Chongqing Local Cuisine
Explore the authentic flavors and must-try dishes of Chongqing
Hot Pot
Chongqing Hot Pot
Famous spicy hot pot with numbing Sichuan peppercorns
¥80-150 per person
Dinner
Very common
Best Places:
- Hot pot restaurants
- Local eateries
- Food streets
Pro Tip:
Choose your spice level, the numbing sensation is normal
Noodles
Chongqing Noodles
Spicy noodles with various toppings and intense flavors
¥15-30
Lunch or dinner
Very common
Best Places:
- Noodle shops
- Local restaurants
- Food streets
Pro Tip:
Known for their intense spicy and numbing flavors
Main Dish
Spicy Chicken
Famous Chongqing dish with chicken and dried chilies
¥40-80
Lunch or dinner
Common
Best Places:
- Sichuan restaurants
- Traditional eateries
- Local markets
Pro Tip:
The dried chilies are for flavor, not meant to be eaten
Street Food
Street Food
Various street foods including spicy snacks and grilled items
¥10-25
Any time
Very common
Best Places:
- Food streets
- Night markets
- Subway stations
Pro Tip:
Try the famous Chongqing street food
Street Food
Local Snacks
Various traditional snacks including pastries and sweets
¥10-20
Snack time
Very common
Best Places:
- Food streets
- Local markets
- Tourist areas
Pro Tip:
Try the famous Chongqing pastries and sweets
Regional Cuisine
Mountain Cuisine
Traditional mountain dishes with local ingredients
¥60-120 per person
Lunch or dinner
Local specialty
Best Places:
- Traditional restaurants
- Mountain areas
- Local eateries
Pro Tip:
Features local mountain ingredients and traditional cooking methods
Chongqing Food Culture Guide
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