Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in China, is world-renowned for its bold, spicy, and mouth-tingling cuisine. With a long culinary history and a strong food culture, Chengdu is the first city in Asia to be recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Visitors and locals alike flock to the city’s bustling streets, hidden alleys, and vibrant night markets to sample its legendary dishes. From the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns to the comfort of savory broths, Chengdu offers unforgettable flavors in every bite. The diversity and richness of famous food in Chengdu reflect both its cultural depth and its modern culinary creativity.
Sichuan Hot Pot
One of the most iconic dishes in Chengdu is Sichuan hot pot. Known locally as ‘huo guo,’ it is not just a meal but an experience. Diners gather around a bubbling pot of spicy, oil-rich broth infused with dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and various herbs. Raw ingredients like thinly sliced beef, mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables are dipped into the hot pot and cooked to taste.
There are several variations of hot pot in Chengdu, including the popular yuan yang or dual-flavored pot, which includes both spicy and mild broths. It’s perfect for groups with different heat tolerances. What sets Chengdu hot pot apart is the numbing spice or mala flavor that combines fiery chilies and the tingling sensation from Sichuan peppercorns, creating a distinctive taste that is both addictive and unforgettable.
Mapo Tofu
No list of famous Chengdu food would be complete without mentioning Mapo Tofu. This dish features soft cubes of tofu simmered in a rich, spicy sauce made from fermented broad bean paste (doubanjiang), garlic, ginger, minced pork (or sometimes beef), and Sichuan peppercorns. The tofu absorbs all the flavor, creating a satisfying contrast between its silky texture and the robust, savory sauce.
Mapo Tofu is a common sight in both street stalls and high-end restaurants. Though intensely flavored, it’s usually served with a bowl of steamed rice, which balances the heat and enhances the overall dining experience. This dish is loved not just in Chengdu but around the world for its fiery complexity.
Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan noodles are another staple of Chengdu’s culinary scene. These spicy noodles are typically served dry or with a small amount of sauce. The dish includes wheat noodles topped with a mixture of minced pork, preserved vegetables, crushed peanuts, scallions, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorn.
The name Dan Dan refers to the carrying pole (dan) that street vendors traditionally used to sell the dish. Though it may look simple, the flavor is deeply layered. The heat from the chili oil, the slight crunch from the peanuts, and the bold umami from the meat topping create an irresistible combination.
Chuan Chuan Xiang
Chuan Chuan Xiang, often called ‘Chengdu skewers,’ is similar to hot pot but served on sticks. Ingredients such as meat, vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms are skewered and cooked in a communal pot of spicy, fragrant broth. After cooking, the skewers are dipped in a flavorful sesame or peanut sauce and enjoyed straight off the stick.
This style of dining is especially popular in the evenings and is seen as a more casual alternative to traditional hot pot. Street vendors and late-night eateries across Chengdu offer endless options, allowing diners to customize their experience with the flavors they enjoy most.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken originated in Sichuan and has become famous worldwide. The Chengdu version of this dish remains truer to its roots, emphasizing the balance between heat, sweetness, and tanginess. It includes diced chicken stir-fried with dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, scallions, garlic, and roasted peanuts.
Unlike the heavily sweetened versions often found outside China, Chengdu’s Kung Pao Chicken focuses more on spicy and aromatic flavors. The crunchy peanuts and bold spices make this dish a favorite for both tourists and locals seeking a taste of authentic Sichuan cuisine.
Sichuan Dumplings in Chili Oil (Hong You Chao Shou)
Chao Shou, meaning folded hands, refers to the way these dumplings are wrapped. They are filled with seasoned pork and served in a spicy, red chili oil sauce. The silky wrappers and juicy filling are enhanced by the heat and tang of the sauce, making every bite burst with flavor.
This dish is typically served as an appetizer but can also be enjoyed as a main course. The chili oil used is fragrant rather than overwhelmingly spicy, giving the dumplings a complex flavor profile that is rich but not overpowering.
Fuqi Feipian
Fuqi Feipian, or Husband and Wife Lung Slices, is a cold dish that features thinly sliced beef or offal, marinated in a spicy sauce made with chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, sesame, and garlic. Despite the name, the dish typically contains beef rather than actual lung.
It is known for its tender texture and bold flavor, combining sweetness, saltiness, spiciness, and numbing sensations. This dish was named in honor of a couple who became famous for preparing it so well that they won the affection of locals. It remains a must-try delicacy in Chengdu’s food culture.
Street Snacks and Small Eats
Sichuan-style Cold Noodles
These chewy, cold noodles are served with a spicy, tangy sauce made from vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, chili oil, and sesame paste. Often garnished with cucumber strips or bean sprouts, they make a refreshing and flavorful snack, especially in warmer weather.
Guo Kui
Guo Kui is a crispy, flatbread stuffed with savory fillings such as minced beef, pork, or sweet red bean paste. Baked in a clay oven or pan-fried, it has a satisfying crunch and is commonly sold by street vendors throughout Chengdu. It’s a perfect grab-and-go snack that captures the city’s rustic food charm.
Traditional Desserts
While Chengdu is known for its spicy dishes, it also offers some delightful sweet treats. One of the most famous is Sweet Water Noodles (Tian Shui Mian), thick wheat noodles served with a sweet, sesame-based sauce and a mild hint of spice. Other popular desserts include glutinous rice balls in fermented rice soup and sweet bean paste pastries.
Where to Eat in Chengdu
Chengdu is filled with food streets, markets, and restaurants catering to every budget. Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley are popular with tourists and offer a wide range of street snacks. Locals often recommend visiting neighborhood eateries for a more authentic experience. Whether you’re eating in a high-end restaurant or from a humble stall, the quality of food in Chengdu is consistently high.
Famous food in Chengdu is a journey through bold spices, fragrant oils, and centuries of tradition. From steaming bowls of Mapo Tofu to skewers dipped in spicy broth, every meal reflects the city’s love for flavor and its vibrant food culture. Whether you’re a spice lover or a curious traveler, the food in Chengdu promises an unforgettable culinary adventure that captures the heart of Sichuan’s rich heritage.