The Must-Try Flavors of Chengdu

Discover the delicious culinary delights of Chengdu, China with our guide to the top foods to try while visiting. From spicy Dandan noodles to savory Feichang Fen and unique dishes like rabbit head and Bo Bo chicken, our list has something for every palate. Learn about the history and traditional way of eating each dish and make your next trip to Chengdu a culinary adventure.

Experience the Spicy and Bold Flavors of Chengdu: A Guide to Must-Try Foods in Sichuan Cuisine

Located in the Sichuan province of China, Chengdu is a city that is well-known for its spicy and flavorful dishes. As a foodie and traveler, a trip to Chengdu and sampling the local cuisine is a must. However, with so many delicious options to choose from, first-time visitors may find it difficult to know where to begin. To help you narrow down your options, here are five must-try foods in Chengdu:

Hot pot

Hotpot is a popular Sichuan dish in which various meats, vegetables, and other ingredients are cooked in a spicy broth. The broth is typically made with a base of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, which impart a spicy and numbing flavor. Hotpot is traditionally served at a communal table, with diners preparing their own food in the broth. This allows for a more enjoyable and interactive dining experience, as well as the ability to tailor the flavors to your preferences. Thinly sliced meats like beef and lamb, as well as vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, and tofu, are popular hotpot ingredients.

Mapo Tofu

Mapo tofu is a spicy tofu dish popular in Sichuan cuisine. Tofu, ground pork, and a spicy sauce made from fermented bean paste and chili peppers are used to make this dish. Cornstarch is typically used to thicken the sauce, giving it a silky texture. Mapo tofu is known for its flavorful and fiery taste and is typically served with rice. It is frequently garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, which help to balance out the dish’s spiciness.

Dandan noodles

Dandan noodles, also known as “spicy noodles,” are a traditional Sichuan dish known for its spicy and savory flavor. Thin wheat noodles are tossed in a spicy sauce made of chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and ground pork. Dandan noodles date back to the early twentieth century, when they were first served in the streets of Chengdu as a cheap and convenient meal for workers. To eat Dandan noodles, simply combine the sauce and noodles and serve.

Feichang Fen (Intestine Vermicelli)

The spicy and savory dish Feichang Fen, also known as “strange flavor vermicelli,” is made from vermicelli noodles and pig intestines. The dish is seasoned with Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and soy sauce, among other ingredients. The origins of Feichang Fen can be traced back to the early twentieth century, when it was first served as a cheap and convenient meal for workers on the streets of Chengdu. Simply combine the vermicelli and pig intestines to make Feichang Fen and enjoy!

Rabbit Head

As the name implies, Rabbit Head is a dish made from the head of a rabbit. The dish is typically fried and served with a spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and soy sauce. Rabbit Head is considered a delicacy in Chengdu and is known for its unique texture and rich flavor. To eat Rabbit Head, simply bite into the head and enjoy the different parts of the head, such as the ears, eyes, and brain.

Bo Bo Chicken (Bo Bo Ji)

Bo Bo Chicken, also known as “shredded chicken with spicy sauce,” is a traditional Sichuan dish with a spicy and savory flavor. Shredded chicken is tossed in a spicy sauce made of chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and peanuts. Bo Bo Chicken is a popular dish in Chengdu and is frequently served as a side dish or as a rice topping. To eat Bo Bo Chicken, simply combine the sauce and chicken and serve.

Long Chaoshou (Dragon Wontons)

Long Chaoshou, also known as “dragon wontons,” is a wonton-wrapped dish filled with ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables. After boiling, the wontons are served in a spicy and savory broth made of chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and soy sauce. Long Chaoshou is a popular dish in Chengdu that can be eaten as a snack or as a main course. Simply dip the wontons in the broth to eat Long Chaoshou!

Guo Kui (Crusty Pancake with the shape of a pot cover)

Guo Kui, also known as “pot cover crust,” is a crispy on the outside and soft on the inside type of Chinese flatbread. It’s a popular Chengdu street food that comes with a variety of toppings like sesame seeds, chili oil, and scallions. Guo Kui is commonly consumed as a snack or as a side dish. Simply tear off a piece of Guo Kui and enjoy!

Sugar and Oil Guozi (Fried Sticky Rice Balls with Brown Sugar and Sesame Seeds)

Sugar and Oil Guozi is a popular street snack in Chengdu, made by deep-frying glutinous rice balls that have been coated in a mixture.

A Taste of Chengdu’s Culinary Delights

Chengdu is a city with a rich history and culture, in addition to its delicious cuisine. Located in the heart of the Sichuan Basin, Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate, making it a great place to visit year-round. The city is well-known for its lovely gardens and parks, as well as its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. Chengdu has something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new.