Top 10 must-try delicacies in Chengdu

Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan province, is famed for its bold flavors, fiery spices, and mouthwatering street food. From sizzling hotpot to iconic rabbit heads, this city’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses. Here’s a curated list of the best Chengdu food to try, whether you’re hunting for authentic street eats or a sit-down Sichuan hotpot experience.

1. Sichuan Hotpot (四川火锅)

Keyword Highlight: Chengdu Sichuan hotpot near me
No trip to Chengdu is complete without diving into a steaming pot of Sichuan hotpot. Local favorites like Da Long Yi Hotpot or Huangcheng Laoma serve up numbing-spicy broths (ask for má là for extra heat!) filled with thinly sliced beef, lamb, mushrooms, and offal. Pair it with a dipping sauce of sesame oil, garlic, and cilantro to balance the fire.
Where to try: Every corner! Use apps like Dianping to find highly rated spots nearby.

2. Rabbit Head (兔头, Tútóu)

Keyword Highlight: Chengdu rabbit head recipe
A daring but beloved snack, rabbit heads are marinated in Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and herbs, then slow-cooked until tender. Crack open the skull to suck the flavorful meat from the bones—it’s messier than it looks! For a taste of the authentic Chengdu rabbit head recipe, head to Zhu’s Rabbit Head on Jiuyanqiao Street.
Pro tip: Start with a mild version if you’re new to the spice!

3. Dan Dan Noodles (担担面, Dāndàn Miàn)

These iconic noodles get their name from street vendors who carried them on bamboo poles (dàn dàn). Tossed in a spicy-savory sauce of chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions, they’re a quick, flavorful meal. Try them at Chengdu Impression for a classic version.

4. Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐, Má Pó Dòufu)

A Sichuan classic, Mapo Tofu features silky tofu in a fiery sauce of doubanjiang (chili bean paste), fermented black beans, and minced pork, topped with numbing Sichuan peppercorns. For the best Chengdu food version, visit Chen Mapo Tofu, a century-old restaurant specializing in this dish.

5. Zhong Dumplings (钟水饺, Zhōng Shuǐjiǎo)

Unlike traditional dumplings, Zhong Dumplings are served plain and drenched in a sweet-spicy sauce made with garlic, chili oil, and sugar. The dumplings themselves are filled with seasoned pork and have a slightly chewy texture. Find them at Zhong Shui Jiao, a local institution since 1893.

6. Twice-Cooked Pork (回锅肉, Huíguō Ròu)

This hearty dish stars slices of pork belly that are first boiled, then stir-fried with leeks, garlic, and doubanjiang for a smoky, spicy flavor. It’s a staple of authentic Chengdu street food stalls and family-style restaurants alike.

7. Sichuan-Style Sweet water noodles (甜水面, Tiánshuǐ Miàn)

A surprising twist on Sichuan’s spicy reputation, these thick, chewy noodles are tossed in a sauce of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili oil, topped with crushed peanuts. The balance of sweet, salty, and spicy makes them addictive. Look for street vendors near Kuan Zhai Alley.

8. Sichuan Peppercorn Fish (椒麻鱼, Jiāomá Yú)

Fresh fish (often carp or catfish) is steamed or poached, then smothered in a sauce of Sichuan peppercorns, green chilies, and oil. The result? A tingling, aromatic dish that’s both refreshing and fiery. Try it at Yu’s Family Kitchen in Jinjiang District.

9. Suan La Fen (酸辣粉, Suānlà Fěn)

These tangy, spicy noodles are made from sweet potato starch and served in a broth of vinegar, chili oil, and pickled vegetables. Toppings like minced pork, peanuts, and scallions add crunch. A perfect quick bite from street food carts near Chunxi Road.

10. Sichuan-Style Gong Bao Chicken (宫保鸡丁, Gōngbǎo Jīdīng)

While known worldwide, the authentic Chengdu version of Gong Bao Chicken is less sweet and more numbing-spicy, with crispy peanuts, diced chicken, and dried chilies. Avoid Westernized adaptations by ordering it at local taverns (xiaoguan*) in Jinli Ancient Street.

Where to Find Authentic Chengdu Street Food

• Jiuyanqiao Night Market: A lively hub for rabbit heads, skewers, and late-night snacks.
• Kuan Zhai Alley: Historic lanes lined with vendors selling Sweet Water noodles and dumplings.
• Chunxi Road: Pedestrian street with stalls offering everything from stinky tofu to sugar-coated haws.

Food Safety Tips

• Stick to busy stalls with high turnover.
• Carry hand sanitizer and tissues (spicy food can get messy!).
• If you’re sensitive to spice, ask for bù là (not spicy)—but where’s the fun in that?