Chongqing is a city where hotpot is more than just a meal—it’s a culture. As a born-and-raised Chongqing native, I’ve spent years indulging in the city’s finest hotpot spots. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the best places to eat often don’t rely on flashy marketing—they let the food speak for itself. Here are 8 hotpot restaurants in Chongqing that locals return to again and again, proving that a great hotpot doesn’t need any advertisement!
1. Xuan Hotpot (煊火锅)
Location: Xiao Yuan Yi Village 33, Jiangbei District
A beloved local favorite, Xuan Hotpot has been serving authentic Chongqing hotpot for many years. Located in a residential building, this place even attracts celebrities like Gao Yuanyuan.
2. Junjie Hotpot (俊杰火锅)
Location: Hongcheng Mingdu, Jiaqin Road, Shapingba District
This is one of the Shajia Ba food trio, a long-established hotpot spot in the city. Junjie Hotpot doesn’t focus on ambiance but instead prioritizes exceptional taste and affordability.
3. Xiao Hua Hotpot Skewers (小华火锅串串)
Location: No. 2, Paojin Road, Jiulongpo District, 35th Building
Specializing in hotpot skewers (串串), Xiao Hua is famous for its fresh ingredients, particularly its large shrimp, abalone, and squid. The skewers are bursting with flavor, and if you visit a bit later in the evening, expect to wait in line—this place is that good!
4. Chen Bin Old Hotpot (陈彬老火锅)
Location: No. 2, Pure Yangdong Community, Yuzhong District (opposite Jingxiangyuan Hotpot)
Nestled in an old neighborhood, Chen Bin Old Hotpot offers traditional Chongqing flavors that hit the spot every time. Their braised chicken feet (耙鸡爪) and tender pork liver (嫩滑猪肝) are fan favorites, and the broth stays true to the signature Chongqing hotpot taste. The value here is excellent.
5. Li Jie Family Hotpot Skewers (李杰一家三口·家庭串串香)
Location: No. 5, Hongsheng Lane, Yuzhong District
An old establishment housed in a traditional residential building, Li Jie serves up a spicy, flavorful broth, with skewers featuring fresh ingredients and a wide variety of choices. Be sure to try their grilled squid on a sizzling plate—it’s a crowd favorite!
6. Xiao Bing Old Hotpot (小兵老火锅)
Location: No. 2, Xuefu Avenue, Nanan District
Known for its strong local flavor, Xiao Bing offers a red soup base (红汤锅底) that is rich, spicy, and aromatic. The broth is wonderfully fragrant with sesame oil. The ingredients are always fresh, and the price-to-quality ratio makes this one of the best spots for a satisfying hotpot meal in Chongqing.
7. Ji Hotpot (几火锅)
Location: No. 58, Tongyuan Road, Nanan District
This neighborhood favorite is a community-style hotpot restaurant where you can savor traditional Chongqing flavors in a laid-back setting. Their garlic ribs (蒜香排骨) and crisp lotus root shrimp dumplings (脆藕虾滑) are the must-try dishes, adding to the unique charm of dining in a rustic, old neighborhood under a sheltered roof.
8. Diao Jie Hotpot (刁姐火锅)
Location: No. 35, Dashi Bridge, Building 35, Huankou Road, Nanan District
Diao Jie Hotpot is known for its rich beef oil-based broth that adds a distinct depth of flavor to every bite. The ingredients are served in small, traditional bowls, ensuring freshness with every dish.