Bayi Food Street (八一好吃街), also known as Chongqing’s Best Eats Street, is a foodie’s paradise for anyone eager to sample authentic Chongqing snacks in one vibrant location. Known for its extensive range of affordable bites, this street offers everything from spicy noodle bowls to crispy fried treats, all bursting with local flavor. Here are 15 standout stalls along Bayi Food Street, where you can taste the essence of Chongqing’s culinary culture. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned foodie, this guide will lead you to the best eats on the block!
1. Wujiang Road Pan-Fried Buns (吴江路生煎)
- Average Price: 6 RMB per portion
- What to Try: This spot offers four delicious flavors of pan-fried buns: Classic, Veggie, Shrimp, and Crab Roe. With a crispy base and soft, flavorful filling, these buns are a must-try, combining classic comfort with local style.
2. Liuxiang Spare Ribs (留香排骨)
- Average Price: 10 RMB per skewer
- What to Try: These generously sized ribs are infused with a savory broth and topped with a slightly spicy seasoning. Despite the added chili powder, the ribs have a balanced sweetness, making them approachable even for those who prefer milder flavors.
3. Mountain People Crispy Potato (山里人锅巴土豆)
- Average Price: 10 RMB per portion
- What to Try: A Chongqing classic! These potatoes are fried to perfection, crispy outside, tender inside, and tossed in a signature sauce for a flavor explosion that makes this snack truly addictive.
4. Shancheng Mini Glutinous Rice Balls (山城小汤圆)
- Average Price: 12 RMB per person
- What to Try: Beloved by locals, these glutinous rice balls in a sweet, warm soup are nostalgic for many Chongqing residents. With the same flavor as when they were kids, these are a comforting treat and a quintessential Chongqing dessert.
5. Yimen Baijia Sour and Spicy Noodles (义门白家酸辣粉)
- Average Price: 8 RMB per person
- What to Try: These noodles are a true sensory delight, featuring a mix of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. Topped with minced meat, peanuts, and fragrant spices, this dish brings together everything great about Chongqing cuisine.
6. Wu Dumplings (吴抄手)
- Average Price: 16 RMB per person
- What to Try: This historic brand specializes in Chongqing’s famous dumplings (Chao Shou) and offers a variety of broths: clear, spicy red, garlic, or chicken. Each dumpling is tender and filled with rich, savory ingredients.
7. Descending Dragon Chicken Claws (降龙爪爪)
- Average Price: 12 RMB for three claws
- What to Try: Try their chicken claws, available in four flavors: Hot Pot, Tom Yum, Marinated, and Crispy. Tender and full of flavor, these claws are well-cooked and great for anyone wanting a unique local snack.
8. Longmen Huajia (龙门花岬)
- Average Price: 20 RMB per portion
- What to Try: A favorite among food bloggers, this dish is served hot in tin foil, combining flavors of flower crab and vermicelli. The combination is both visually appealing and delicious, making it a popular pick on social media.
9. Golden Top Grilled Pig’s Feet (金榜题名烤猪蹄)
- Average Price: 18 RMB per pig’s foot
- What to Try: These grilled pig’s feet combine barbecue flavor with the tender, juicy texture of pig’s feet, all with a spicy kick. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and satisfyingly rich without being overly greasy.
10. Xiaopao’s Freshly Fried Crispy Meat (肖炮现炸酥肉)
- Average Price: 30 RMB per pound
- What to Try: This popular spot draws long lines for its freshly fried crispy pork, with lines often stretching down the street. The meat is cooked to order, making each bite warm, tender, and delightfully crispy.
11. Yu Jie’s Spicy Blood Curd Stew (余姐毛血旺)
- Average Price: 45 RMB
- What to Try: A staple of traditional Chongqing cuisine, this dish is a spicy stew filled with various ingredients. It’s incredibly flavorful, with bold spices that pair perfectly with rice, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
12. Hao You Lai Sour and Spicy Noodles (好又来酸辣粉)
- Average Price: 8 RMB per portion
- What to Try: Known for its handmade noodles, the Jiefangbei location is the original branch. The noodles are topped with minced meat, peanuts, sesame, and pickled vegetables, making this dish both spicy and savory.
13. Tande Ghost Buns (谭德七包子)
- Average Price: 18 RMB for 10 buns
- What to Try: These buns come in flavors like savory meat and fresh pork. With a thin skin and abundant filling, each bite is flavorful and satisfying.
14. Pangzima’s Authentic Salted Duck (胖子妈正宗盐水鸭)
- Average Price: 22 RMB
- What to Try: With over 30 years of history, this shop is famous for its fragrant, salted duck. The aroma entices passersby, and each bite reveals hints of peppercorn and spices, giving the duck a slightly numbing, savory taste.
15. Eight Corners Noodles (八角九)
- Average Price: 15 RMB
- What to Try: This eatery is unique, with noodle options on both sides of the shop. On one side, they serve flower market noodles with minced pork, while on the other, they offer chicken broth silk noodles, both satisfying options for a quick meal.