Traveling in China—Savoring Chengdu’s Delicacies

Spicy Hot Pot

“There’s nothing that a hot pot can’t solve.” Spicy hot pot features a rich and flavorful base with bubbling red oil, where Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers dance together, creating an ultimate taste sensation with every bite. The ingredients are fresh, from beef tripe to pig throat, and from duck blood to beef slices, all meticulously selected. Dip them into the pot, and then into a special sesame oil and garlic sauce—pure bliss!

Mapo Tofu

“Mapo Tofu combines numbing, spicy, hot, aromatic, crispy, tender, fresh, and vibrant—none of these elements can be missing.” This dish is a classic in Sichuan cuisine, with minced beef stir-fried to a crispy aroma, intertwining with tender tofu. The surface is coated with red oil, and Sichuan peppercorns enhance the fragrance. Every bite provides an ultimate satisfaction to the taste buds.

Twice-Cooked Pork

“Twice-cooked pork is rich without being greasy, lean without being tough, and the garlic sprouts enhance its aroma—it’s a perfect dish to go with rice!” The pork is first cooked until 80% done, sliced, and then stir-fried with garlic sprouts. The addition of broad bean paste and sweet bean paste gives the dish a rich flavor and aroma. Every bite is filled with happiness.

Dan Dan Noodles

“Dan Dan Noodles, the taste of Chengdu, a bowl in hand, warms the heart.” Handmade noodles are paired with crispy stir-fried bean sprouts and minced meat, topped with a special red oil sauce. The dish is salty, savory, and mildly spicy, with an irresistible aroma that makes it unforgettable.

Couple’s Lung Slices

“Couple’s Lung Slices doesn’t actually contain lung—it features the best cuts of beef.” This dish boasts a bright red color and tender, flavorful meat. The beef and beef tripe are braised, sliced, and then drizzled with a special chili oil and Sichuan peppercorn powder. Every bite offers an ultimate taste experience.

Long Chaoshou

“Long Chaoshou features thin wrappers and tender fillings, with a rich, white broth. Each bite is incredibly delicious.” As a traditional Chengdu snack, Long Chaoshou has won countless food lovers with its unique texture. A gentle bite through the thin skin releases the rich, savory broth, leaving a lasting impression.

Hot and Sour Noodles

“Hot and Sour Noodles are tangy and spicy, invigorating and refreshing.” The sweet potato noodles are chewy and elastic, paired with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and a special hot and sour seasoning. Each bite provides an intense taste sensation that is irresistible.

Chuan Chuan Xiang

“Chuan Chuan Xiang is Chengdu’s street food, where you can choose any skewer you like.” Various vegetables, meats, and seafood are skewered on bamboo sticks, cooked in a spicy, aromatic broth, and then dipped in a special seasoning. It’s convenient and delicious, making it a great choice for gatherings with friends.

Fried Intestine Noodles

“Fried Intestine Noodles combine the aroma of fried intestines with the smoothness of rice noodles in perfect harmony.” Made with high-quality sweet potato noodles and a broth simmered with fried intestines, this dish is spicy, fresh, and flavorful. The rice noodles are tender and delicious, while the intestines are clean and free of any unpleasant odor. Each bite is an ultimate temptation for the taste buds.

Kung Pao Chicken

“Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Sichuan dish with tender chicken and crunchy peanuts.” Diced chicken is stir-fried with peanuts, flavored with dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s red but not overly spicy, hot but not overwhelming, with a rich, aromatic, spicy flavor. The meat is tender and crispy, making it a great dish to enjoy with rice.

Rabbit Head

“Rabbit Head is a favorite among Chengdu locals, with a spicy, aromatic, and flavorful taste. The rabbit heads are meticulously braised, resulting in tender, finely textured meat with a strong spicy flavor. Eating them offers a unique experience, and they are a common street snack in Chengdu.”

Tofu Flower Rice Noodles

“Tofu Flower Rice Noodles are an excellent choice for breakfast.” Soft and creamy tofu flower pairs perfectly with smooth rice noodles, drizzled with garlic paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The texture is rich and delicate, and the flavor is delicious, making it a popular breakfast option among Chengdu locals.

Sweet Water Noodles

“Sweet Water Noodles have a unique flavor, blending sweetness with spiciness.” The noodles are thick and chewy, paired with a special sweet bean paste and chili oil. The sweet and spicy combination creates a distinctive taste, making it a favorite noodle dish among Chengdu locals.

Sanhe Ni

“Sanhe Ni is a traditional dessert, soft and sweet.” Made from glutinous rice, yellow beans, sesame, and other ingredients, it has a delicate texture and a sweet, aromatic flavor. It’s a common choice for afternoon tea among Chengdu locals.

Candied Fruit Pastry

“Candied Fruit Pastry has a crispy exterior and a soft, glutinous filling.” The golden-brown, deep-fried outer layer encases a sweet and tender filling that isn’t overly sugary. It’s a popular street snack in Chengdu and is loved by many.

Egg Cake

“Egg Cake is a great choice for breakfast or afternoon tea.” Made from eggs, flour, and other ingredients, it has a soft, fluffy texture and a sweet aroma. It can be paired with various fillings and is a small but delightful treat in the daily lives of Chengdu locals.

Spicy Tofu Flower

“Spicy Tofu Flower combines the silky smoothness of tofu with a perfect blend of spicy seasonings.” The tofu is tender and delicious, paired with spicy seasonings, green onions, cilantro, and other toppings. The unique flavor is both distinct and memorable.

Tan Tofu Noodles

“Tan Tofu Noodles are a highlight of Chengdu’s noodle culture.” The noodles are firm and elastic, paired with tender tofu and a rich broth, along with various toppings like beef and pea shoots. The combination makes it a dish you’ll want to eat again and again.

Bean Soup Rice

“Bean Soup Rice offers a homey taste that warms the heart.” Made with a bean soup base, it is paired with tender rice and a variety of vegetables and meats. The flavorful broth infuses the rice, making it an essential comfort dish in the daily lives of Chengdu locals.

Yibin Spicy Noodles

“Yibin Spicy Noodles, though not originally from Chengdu, surpass local dishes in flavor.” The thin, chewy noodles are paired with a special chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns. The unique spicy and aromatic taste makes it unforgettable and irresistibly delicious.

There’s so much more to Chengdu’s cuisine—what we’ve covered is just the tip of the iceberg! The delicious food in Chengdu is simply countless; you could spend three days and nights talking about it and still not cover it all! If you haven’t had your fill yet, let’s come back to Chengdu next time.