Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Chengdu, Sichuan

Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Chengdu, Sichuan

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a foodie paradise renowned for its bold and fiery flavors. Here are 10 iconic dishes you absolutely must try when visiting this culinary haven:

1. Mapo Tofu: A Sichuan classic, Mapo Tofu features silky tofu cubes simmered in a fiery sauce made with chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and minced meat. For an authentic experience, head to the time-honored Chen Mapo Tofu (Address: No. 99 Hangkong Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu).

   

    

2. Hot Pot: Sichuan hot pot is famous for its numbing spiciness, with a base made of butter, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili peppers. It's a communal dining experience where you cook an array of meats, vegetables, and noodles in the bubbling broth. Don't miss the Xiaolongkan Old Hot Pot (Address: No. 51, Section 1, Yulin Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu).

   

    

3. Wontons in Chili Oil: Another Chengdu specialty, these wontons are filled with juicy pork and bathed in a fragrant chili oil sauce. Find them at the intersection of Lijia Baozheng Road and Taisheng South Road in Qingyang District.

4. Rabbit Head: A traditional Chengdu delicacy, rabbit heads are simmered in a flavorful broth with chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and garlic. It's a unique Sichuan dish that's definitely worth trying. Check out the Jiuyanqiao Old Hot Pot (Address: No. 14, Section 3, Renmin South Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu).

5. Sichuan Blood Curd: A variation of Sichuan hot pot, this dish features duck blood, fat intestines, and tofu skin cooked in a spicy broth. It's a hearty and flavorful option for hot pot lovers. Visit Shu Daxia Maoxuewang (Address: No. 41, Xiaodong Street, Jinjiang District, Chengdu).

   

6. Husband and Wife Lung Slices: This popular cold dish consists of thinly sliced beef and offal mixed with a variety of spices. It's tender, flavorful, and moderately spicy. Try it at Laoduan Fufu Feipian (Address: No. 19, Section 4, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu).

7. Fish with Pickled Mustard Greens: Another Sichuan signature dish, this dish features grass carp cooked with pickled mustard greens, bean sprouts, and other ingredients. It's fragrant, sour, sweet, and moderately spicy. Head to Huang Jihuang (Address: No. 8, Longzhou Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu).

   

8. Dragon's Claws: These traditional snacks resemble dumplings and are made with soft wheat flour, fresh pork, and a blend of spices. They're delicate, flavorful, and moderately spicy. Find them at the intersection of Lijiatuozheng Road and Taisheng South Road in Qingyang District.

   

    

9. Mala Tang: Originating from Leshan City in Sichuan Province, Mala Tang is a popular street food dish featuring a mix of ingredients cooked in a spicy and fragrant broth. It's known for its numbing spiciness and rich flavor. Try it at Mala Tang (Address: No. 34, North Section of 1st Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu).

   

    

10. Sweet Water Noodles: A traditional breakfast dish in Chengdu, these noodles are made with fine wheat flour and a variety of spices and ingredients. They're delicate, flavorful, and a must-try for noodle lovers. Visit Sweet Water Noodles (Address: No. 99, West Section of Shuangnan Avenue, Wuhou District, Chengdu).

    

     

Beyond the Top 10

Chengdu offers a wide array of culinary delights beyond these top 10 dishes. Be sure to explore the city's vibrant food scene and discover your own favorites!