Chongqing cuisine, also known as Yu-style Sichuan cuisine (渝派川菜), is defined by its bold flavors that focus on spiciness, numbing heat, freshness, tenderness, and warmth. The people of Chongqing are known for their straightforward and hearty nature, and this is reflected in their approach to food. For them, spicy dishes should be intensely fiery, and the numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns should be powerful and distinct. This vibrant culinary tradition has earned Chongqing a well-deserved reputation as the “Hotpot Capital of China” (中国火锅之都).
From fiery hotpots to street-side noodles, Chongqing offers an array of mouthwatering dishes that are sure to ignite the taste buds. Here are some of the most iconic foods you should try when exploring this food lover’s paradise.
Chongqing Noodles (小面)
Xiaomian (小面), literally “small noodles,” refers to the beloved bowl of noodles that holds a special place in the hearts of Chongqing locals. While it may seem simple, the flavors are anything but. Chongqing people’s love for xiaomian rivals their passion for hotpot. A bowl of these noodles can be found in nearly every street corner, with its spicy and aromatic broth offering a perfect morning kickstart.
The noodles are typically made from wheat flour and are served in a rich broth seasoned with garlic, scallions, soy sauce, chili oil, and vinegar. Each bowl can be customized with various toppings, including ground pork, pickled vegetables, peanuts, and green onions. The result is a dish that is bursting with savory, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors.
Where to Eat:
Flower Market Pea Noodles (花市豌杂面), located at No. 85 Minsheng Road (民生路85号) in Yuzhong District, is one of the top spots for xiaomian. This noodle shop has been in business for 15 years and is famous for its Pea and Minced Pork Noodles (豌杂面), where the peas are soft and flavorful, blending perfectly with the tender noodles.
Chongqing Hotpot (火锅)
No visit to Chongqing is complete without indulging in its world-famous hotpot. Known for its extreme spiciness and rich flavors, Chongqing hotpot typically features a thick broth made from dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and various spices. While the city offers a variety of hotpot styles, including “yuan yang” (鸳鸯火锅, half spicy, half mild), medicinal herb hotpot (药膳火锅), and fish head hotpot (鱼头火锅), the traditional hotpot remains the favorite. This style emphasizes a strong combination of “mala” (麻辣, spicy and numbing) sensations that will leave your taste buds tingling long after your meal.
Chongqing’s hotpot restaurants are known for their casual yet lively atmosphere, with friends and family gathering around bubbling pots to cook a wide variety of ingredients, including beef slices, tripe, tofu, mushrooms, and leafy greens. The beauty of hotpot is that it’s a highly customizable experience — you can choose your own ingredients and adjust the level of spice.
Where to Eat:
For an authentic hotpot experience, head to Ba Jiumen Old Hotpot (巴九门老火锅) at Hongyadong (洪崖洞), Zhou Shixiong Hotpot (周师兄火锅) near Jiefangbei (解放碑), or Dezhuang Hotpot (德庄火锅) at Three Gorges Square (三峡广场). These popular spots serve traditional hotpots with thick, spicy broths that locals love.
Sour and Spicy Noodles (酸辣粉)
As the name suggests, sour and spicy noodles are a Chongqing staple known for their tangy and spicy flavors. Made from sweet potato starch, these noodles have a chewy texture and are served in a flavorful broth that balances the sourness of vinegar with the heat of chilies. The dish is topped with pickled vegetables, peanuts, and green onions, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
Suan La Fen has long been a favorite street food in Chongqing due to its affordability and bold flavor profile. It’s a perfect dish for those looking for a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal.
Where to Eat:
For the best suan la fen, visit Hao You Lai Sour and Spicy Noodles (好又来酸辣粉) on Bayi Road’s Food Street (八一路好吃街) in Yuzhong District. Expect long lines, as locals and tourists alike flock here for the intensely sour and spicy flavors that define this beloved dish.
Spring Water Chicken (泉水鸡)
Originating from Nanshan (南山), spring water chicken (泉水鸡) is a relatively new addition to Chongqing’s culinary scene but has quickly gained popularity across the region. This dish features tender chicken that has been simmered in spring water, giving it a unique freshness and flavor. The chicken is cooked with a generous amount of chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, resulting in a dish that is spicy, fragrant, and absolutely delicious.
Spring water chicken is best enjoyed with friends, as the portions are typically large and the flavors are bold, making it a great dish to share. After the meal, visitors often take a stroll to nearby attractions like Yikeshu (一棵树) for breathtaking views of Chongqing’s nightscape.
Where to Eat (哪里吃):
To savor authentic spring water chicken, head to the Quanshui Chicken Street (泉水鸡一条街) on Nanshan. Afterward, you can enjoy a scenic walk and take in the beautiful night views of the city.
Food Streets in Chongqing (美食街)
For those looking to sample a wide variety of local delicacies, Chongqing’s food streets are must-visit destinations. Two of the most popular are Jiefangbei Bayi Road Food Street (解放碑八一路好吃街) and Nanbin Road Food Street (南滨路美食街).
Jiefangbei Bayi Road Food Street (解放碑八一路好吃街)
This bustling street is the perfect place to explore Chongqing’s vibrant street food culture. Here, you can find all sorts of local snacks, including sour and spicy noodles (酸辣粉), cold noodles (凉面), small rice dumplings (小汤圆), and duck dishes (王鸭子). The street is a treasure trove of flavors, with vendors offering a variety of sweet, sour, and spicy bites to tempt every palate. It’s a paradise for food lovers and a great place to experience the essence of Chongqing’s street food.
How to Get There:
Take Metro Line 1 (轻轨1号线) to Jiaochangkou Station (较场口站) or buses 152, 0321 (night), 476, or 0492 (night) to Changcheng Mansion (长城大厦站). The street is a 250-meter walk from the station.
Nanbin Road Food Street (南滨路美食街)
Located along the southern bank of the Yangtze River, Nanbin Road (南滨路) is known not only for its food but also for its stunning night views of Chongqing. This street is home to a wide variety of restaurants that serve everything from traditional hotpot to contemporary Chinese dishes. The area has a slightly more upscale vibe, with stylish restaurants offering both fantastic food and picturesque views of the city skyline.
How to Get There:
Take buses 338, 353, or 373 and get off at the Xiaoyue Intersection stop (晓月路口站) on Nanbin Road.