Chengdu Local Cuisine
Explore the authentic flavors and must-try dishes of Chengdu
Spicy broth with various meats and vegetables, Chengdu's signature dish
Best Places:
- Hai Di Lao
- Xiaolongkan
- Local hot pot restaurants
Pro Tip:
Choose your spice level, order plenty of vegetables
Spicy tofu dish with minced meat and Sichuan peppercorns
Best Places:
- Traditional restaurants
- Sichuan restaurants
- Local eateries
Pro Tip:
The numbing sensation from peppercorns is normal and delicious
Classic Sichuan dish with chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in spicy sauce
Best Places:
- Sichuan restaurants
- Traditional eateries
- Local markets
Pro Tip:
Authentic version includes Sichuan peppercorns for numbing effect
Spicy noodles with minced pork and preserved vegetables
Best Places:
- Noodle shops
- Local restaurants
- Food streets
Pro Tip:
Mix thoroughly to distribute the spicy sauce evenly
Pork belly boiled then stir-fried with vegetables and spicy sauce
Best Places:
- Sichuan restaurants
- Traditional eateries
- Local markets
Pro Tip:
The pork should be tender with crispy edges
Various traditional snacks including spicy rabbit head and cold dishes
Best Places:
- Wide and Narrow Alleys
- Food streets
- Local markets
Pro Tip:
Try the famous spicy rabbit head if you're adventurous
Dining Etiquette
- • Use chopsticks properly, don't stick them upright in rice
- • Try a little of everything when dining with others
- • It's polite to serve others before yourself
- • Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows appreciation
Ordering Tips
- • Point at menu pictures if language is a barrier
- • Ask for "bu la" (not spicy) if you can't handle heat
- • Street food is generally safe from busy vendors
- • Don't tip - it's not customary in China