Chengdu Food Guide: Where and What to Eat in Chengdu

Last updated on April 27th, 2025

In this Chengdu Food Guide, we will share where to find the most delicious and famous Sichuan dishes, ensuring you have the best food experience during your trip to Chengdu.

Chengdu is renowned for its delectable cuisine. Visitors can immerse themselves in the diverse and delicious offerings of Sichuan food. It’s possible to spend an entire trip sampling various dishes in this vibrant city.

We love the lively atmosphere of Chengdu, with its colorful restaurants and stalls featuring large replicas of popular Sichuan foods, including spicy hotpot, as well as options from Chinese and Western cuisines, street food, and much more. The experience is exciting, though it can be a bit overwhelming to decide what to eat.

During our visit to Chengdu, we sampled some incredible dishes, which I highly recommend. For those with limited time looking to explore the local cuisine, here is our Chengdu Food Guide.

Table of Contents

Chengdu Food Guide: What To Eat in Chengdu

Here is a quick summary of our Chengdu Food Guide. You will find everything from street food to local specialty cuisine. We also included recommendations on where to enjoy this delicious food at below section.

Chengdu Food Guide: What and Where To Eat in Chengdu:

Spicy Sichuan Hotpot: Wuliguan Hotpot (五里关火锅), Guo Guo Conglin Hotpot, Bashu Dazhaimen Hotpot (巴蜀大宅门)
Mao Cai: WuMing Mao Cai (无名冒菜)
Mao Kao Ya: Hui Wei Mao Kao Ya (回味冒烤鸭)
Sichuan-style Spicy Roasted Fish at Kao Jiang (烤匠)
BoBo Chicken: Leshan Xian Zhi Wei Bo Bo Ji (乐山鲜知味钵钵鸡), Ye Po Po Bobo Chicken (叶婆婆钵钵鸡)
Douhua: Xi Yue Cheng Tan DouHua ChunXi Road (西月城谭豆花) / Xiao Tan Douhua (小谭豆花)
Chengdu Noodles – Yibin Ranmian (宜宾燃面), Dan Dan noodles (担担面), Tian Shui Mian (甜水面)
Lai Tang Yuan (赖汤圆)
Tutou, the Rabbit Head (兔头)
Tangyou Guozi (糖油果子)
Guokui (锅盔)
Sichuan Cuisine: Braised Pig Trotters (老妈蹄花) – must-try, mapo tofu, Fuqi Feipian, twice-cooked pork belly, Kung Pao chicken, and many more.

For more detail, please continue read on our Chengdu Food Guide blog.

Spicy Sichuan Hotpot

Let’s begin with the must-try food in Chengdu: Spicy Sichuan Hotpot (火锅). This amazing dish is one of the most addictive and delicious foods you can enjoy in the Chengdu. Diners can cook a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and tofu, in a spicy broth right at their table.

As a hotpot lover even in my home country, I’m excited to try the authentic Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu. The Sichuan version is famous for its fiery broth, which is flavored with chili, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. Be warned: don’t trust the locals if they say it’s not very spicy. We should emphasize “less, less, less spicy” when ordering our broth, as their spice levels are on an entirely different scale!

Where To Eat Spicy Hotpot in Chengdu

Below are some of the best hotpot restaurants we visited in Chengdu, so get ready for some spicy Sichuan delights!

If you’re looking for a great hotpot restaurant in Chengdu, I highly recommend Wuliguan Hotpot (五里关火锅), which is my personal favorite.

With multiple branches throughout the city, Wuliguan has become extremely popular with locals and always packed with locals enjoying the extremely spicy and flavorful hotpot served here.

We visited the Wuliguan Hotpot (Kuixinglou) 五里关火锅 (魁星楼店). It’s definitely one of the more traditional-style hotpot restaurants in Chengdu.

It’s common to see long queues of eager diners, even during late hours. The restaurant operates on a walk-in-only basis, so prepare to be patient as you wait for a table. If you arrive later in the evening, be aware that you may have a long wait ahead before securing a seat.

Guo Guo Conglin Hotpot (锅锅就丛林火锅) – If you’re in Chengdu, trying hotpot is a must! There are countless hotpot options in Chengdu, and this is one of the restaurants we visited when we were at Dongxian Ji Yi. The restaurant has jungle-themed decor and serves delicious hotpot. It is more kids and family friendly.

Bashu Dazhaimen Hotpot (巴蜀大宅门) is another great recommendation for its lively atmosphere and authentic Sichuan ambiance. This renowned hotpot chain has multiple locations throughout Chengdu, each bustling with long lines every night due to its popularity! The venues are also very clean, making it a great choice for hotpot first-timers.

Mao Cai

Mao Cai (冒菜) is a must-try dish in Chengdu. This stew-like meal features a diverse array of ingredients, including vegetables, meat, fish, soy products, and noodles, all cooked in a spicy mala sauce. Mao Cai is renowned for its spicy and delicious flavor. The ingredients absorb the rich taste of the mala broth, making each bite exceptionally flavorful. It offers a spicy kick that is both intense and pleasantly numbing, with the heat dancing on the tip of your tongue.

Mao Cai ended up being our favorite food in Chengdu. We had it twice during our trip, and it quickly became an addiction! Here’s our recommendation:

WuMing Mao Cai (无名冒菜) is a popular place to enjoy this dish. You can choose your own ingredients, typically a variety of meats and vegetables. We opted for a selection of meats, vegetables, tofu, and noodles. The chef then cooks everything together in a large pot and pours on the spicy broth. The meat is tender and flavorful. Very delicious!

We went to WuMing Mao Cai located in Kuanxinlou street.

Mao Kao Ya

Mao Kao Ya (冒烤鸭) is a traditional Sichuan-style dish that is well-known among locals. It is a type of Mao Cai, where roasted duck is boiled in a flavorful sauce. This dish originated in Chengdu in the 1980s as a humble street food found in farmers’ markets, but it has since become a regional specialty. It is an authentic delicacy beloved by the people of Chengdu.

During my food exploration in Chengdu, I must admit that Mao Kao Ya was the highlight among all the varieties of Mao Cai! The duck’s skin is crispy, while the meat is incredibly tender. Similar to Mao Cai, you can add a variety of vegetables, tofu dishes, and noodles into the pot with the duck. It was absolutely delicious! If you’re wondering what to eat in Chengdu, this dish is a must-try!

Hui Wei Mao Kao Ya (回味冒烤鸭) – I highly recommend dining at this restaurant. We went to the branch near Kuanzhai valley. They serve roasted duck with mala soup in a large pot. If you want less spicy, there is also an signature original option that is less spicy but still flavorful. The dishes are incredibly fragrant and delicious!

Spicy Roasted Fish

Sichuan-style Spicy Roasted Fish is another popular dish in Chengdu. The whole fish are marinated and grilled to perfection and infused with a lot of mouth numbing and spicy Sichuan pepper. It’s smoky, savory, and packed with heat.

Chengdu Taikoo li Kao Jiang Spicy Roasted Fish

Kao Jiang Spicy Roasted Fish (烤匠) is a popular chain grilled fish restaurant in Chengdu that specializing in spicy grilled fish. The restaurant offers fresh fish cooked in a rich, spicy sauce. Their grilling technique ensures a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the heat from the chili oil. Keep in mind that on weekends there’s always a huge queue.

Kao Jiang has several branches in Chengdu, and we chose to visit the one located in the IFS store. The atmosphere is lively, with many people queuing, especially during meal times. The staff is very friendly and guided us on how to order using Dianping for the best deals. The food tastes amazing. Thumbs up!

BoBo Chicken

Originating from Leshan, Bobo Chicken, also known as Bo Bo Ji (钵钵鸡), is a popular local snack in Chengdu. This dish features bone-free cold chicken skewers served with a spicy sauce and garnished with crushed peanuts and cilantro in a pottery bowl. The chicken can include small pieces, crispy skin, or tender meat, making it a light yet flavorful option that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Additionally, it’s not just about chicken; there are also beef, pork, and various types of vegetables available.

Many street vendors sell Bobo Chicken, but you should definitely try Leshan Xian Zhi Wei Bo Bo Ji (乐山鲜知味钵钵鸡). This restaurant has two branches, and we visited the 乐山鲜知味钵钵鸡(奎星楼) located in Kuanxinlou street. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Sichuan cuisine. The dish is prepared with just the right amount of spice, and their unique dipping sauce enhances the flavor even more. While the red oil may initially intimidate those sensitive to spice, it is quite fragrant and not overwhelmingly hot. This restaurant is popular among locals, so be prepared to wait in line during peak hours.

Another excellent option is Ye Po Po Bobo Chicken (叶婆婆钵钵鸡) on Chunxi Road, which is renowned for its exceptional preparation. The chicken and vegetables on the skewers are soaked in a spicy mala sauce.

Douhua, the Silken Tofu

Xiao Tan Douhua (小谭豆花) is an immensely popular snack shop among locals in Sichuan. The Tan family has been running these shops for over 100 years, and in 2000, they were renamed Xi Yue Cheng Tan Dou Hu (西月城谭豆花). This establishment is a local favorite restaurant, offering a variety of must-try small bites from Chengdu all in one place.

We visited Xi Yue Cheng Tan DouHua ChunXi Road (西月城谭豆花春熙路店), which is conveniently located about 3 minutes from our hotel, Mercure Chengdu Chunxi Taikoo Li. It was very convenient.

The highlight of the shop is their extra-soft silken tofu (豆花). It is available in both sweet and savory soupy dishes, and it also makes a delightful addition to noodle dishes.

We particularly love their specialty sweet douhua pudding (冰醉豆花), which is exceptional—soft but not slimy, tender, warm, and rich in nutty soybean flavor.

Another must-eat specialty here is the douhua noodles (豆花面), which combine traditional douhua with noodles and a variety of toppings. This dish features a generous scattering of ground beef atop a bed of white noodles, surrounded by a shallow moat of red oil filled with peanuts and green onions. Beneath it all sits the silky pieces of douhua.

Besides the Douhua, you can also try other classic Sichuan small bowl noodles here, such as red-oil dumplings (抄手), dan dan noodles (担担面), Zhong ShuiJiao(钟水饺), and also duck. All also taste good!

Yibin Ranmian

The local favorite, Yibin Ranmian (宜宾燃面), or burning noodles, is a type of dry-tossed noodle similar to dandan noodles. Yibin is the first city along the Yangtze River. These noodles are called Yibin Ranmian because they are topped with yacai (芽菜), an irreplaceable ingredient made from preserved mustard stems, which originates from Yibin.

Chengdu Food Guide Where to Eat in Chengdu

Yibin Ranmian restaurants can be found on almost every corner in Chengdu and are a popular choice for a noodles dish. We didn’t select a specific restaurant and instead went to a nearby noodle shop close to the People’s Park for breakfast.

Surprisingly, the Yibin Ranmian tasted incredible. The noodles were freshly cooked, quickly dressed in soy sauce and sesame oil, and generously topped with chili oil, yacai, roasted peanuts, and chopped scallions. We even returned for a second bowl a few days later. We highly recommend trying Yibin Ranmian during your visit to Chengdu.

Long Chaoshou

Another popular snack is the red-oil dumpling, commonly known locally as Chaoshou (抄手) or Long Chaoshou (龙抄手). This snack resembles traditional dumplings but features a unique folded shape. These delicate dumplings are typically served in a flavorful broth or topped with chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns.

Sweet-water Noodles (Tian Shui Mian)

Sweet-water noodles, or Tian shui mian (甜水面), is a local favorite dish in Chengdu. Unlike traditional noodle dishes, these noodles do not come with broth. Instead, the handmade thick, chewy noodles are cooked and coated in a rich, dark red spicy sauce. The flavor is a delightful blend of savory, umami, and spicy notes, with a subtle hint of sweetness lingering in the aftertaste. This unique texture and flavor combination make it a dish that should not be missed while visiting Chengdu.

Tian shui mian is great as a starter, and you can enjoy it at restaurants or grab a quick bite from street vendors.

Tang Yuan, the Glutinous Rice Balls

Tang Yuan (汤圆) is a traditional Chinese dessert made from glutinous rice flour filled with sweet fillings. While this dessert can be found all over China, it is not limited to Chengdu or Sichuan province. The glutinous rice balls are typically boiled in water or syrup and served hot. The combination of the sticky rice flour ball and the sweet sesame paste that oozes out when you take a bite is truly satisfying.

Lai’s Glutinous Rice Balls, or Lai Tang Yuan (赖汤圆), has been serving this popular dessert since the 1890s. It is so renowned that it has been officially recognized by the government as a “Time Honoured Food Brand” in China.

We visited Lai’s main branch, located across the road from the Chunxi Road tourist area. In addition to tang yuan, they offer a wide variety of other dishes, making it an excellent place to sample an assortment of Sichuan cuisine.

Tutou, the Rabbit Head

For adventurous food seekers, trying Tutou (兔头), or rabbit head, is a must-eat in Chengdu. This street food snack is widely popular in Chengdu. Although Chengdu isn’t the first or only place in China to embrace the joy of eating rabbit head, you’ll find many small eateries selling Tutou. The rabbit head is offered in various flavors, including original, BBQ, and mala.

Eating Tutou is similar to enjoying crab or lobster: you crack it open to get to the good meat inside. Licking off your spicy fingers is all part of the experience. Many locals enjoy Tutou as a snack, and they even gift it as a souvenir to friends.

I didn’t try it myself, but according to one shopper, it tastes pretty great. If you’re looking for something unique to eat in Chengdu, give it a try!

Tangyou Guozi, the Deep-fried Sticky Rice Ball Skewers

Deep-fried Sticky Rice Ball Skewers, known as Tangyou Guozi (糖油果子), are a popular street food snack in Chengdu. These treats consist of sticky rice balls served on skewers.

Made from glutinous rice dough, they resemble a Chinese version of Dutch donuts. The rice balls are deep-fried in oil infused with brown sugar, giving them a delightful sheen once removed from the fryer and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Typically, the rice balls are skewered on bamboo sticks, with about five balls on each stick, making them easy to enjoy on the go.

Guokui

Guokui (锅盔) is a crispy, multi-layered flatbread filled with various savory fillings, such as minced meat, pork belly, beef, and seasoning. This traditional snack is commonly found in Sichuan and Shanxi provinces.

Guokui is first fried and then baked, resulting in a texture that is very crispy but not greasy. With one bite, the aroma of the hot guokui fills the air, and you can hear the delightful sound of its crispy skin breaking.

Sichuan Cuisine

Sichuan cuisine is one of the four major traditional culinary traditions in China. When visiting Chengdu, it’s a must to experience the delicious and diverse flavors of Sichuan cuisine. This culinary style features a wide array of iconic dishes that have gained international acclaim. In addition to countless local street food, there are hundreds of dishes that are definitely worth trying. Some popular Sichuan dishes include the world-famous mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐), Fuqi Feipian (夫妻肺片), twice-cooked pork belly (回锅肉), and Kung Pao chicken (宫保鸡丁), among many others.

Where to eat Sichuan Cuisine in Chengdu - Lao Ma Ti Hua

Sichuan cuisine can be enjoyed not only in Chengdu but also throughout China and around the world. However, one dish that is especially recommended for those visiting Chengdu is Braised Pig Trotters, also known as Lao Ma Ti Hua (老妈蹄花). This Sichuan cuisine favored by locals and it is best experienced in its place of origin, Chengdu.

The trotters are served tender and flavorful in a rich broth and come with a special dipping sauce. To try this beloved dish, we visited one of the local restaurants in Kuanzhai Valley, which is located less than a 10-minute walk from our hotel, Nostalgia Hotel KuanZhai Alley ChengDu.

If you are looking for Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu, we recommend Taolin (饕林). This restaurant is favored by locals for its authentic Sichuan dishes and offers high-quality food at reasonable prices.

Where To Eat in Chengdu

Here is our Chengdu Food Guide recommendation for those looking for what and where to eat in Chengdu.

Kuixinglou (魁星楼) is a food street situated in the urban area of Chengdu. Stretching approximately 800 meters in length, it is located near Kuanzhai Alley. Although the street is narrow and somewhat tucked away in a small valley, it is lined with numerous popular food stalls, restaurants, and dessert shops, offering a wide variety of delicious options.

Another best places to find delicious food in Chengdu is Kuanzhai Alley. This well-known historical and cultural district offers a variety of traditional Chengdu snacks and authentic local dishes. Visitors can discover many local food options and restaurants in this area. Additionally, Kuixinglou is just a few streets away.

Both Kuixonglou and Kuanzhai Valley have many restaurants and eateries, each offering a variety of local dishes. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and select one or two restaurants to enjoy the delicious food they provide.

Overall: Chengdu Food Guide

In conclusion, this wraps up my Chengdu Food Guide with all the highlights of my experiences during my food hunting trips to Chengdu. This amazing city is filled with a wide variety of food options, including standardized chain restaurants, local eateries, and snack stalls. All of these offer authentic Sichuan flavors that we missed so much after returning to our home country. There are many more local dishes to discover and try during your visit to Chengdu. The recommendations above should not be missed during your trip.

That’s it. Thank you for reading my Chengdu Food Guide blog. Happy Chengdu food hunting!

Related Chengdu Travel blog:

Traveling to Chongqing? Read more our Chongqing travel blog:

Lastly, if you plan to visit Sichuan and surrounding areas, be sure to check out our travel blog below:

Traveling Xi’An and looking for inspiration? Read more our Xi’an travel stories.