Top Chengdu food and best restaurants, what and where to eat

Chengdu is not only a paradise for giant pandas but also a haven for food lovers, recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy. Influenced by regional culture, culinary traditions, social customs, and local lifestyles, Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors—numbingly spicy, aromatic, and rich. As one of China's Eight Great Cuisines, it showcases a vibrant culinary heritage. From sizzling hot pot and flavorful chuanchuanxiang to tender Mapo Tofu and savory Kung Pao Chicken, Sichuan cuisine works like magic, transforming simple ingredients into a dazzling array of tastes.

Top food in Chengdu you must try

Chengdu is widely considered to be the culinary capital of China and is renowned for its spicy and flavorful Sichuan cuisine. Sichuan cuisine is characterized by its bold use of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic spices, resulting in dishes that are both fragrant and fiery. Here are some of the most popular dishes and food items you should try in Chengdu:

Mapo Tofu - A famous Sichuan dish that features tofu cooked in a spicy chili and bean sauce, and minced pork.

Hot Pot - A communal dining experience that involves cooking raw meats and vegetables in a boiling pot of spicy broth, with options ranging from mild to extra-spicy.

Kung Pao Chicken - A stir-fried dish made with diced chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, seasoned with chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.

Dan Dan Noodles - A noodle dish with a spicy and tangy sauce made with chili oil, Sichuan pepper, and vinegar, topped with minced pork, scallions, and peanuts.

Spicy Crayfish - Freshwater crayfish cooked in a spicy and fragrant chili sauce, a popular dish during the summer months.

Sichuan Hotpot Rabbit - Another popular hot pot item in Chengdu, featuring fresh rabbit meat cooked in spicy broth.

Tea-smoked Duck - A local specialty, duck meat is marinated in tea leaves and spices and smoked over wood, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat.

Sichuan Pickles - These pickles are made with a variety of vegetables, including cucumber, cabbage, and radish, pickled in chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns.

Chengdu is also home to many street food vendors, night markets, and food streets, where you can find a variety of local snacks and small dishes, such as dumplings, pancakes, and buns. Don't forget to try the local Sichuan-style breakfasts, such as savory rice porridge, soy milk, and steamed buns. With its rich culinary culture, Chengdu is a destination that offers a feast for the senses.

Where to Try Typical Food

Chengdu is known for its vibrant food scene, and there are many local restaurants in the city that are worth visiting. Here are a few recommendations for the best local restaurants in Chengdu:

Chen Mapo Tofu Restaurant/陈麻婆豆腐

Founded in 1862 during the Qing Dynasty, Chen Mapo Tofu Restaurant is one of Chengdu’s most iconic culinary institutions. With over 140 years of history, it has earned widespread acclaim for its rich flavors and masterful cooking techniques. According to local legend, laborers used to bring tofu and beef to Mrs. Chen, who transformed the simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that quickly spread by word of mouth. The restaurant’s secret lies in its signature seasoning, infusing each bite of tofu with deep, spicy, and savory flavors. A visit to Chengdu wouldn’t be complete without tasting this legendary dish where it all began.

• Recommended: Mapo Tofu, kung pao chicken, and dan dan noodles
• Operating Hours: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00‌‌
• Address: No. 10 Qinghua Road, No. 10-12, Chengdu
• Tel: 028-87317216

Lao Ma Tou Hot Pot /老码头火锅

Founded in 2001 with just 13 tables, Lao Ma Tou has grown into one of Chengdu’s most iconic and expansive hot pot brands, and was among the first to bring authentic Sichuan hot pot to the national stage. Its flagship Yulin location now seats over 100 tables, offering a grand yet inviting setting. Specializing in traditional Sichuan-style spicy broth, Lao Ma Tou features a wide range of meats, vegetables, and handmade delicacies. With its cozy atmosphere and bold flavors, it’s a must-visit for those craving an authentic Chengdu hot pot experience.

• Recommended: Tripe, beef, ice jelly
• Operating 10:30Am-02:00‌‌Am
• Address: No. 19 Wuhouci Street, Chengdu, Sichuan

Huangcheng Laoma /皇城老妈

Established in 1986, Huangcheng Laoma is one of the oldest continuously operating hot pot restaurants in Chengdu, and a representative of the city’s high-end dining scene. Known for its authentic Sichuan flavors and elegant presentation, the restaurant has earned numerous accolades over the years. In addition to its signature hot pot, Huangcheng Laoma also serves classic local dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, Boiled Fish, and Dan Dan Noodles. With its blend of refined ambience and rich culinary tradition, it offers an unforgettable taste of Chengdu’s spicy soul.

• Recommended: kung pao chicken, boiled fish, and dan dan noodles
• Operating Hours: 11:00-16:00 17:00-21:00
• Address: No. 20, Section 3, South Second Ring Road, Wuhou District (near Bauhinia Cinema)
• Tel: 028-85139999

Zhang Ji Wooden Bucket Fish /张记木桶鱼

Zhang Ji is a local favorite in Chengdu, renowned for its signature wooden bucket fish. Guests can handpick their preferred fresh fish (boneless options available).

Inside the wooden bucket, river stones heated to over 300°C are first added, followed by a flavorful broth made from a secret recipe. Freshly sliced fish is then gently placed into the bubbling mixture. As the broth swirls and boils, rich aromas begin to rise. Just three minutes later, the lid is lifted and a wave of irresistible fragrance fills the air—the fish is now tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. This theatrical and delicious cooking method locks in freshness and delivers a truly unforgettable taste of Chengdu’s culinary artistry

• Recommended: Barrel fish, corn cake, ice jelly
• Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00
• Address: No. 15, Yulin South Road, Wuhou District (2nd Floor, Yulin Life Plaza)

Yu's Family Kitchen /喻家厨房

This restaurant is located in a traditional courtyard. The atmosphere is charming and the food is delicious. Featured by the BBC and Financial Times, and praised alongside culinary icon Chua Lam, Yu’s Family Kitchen is a celebrated Chengdu restaurant known for its artistic presentation and innovative Sichuan cuisine. A paradise for food lovers, it offers a refined twist on traditional flavors with creative, beautifully crafted dishes. One signature item is the Calligraphy Brush Pastry—a playful creation resembling a real brush, with a crispy Chinese-style puff pastry "tip" filled with savory beef floss, served with tomato sauce for dipping. Chef Yu’s imaginative approach has made this restaurant a must-visit for those seeking a gourmet journey through modern Sichuan cooking.

• Recommended: Camphor tea duck, steamed chicken egg, deep-fried river shrimp, spicy local chicken, sweet and sour pork
• Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00
• Address: No. 43, Narrow Alley, Xiatongren Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu

Shu Nine Incense Pot /蜀九香

Another popular hot pot restaurant in Chengdu, Shu Nine Incense Pot is known for its spicy broth and fresh ingredients. The restaurant also serves a variety of other Sichuan dishes, including fried rice cakes and stir-fried beef with chili peppers.

• Recommended: Beef tripe，nine-spice beef，pork ribs and soft tofu
• Operating Hours: 11:00-23:00
• Address: No. 11-2 Nijiaqiao Road
• Tel: 028-85570362

These are just a few of the many great local restaurants in Chengdu. Whether you're looking for spicy Sichuan dishes or more traditional Chinese cuisine, you're sure to find something delicious in this city.

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