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What to eat in Chengdu for an authentic experience? From spicy to sweet, the local specialties of Chengdu featured below will leave you enchanted. Explore now!
Chengdu, a culinary paradise in Sichuan, is renowned on the global food map for its bold, spicy, and vibrant dishes. This city is a melting pot of rich culinary culture, blending sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors harmoniously in every dish, guaranteed to captivate any food enthusiast.
Moreover, Chengdu's cuisine stands out for its innovative use of ingredients and unique cooking techniques. From the tongue-numbing Mapo Tofu to the bubbling Sichuan hotpot and the silky-smooth Long Chao Shou wontons, each dish carries its own charm, embodying the essence of Sichuan's culinary artistry.
Join Mytour in discovering the irresistible Chengdu specialties listed below, and make your trip truly unforgettable!
1. Chengdu-Style Kung Pao Chicken - A Traditional Dish of Sichuan Cuisine
Kung Pao Chicken is said to be named after Ding Baozhen, a governor of Sichuan Province during the Qing Dynasty, and has since become an integral part of Chengdu-Sichuan culinary culture. The highlight of Kung Pao Chicken lies in the perfect balance between the spiciness of chili and the mild sweetness of its signature sauce. Each golden cube of chicken is paired with crunchy peanuts, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chilies, creating a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors.
Locals in Chengdu often enjoy this dish with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables to temper the spiciness and enhance the meal's overall flavor. To savor authentic Kung Pao Chicken, you can visit Ming Ting or Chen Mapo Tofu restaurants in downtown Chengdu. Each serving typically costs around 50-80 RMB.
2. Chengdu-Style Spicy Dipped Grilled Bobo Chicken
Bobo Chicken, also known as 'Bō bō jī,' is a must-try street food when visiting Chengdu. Boneless chicken pieces are marinated thoroughly, skewered, and dipped into a piping hot clay pot filled with rich, spicy sauce. The name 'Bobo' is inspired by the shape of the traditional clay pot, and this unique way of eating has been passed down for centuries.
Bobo Chicken offers a unique taste experience with its crispy yet chewy chicken skin coated in fiery chili oil. The secret to the dish lies in rattan pepper oil, which adds an irresistible aroma. Diners can also customize their ingredients and adjust the seasoning to their liking. When in Chengdu, visit Long Chao Shou or Zhang Mama to try Bobo Chicken, priced at around 60-100 RMB.
3. Flavorful Twice-Cooked Pork in Chengdu
In Sichuan cuisine, Twice-Cooked Pork (Hui Guo Rou) symbolizes richness and depth of flavor. Despite thousands of years of history, this dish has retained its classic recipe and distinctive taste.
Chefs typically select pork belly or leg, briefly boil it, and then stir-fry it with cabbage, bell peppers, leeks, and mushrooms. The signature seasoning includes rice wine sauce and soy sauce, creating an aromatic and unforgettable glaze. The dish is often served with steamed buns or white rice, with fresh scallions balancing the richness of the meat.
A favorite spot for Hui Guo Rou is the Ming Ting restaurant. For around 70-120 RMB, you can immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere of this local eatery.
4. Chengdu’s Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Chili Oil
Dan Dan Noodles, a signature dish of Chengdu, offer a delightful culinary journey. Legend has it that the name 'Dan Dan' comes from the way street vendors carried their noodles on shoulder poles. This dish has existed for centuries and has become a culinary icon of Sichuan Province.
The dish features savory minced pork and a spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and pickled vegetables. Mix the noodles thoroughly with the sauce to ensure every strand is coated before tasting. A classic Chengdu-style serving includes crunchy peanuts and finely chopped scallions, creating a perfect balance of flavors. For authentic Dan Dan Noodles, visit Xiao Ming Tang Dan Dan Tian Shui Mian on Jiangjun Road, where prices range from 15-30 RMB per serving.
5. Long Chao Shou Wontons in Chengdu
Long Chao Shou is one of Chengdu's most famous specialties, featuring silky-smooth wontons served in a fiery red chili soup. 'Chao Shou' is the local term for wontons in Sichuan, with the dish originating in 1941 and often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.
The appeal of Long Chao Shou lies in its thin, chewy wonton wrappers, savory meat filling, and the signature numbing spiciness of chili oil. The dish is cooked in a rich broth made from pork and chicken, creating a fragrant soup perfect for warming you up on cold winter days. If you visit Chengdu, don’t miss the chance to try this traditional dish at the Long Chao Shou restaurant on Wenshuyuan Street.
6. Chengdu’s Traditional Spicy Zhong Dumplings
Spicy Zhong Dumplings, also known as 'Zhong Shui Jiao,' were invented by a street vendor in Chengdu over 100 years ago. Today, they are recognized as a 'time-honored Chinese specialty' and have gained worldwide fame as a popular snack. Unlike other dumplings, Zhong Dumplings are served without soup, and their filling is made purely from pork, without any added vegetables.
With the first bite, you’ll experience the harmony of soft, thin wrappers and sweet, fragrant meat filling, complemented by a thick, spicy-sweet sauce. The dumplings are folded into a crescent shape to ensure even coating of the sauce, delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite. Besides the original brand, you can also try Zhong Dumplings at Zhong Dumpling House, with prices ranging from 10-20 RMB for a small serving.
7. Douhua - A Refreshing Snack in Chengdu
Douhua (豆花 dòuhuā) is a delicately crafted dish made from soy milk combined with a bit of salt or gypsum, resembling a soft, silky pudding. Unlike other regions that favor sweetness, Chengdu’s Douhua is served with vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of spicy chili, creating a tangy and spicy flavor profile.
This is not just a cooling snack but also a part of the local culinary culture. Each bowl of Douhua is typically garnished with crispy fried peanuts and finely chopped scallions. When eaten, you’ll experience the cool, melting texture of the tofu pudding paired with its rich, savory flavors.
In Chengdu, the most famous place to enjoy Douhua is Xiao Tan Dou Hua restaurant. A serving here usually costs around 5-7 CNY, offering an affordable yet delightful culinary experience during the hot summer months.
8. San Tian Pao Rice Cake - A Unique Chengdu Delicacy
The name 'San Tian Pao' alone is intriguing, isn’t it? This is a famous street food in Chengdu, made from soft and chewy glutinous rice flour with a subtly sweet flavor. The preparation of San Tian Pao is a visual and auditory delight. The glutinous rice dough is divided into three round balls, tossed onto a copper plate to create a 'bang, bang, bang' sound like firecrackers, then rolled in yellow soybean flour and drizzled with sweet black sugar syrup.
A little tip: enjoy this dish with a cup of 'Lao Yin' tea to fully appreciate its refreshing taste. San Tian Pao rice cakes are available year-round on ancient streets like Kuan Zhai, Wenshu Fang, or Jinli, priced at just 10 RMB per serving.
9. Maocai Hotpot for One in Chengdu
If you’re traveling solo but still want to try Sichuan hotpot, Maocai – the single-serving version – is the perfect choice. With this mini hotpot, diners can select their own ingredients, including vegetables, meat, seafood, and mushrooms, which the chef then cooks and seasons before mixing them into a spicy mala broth.
The highlight of Maocai is its convenience and variety. This dish retains the signature spiciness of Sichuan cuisine while being ideal for those who prefer a private dining experience. Locals often enhance the flavor with toppings like scallions, cilantro, and fermented beans. Don’t hesitate to try Maocai at 'Bashu Dazhaimen' or small eateries around People’s Park in downtown Chengdu. Prices range from 15-20 RMB per serving.
10. Sichuan Hotpot - The Essence of Chengdu Cuisine
Immersing yourself in the fiery and numbing flavors of Sichuan hotpot is a must for any food lover visiting Chengdu. This hotpot not only captivates with its tongue-tingling spiciness but also with its deep red broth, crafted from spices like Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and chili beans.
Unlike Chongqing hotpot, Sichuan hotpot allows diners to choose from a wide range of ingredients, including meat, seafood, offal, vegetables, and mushrooms, offering a rich and surprising culinary experience. Hotpot meals are also an opportunity to gather warmly with family and friends. When in Chengdu, visit top hotpot restaurants like Shu Jiu Xiang or Lao Ma Tou Hot Pot, with prices averaging 80-150 RMB per person, depending on side dishes and broth choices.
11. Fish-Flavored Eggplant - An Irresistible Chengdu Specialty
Fish-Flavored Eggplant (Yuxiang Qiezi) may sound unusual, but it’s actually a famous vegetarian dish with the rich taste of traditional Sichuan fish sauce. Despite containing no fish, the dish carries a distinct 'fishy aroma' thanks to its sauce made from fermented chili beans, pickled chilies, garlic, ginger, and sugar.
The thick, flavorful sauce coats the tender, naturally sweet eggplant, leaving a lasting impression on diners. Additionally, this fish-flavored sauce is commonly used to prepare meat and vegetable dishes, often served with steamed rice for a harmonious meal. Yuxiang Qiezi is easily found at small eateries in Chengdu, priced at around 20-40 RMB per serving.
12. Chengdu-Style Spicy Mapo Tofu
No discussion of Chengdu cuisine is complete without mentioning Mapo Tofu. Created by a chef in the 19th century, this dish has gained worldwide fame for its fiery spiciness and the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns.
Ma Po Tofu is typically served in a clay pot to maintain its warmth, paired with plain rice to offset the spiciness. The tofu is tender and smooth, infused with a rich, spicy sauce made from red chili, ground meat, and fermented black beans, offering the distinctive 'ma la' sensation—both visually striking and palate-pleasing. For an exceptional taste, try the famed Ma Po Tofu at Chen Mapo Tofu, a historic restaurant where prices range from 20 to 50 CNY depending on the serving size. Be sure to give it a try!
13. Fuqi Feipian - A Must-Try Street Food in Chengdu
Fuqi Feipian, a beloved spicy starter, traces its origins back to the 1930s. Its name is inspired by the romantic tale of the celebrated couple Guo Chaohua and Zhang Tianzheng.
This dish combines thinly sliced beef with offal like tripe, heart, and stomach, all coated in a fiery chili oil sauce enhanced by the numbing kick of Sichuan peppercorns. The blend of spicy, tangy, and numbing flavors, complemented by the fragrance of scallions and cilantro, delivers an unforgettable taste from the very first bite.
Initially popularized by street vendors for its straightforward preparation and accessible ingredients, Fuqi Feipian has evolved into a specialty dish served in upscale restaurants such as Chen Mapo Tofu, priced between 25 and 35 CNY per serving.
14. Chengdu-Style Guokui: A Flavorful Meat-Filled Delight
Resembling a flat, round helmet, Guokui was once a staple for soldiers during the Three Kingdoms era and has since become a signature street food in Sichuan. Unlike versions from other regions, Chengdu-style Guokui features a variety of fillings, including pork, beef, and occasionally sweet brown sugar for those with a sweet tooth.
Guokui is typically baked in a clay oven or fried to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust. The first bite reveals a satisfying crunch, followed by the tender, juicy meat filling inside, exuding an irresistible aroma. Some variations include a dusting of chili powder and black pepper, highlighting the bold, spicy flavors of Sichuan. Priced at just 10-20 CNY per piece, this portable snack is perfect for enjoying on the bustling streets of Chengdu.
15. Chengdu-Style Spicy and Sour Sweet Potato Noodles
Suan La Fen, Chengdu's famous spicy and sour sweet potato noodles, is guaranteed to captivate you from the very first taste. The dish features a rich, tangy, and spicy broth paired with chewy noodles made from sweet potato starch, offering a unique, springy texture. The broth carries the signature numbing spiciness of Sichuan peppercorns, combined with an intense aroma that will awaken your senses with the very first sip.
A bowl of Suan La Fen is often served with toppings like roasted peanuts, scallions, and optional additions such as pork or pork offal, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal. Particularly popular in summer, this dish is believed in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate sweating, effectively relieving the sweltering heat. For an authentic experience, visit Yulin Chuanchuan Xiang, where prices average around 15-25 CNY.
Chengdu cuisine is a perfect blend of bold, spicy flavors and diverse local ingredients. From the renowned Sichuan hotpot to the refreshing flower bean jelly, each dish offers a unique style that captivates anyone with a love for Chinese culinary traditions.
If you're planning a trip to China, check out these helpful blogs from Mytour: 25 Must-Try Chinese Specialty Dishes, 15 Taipei Delicacies You Can't Miss, 18 Exquisite Hong Kong Dishes Showcasing Cantonese Cuisine, 15 Taiwanese Specialties You Must Try, 25 Captivating Tourist Spots in China Waiting to Be Explored, Self-Guided Tour of Chengdu, Tabing County and Lixian, Chengdu Travel Guide for Independent Travelers, Tips for Applying for a Chinese Tourist Visa, and more.
Save these Chengdu specialty dishes and get ready for a vibrant culinary adventure!
