Chongqing, a vibrant metropolis nestled in southwestern China, is renowned for its bold, spicy flavors and distinctive culinary traditions. If you’re planning a trip to this bustling city, then sampling its rich variety of local dishes is a must. From fiery hotpot to savory snacks, Chongqing’s food scene offers something for every palate. This food map will guide you to the best eateries in the city’s most iconic districts, ensuring you taste the best that Chongqing has to offer.
Jiefangbei: The Heart of Chongqing Cuisine
- Jiucun Kao Nao Hua (九村烤脑花): A must-try when in Chongqing, Jiucun Kao Nao Hua serves the famous braised pig brain (脑花). The brain is tender and flavorful, with no unpleasant odor. A perfect introduction to the city’s unique flavors.
- Wu Chao Shou (吴抄手): At an affordable price of just ¥16 per person, this old-time brand is famous for its red oil wontons (红油抄手). The wontons are perfectly seasoned, and the silky, spicy broth is a local favorite.
- Yibiao Chang Huo Guo (仪表厂火锅): Hidden in a quiet corner, Yibiao Chang Huo Guo serves authentic Chongqing hotpot. Their homemade pig’s trotters are incredibly tender, soft, and juicy, making it a must-try for hotpot lovers.
- Li Huoguo (利火锅): Li Huoguo is a well-loved, budget-friendly Chongqing hotpot spot that offers great value for money. For just ¥138, you can enjoy a hotpot feast with 23 dishes, making it one of the best deals in the city.
- Lao Qiu Qiu (老丘丘): A local favorite near Jiefangbei, Lao Qiu Qiu serves excellent Yu Xiang Rou Si (鱼香肉丝), or fish-flavored shredded pork. The fish meat is incredibly tender, and it’s an excellent pairing with steamed rice.
- Ding Niang Niang Hotpot (丁孃孃火锅): Located near Dai Jia Alley, this hotpot restaurant is popular for its warm atmosphere and excellent value. The restaurant features a unique cat-themed wall that has become a local Instagram spot.
Hongyadong: The Spirit of Chongqing’s Old Town
- Juntun Guokui (军屯锅盔): Try the beef guokui (牛肉锅盔) here, a type of traditional Chinese flatbread stuffed with spiced beef. At ¥12 per piece, this snack is fragrant and flavorful, making it a great stop during your visit to Hongyadong.
- Li Jie Hotpot (莉姐火锅): Located near Hongyadong, Li Jie Hotpot is a favorite among locals, attracting mostly repeat customers. The restaurant serves rich and spicy mala beef (麻辣牛肉) that’s both tender and flavorful, providing an authentic taste of Chongqing.
- Super Li Ban Deng Mian (超级李板凳面): When in Chongqing, you absolutely must try ban deng mian (板凳面), a dish of thick noodles in a savory meat sauce. The generous chunks of meat in the sauce make every bite incredibly satisfying.
- Shiba Ti Ban Deng Mian (十八梯板凳面): Another classic in Hongyadong, Shiba Ti serves up an incredibly flavorful mixed sauce noodles (杂酱面) that’s beloved by locals. Be prepared to wait in line, as it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Shapingba: A Hidden Gem of Chongqing
- Lian Ou Chao Shou (莲藕抄手): This dish is an absolute must-try for fans of wontons (抄手). The filling includes lotus root (莲藕), which adds a wonderful crunch to the dish. The wrappers are thin and delicate, while the filling is generous and flavorful.
- Hong Ba Yang Xiang Nuo Nuo Gao (红笆阳香嫩咖喱肉): Often referred to as the pork tenderloin ceiling, this dish features perfectly cooked tenderloin paired with spicy, fragrant chili pepper—an unbeatable combination.
- Hao Chi Gou Liang Gao (好吃狗凉糕): This local dessert is a refreshing treat, perfect for hot summer days. The 凉糕 is sweet but not overly rich, and it’s served cold for a nice, cool finish to your meal.
- Mei Cai Kou Rou Bing (梅菜扣肉饼): Another dish you must try is the mei cai kou rou bing, a savory, aromatic cake made with pork belly and preserved mustard greens. It’s a true representation of Chongqing’s delicious simplicity.
Guanyinqiao: A Flavorful Corner of Chongqing
- Ye Ye’s Stinky Tofu (爷爷的臭豆腐): Stinky tofu is a dish that many people love or hate, but Ye Ye’s Stinky Tofu is a must-try. The tofu is crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, with just the right amount of fragrance. Served with green onions, this dish is addictively good.
- Qi Qi’s Wheel Cake (七七的车轮饼): Chongqing’s wheel cakes (车轮饼) are deliciously crispy and filled with a variety of fillings. The dough is always freshly made, and the cakes are served piping hot. They’re a perfect snack to enjoy while exploring Guanyinqiao.
- Crispy Pork Belly (脆皮五花肉): The crispy pork belly here is perfection—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. The spicy flavor is present without being overwhelming, making this a delightful dish for any spicy food lover.
- San Yang Zi (三样子): This hidden dessert shop is a local treasure, offering a variety of delicious sweets. Their mochi series (麻薯) is particularly popular, and it’s a perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
Jiangbei District: A Local’s Paradise
- Dingjia Po Yang Yu (丁家坡洋芋): Traditional and comforting, this dish of soft and glutinous potatoes (洋芋) is a Chongqing favorite. The potatoes are rich in flavor and will leave you wanting more.
- Chuan Yu Jin Ma Pig’s Trotters (川渝金妈猪蹄): Known for their large portions, pig’s trotters are deliciously tender, filled with collagen, and packed with flavor. A great dish for anyone wanting to taste a local delicacy.
- Haiguan Hun Douhua (海关荤豆花): A must-try dish for those visiting Chongqing is savory tofu pudding (荤豆花). This dish combines tofu with various savory toppings, making it a unique and flavorful experience.
- Durian Cheese Pie (榴莲芝士饼): If you love cheese and durian, the Durian Cheese Pie is for you! With a strong cheese flavor and a rich durian filling, this pie will leave you craving more.
Tanzi Shi: A Foodie’s Delight
- Zhi Wei Crispy Chicken (知味脆皮鸡): The crispy chicken here is golden and crunchy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. It’s a perfect snack or meal for any fried chicken lover.
- Lao Mo Quan Shui E (老么泉水鹅): The goose meat here is soft, tender, and full of flavor, with a thin skin and chewy texture. It’s a must-try for anyone who enjoys tender meats.
- Bao Xin Ci Ba (包心糍粑): This treat features sticky rice wrapped around various fillings, providing a rich texture with every bite. It’s a simple but satisfying snack for anyone exploring Tanzi Shi.
- Nuomi Ci (糯米糍): Filled with different fillings like red bean paste or peanut butter, nuomi ci is a delicious, chewy dessert that should not be missed.