Chengdu Local Cuisine and Restaurants

Chengdu, known as the “Land of Abundance,” is a city where history, culture, and cuisine come together in perfect harmony. Beyond its ancient temples and leisurely lifestyle, Chengdu is a paradise for food lovers. As the birthplace of Sichuan cuisine, one of China’s eight great culinary traditions, this city delights visitors with bold flavors, aromatic spices, and endless variety. Whether it’s savoring a bubbling hotpot or tasting the classic twice-cooked pork, every bite offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant soul. Come and taste it yourself!

What Famous Local Food to Eat

Top 1：Mapo Tofu /麻婆豆腐

Mapo Tofu, ranked among the top ten classic Sichuan dishes, dates back to the late Qing Dynasty. It is said to have been created by a woman surnamed Wen who ran a small eatery in Chengdu. This iconic dish features silky tofu simmered in a spicy chili oil and Pixian bean paste sauce, often topped with minced pork. With its numbing, spicy, and savory flavors, Mapo Tofu has become a beloved staple on Chengdu dining tables and a must-try for anyone exploring the region’s culinary traditions.

Top 2：Sichuan Hot Pot /四川火锅

In Chengdu, hotpot is more than just a meal—it’s a way of life. Whether on a chilly winter evening or a sweltering summer night, the aroma of hotpot fills the streets and alleys of the city year-round. Chengdu’s hotpot is famous for its bold, numbing spice and rich flavor, with countless variations that reflect the city’s creativity and love for food.

The essence of Chengdu hotpot lies in its spicy broth, variety of ingredients, and custom dipping sauces. It’s a communal dining experience where diners cook raw meats, vegetables, and tofu in a bubbling pot of broth, choosing spice levels from mild to extra-fiery. Some of the city’s most iconic hotpot restaurants include Shu Jiu Xiang and Lao Matou, where locals and visitors alike gather to savor this beloved Sichuan specialty.

Top 3: Twice-cooked pork/回锅肉

Twice-cooked pork is hailed as a signature dish of Sichuan cuisine and a staple on the dining tables of Chengdu locals. Made with pork belly that perfectly balances fat and lean meat, the dish begins with boiling the meat until tender, then slicing it and stir-frying it again until golden and crispy. It’s seasoned with Pixian broad bean paste, sweet flour sauce, and other local condiments, before being finished with garlic sprouts. The result is a dish with a glossy reddish hue, rich yet not greasy, offering a mildly spicy, savory flavor with an unforgettable aftertaste. The essence of the dish lies in the “twice-cooked” method, which renders out the fat and enhances the meat’s crisp and aromatic texture.

Top 4：Sliced Beef and Ox Tongue in Chilli Sauce /夫妻肺片‌

Fuqi Feipian (Sliced Beef & Ox Offal in Chili Sauce) is a classic cold appetizer from Chengdu. It’s made by simmering fresh beef offal, slicing it thinly, and drizzling it with a rich sauce of chili oil and ground Sichuan peppercorns. The dish delivers a bold, numbing-spicy flavor with complex layers of taste and texture. The original shop is famous for its elegant “peony-style” plating, and pairing it with a simple egg fried rice makes for a surprisingly perfect combination.

Top 5：Kung Pao Chicken /宫保鸡丁

A beloved Sichuan classic, Kung Pao Chicken is a flavorful stir-fry featuring tender diced chicken, crunchy peanuts, and crisp vegetables. It's seasoned with dried chili peppers and numbing Sichuan peppercorns, creating a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. A staple on Chengdu tables and a favorite worldwide.

What Famous Street Food to Eat

Top 6: Chuan Chuan Xiang (Skewered Hotpot) /串串香

Originating from Chengdu, Chuan Chuan Xiang is a beloved street-style variation of hotpot that captures the vibrant essence of Sichuan’s food culture. Chuan Chuan Xiang features a greater variety of smaller items skewered on bamboo sticks. These skewers are cooked in a spicy bubbling, flavorful broth, giving each bite a bold, spicy taste. It offers more variety, is easier to eat, and provides a more flexible dining experience than regular hotpot, making it a fun and casual way to enjoy Sichuan cuisine

Top 7: Dandan Noodles /担担面

Dandan noodles are a signature Chengdu dish with humble origins, once sold by street vendors carrying poles on their shoulders—hence the name "dandan." The noodles are thin and springy, made with alkaline water for a firm, chewy texture.

The toppings are what make this dish unforgettable: crispy, fragrant minced pork, crushed peanuts, preserved vegetables (yacai), and a bold mix of chili oil, Sichuan pepper, and vinegar. Tossed together, every strand of noodle is coated in rich, spicy, and tangy sauce, delivering an explosion of numbing heat, deep umami, and aromatic complexity in every bite.

Top 8: Zhong Dumplings /钟水饺

Zhong dumplings are one of Chengdu’s most iconic traditional street food, known for their thin wrappers, tender fillings and rich flavor. Made with seasoned minced pork, the dumplings are delicately wrapped and boiled to perfection. The wrappers are as thin as paper while the filling remains juicy and flavorful. Served with a special red chili oil sauce, these dumplings offer a perfect balance of savory, spicy and aromatic, bringing you an irresistible taste of Chengdu in every bite.

Top 9：Long Chao Shou/龙抄手

Long Chao Shou is another famous traditional street food from Sichuan. It is the local name for wontons, and the term “Long” (dragon) symbolizes auspicious meanings such as “prosperity” and “vitality.” These wontons are made with thin, square wrappers filled with a flavorful secret-recipe meat mixture. Once cooked, they are served in either clear broth or spicy red chili oil, along with other seasonings. The dish is known for its tender texture, fresh taste, and rich, mildly spicy broth.

Top 10：Sandapao (sticky rice balls) /三大炮

Sandapao is a traditional Sichuan snack with a fun origin and delicious taste. Its name “Three Big Cannonballs” comes from the unique way. It's made sticky rice balls are tossed onto a metal tray, creating a loud “bang bang bang” sound as they land. Coated in a sweet syrup and sprinkled with crushed peanuts or sesame, the snack is soft, chewy, slightly sticky, yet not greasy. Affordable and flavorful, Sandapao is a beloved treat that captures the playful spirit of Chengdu’s Street food culture.

Top 11：Spicy Rabbit Head ‌/麻辣兔头‌

Spicy Rabbit Head may be intimidating at first glance, but for those bold enough to try it, it’s a true Chengdu delicacy. With skill and tradition, locals marinate the rabbit heads using a unique blend of spices and techniques, transforming them into a flavorful street food favorite.

Before serving, they are generously sprinkled with chili powder, drizzled with Sichuan pepper-infused oil, and topped with sesame seeds. The result is a dish that is numbing, spicy, and savory, with tender, juicy meat tucked between the bones.

Top 12：Spicy Crayfish /麻辣小龙虾

Freshwater crayfish are stir-fried in a rich blend of fragrant chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a fiery dish that’s especially popular in summer. With its bold flavor, tender and springy texture, and addictive heat, it’s a must-try delicacy in Chengdu’s vibrant night markets.

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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