lettuce, spinach: 1 minute
  • Sweet potatoes, taro: 5 minutes
• Seafood
  • Oysters, shrimp: 1 minute
  • Crabs, eel: 4-6 minutes
• Tofu and noodles
  • Tofu skin, fried dough sticks: 2 minutes
  • Handmade noodles, glass noodles: 3-5 minutes

Sichuan Hot Pot vs. Chongqing Hot Pot

While Sichuan and Chongqing hot pots share some similarities, key differences set them apart.

Broth Ingredients

• Chongqing Hot Pot: Primarily beef tallow, with a 60:40 oil-to-water ratio. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor becomes.
• Sichuan Hot Pot: Focuses on vegetable oils like rapeseed oil, mixed with aromatic spices like star anise and cloves. This results in a lighter, refreshing taste.

Pot Design

• Chongqing Hot Pot: Typically uses a nine-square pot or a plain pot with no divisions.
• Sichuan Hot Pot: Offers diverse designs, such as yin-yang pots or multi-sectioned pots, catering to varied flavor preferences.

Top 6 Must-Try Sichuan Hot Pot Restaurants in Chengdu

1. Caojiaxiang Hot Pot

• Address: No. 23, Waicaojiaxiang, Jinniu District, Chengdu
• Average Cost: 87 RMB per person
• Highlights: Known for its bustling atmosphere and local charm, this spot is beloved by locals. Signature dishes include spicy beef, duck intestines, and tender beef slices.

2. Cuiniangniang Old Hot Pot (Chunxi Road Branch)

• Address: No. 15, Yongxing Lane, Jinjiang District, Chengdu (50 meters from Panda Post Office)
• Average Cost: 89 RMB per person
• Highlights: A hidden gem near Chunxi Road offering authentic beef tallow hot pot. Don’t miss the flaming cheesy meatballs, braised pig trotters, and fresh duck blood.

3. Luo’er Hot Pot (Xiaoguan Temple Branch)

• Address: No. 34, Yinghuasi Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu
• Average Cost: 105 RMB per person
• Highlights: Famous for its tender chicken feet and beef slices, both incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked.

4. Zeng Sixi Community Hot Pot (Haijiaoshi Branch)

• Address: No. 91, Lianhua South Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu (340 meters from Shunjiang Road Metro Station, Exit C)
• Average Cost: 71 RMB per person
• Highlights: The must-try dishes here are their specialty Four Delights hot pot, durian shrimp balls, and cumin beef.

5. Tianxingzhengyuan Hot Pot (Haijiaoshi Branch)

• Address: No. 12, Haijiaoshi Street, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
• Average Cost: 94 RMB per person
• Highlights: This traditional beef tallow hot pot offers a rich, authentic flavor with fresh and diverse ingredients.

6. Kan Jian Old Hot Pot (Wide and Narrow Alley Branch)

• Address: No. 74, Shangtongren Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu (near Kuan Zhai Alley)
• Average Cost: 83 RMB per person
• Highlights: Famous for its flavorful broth, tender chicken feet, and spicy beef slices. The pot is aromatic and rich, making it a must-visit spot for hot pot lovers.

Where to Buy Sichuan Hot Pot Base as Souvenirs

You can find authentic Sichuan hot pot base in Chengdu at two main types of places: supermarkets and specialty stores.

Supermarkets

• Price: Around 20 RMB per pack
• Why Choose This: Conveniently available everywhere, affordable, but the flavor is relatively standard.

Jialing Pier Chengdu Specialty Market

• Location: No. 49, Chunxi Road North, Jinjiang District, Chengdu
• Price: Around 50 RMB per pound
• Why Choose This: Known for its high-quality hot pot base with a variety of flavors to suit different preferences.

How to Enjoy Sichuan Hot Pot at a Restaurant

Ordering at a Sichuan hot pot restaurant is simple yet essential to ensure the best experience.

1. Choose Your Broth: Options include spicy, tomato, or even a divided pot with two broths.
2. Select Your Ingredients: Pick your favorite meats, vegetables, side dishes, and drinks.
3. Stay Balanced: Spicy hot pot might cause stomach upset for some visitors. To avoid this, drink milk or honey water to protect your stomach. If discomfort persists, consider consulting a doctor.

How to Make Sichuan Hot Pot at Home

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp Sichuan broad bean paste
• 100g beef tallow
• 100g cooking oil
• 100g dried chili peppers
• 50g Sichuan peppercorns
• 3 tbsp white sugar
• 15g rock sugar
• 1 small piece of ginger
• 6 garlic cloves
• 2 segments of green onion
• 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
• 1 can of bone broth
• Various spices (star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, etc.)

Instructions

1. Heat cooking oil in a pot and fry dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant. Remove them for later use.
2. Add sugar to the pot and melt it over low heat. Stir in crushed ginger, garlic, and green onion until slightly golden.
3. Add spices and broad bean paste, mixing well. Pour in cooking wine, beef tallow, and bone broth. Return the fried chilies and peppercorns to the pot, creating the hot pot base.
4. Add your favorite ingredients and enjoy!

Tips

• Beef tallow adds richness and aroma to the broth, essential for an authentic Sichuan hot pot experience.
• Spices can be sourced from Asian grocery stores or herbal shops.