Best Places to Eat in Chengdu China

Discovering the Flavors of Chengdu: A Guide to the Best Street Food and Restaurants

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, is a food lover’s paradise. This city is renowned for its bold flavors, particularly the infamous “mala” numbness and spiciness from Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil. From street food stalls to traditional restaurants, Chengdu offers a diverse range of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds.

Street Food Heaven

1. Jinli Street Snack Street (锦里小吃街)

This pedestrian street is a must-visit for any food enthusiast. Lined with vendors and stalls, Jinli Street offers an array of Sichuan snacks, including:

  • Chengdu Hot Pot (): A miniature hot pot experience in a small bowl, perfect for sampling the city’s signature dish.
  • Mapo Tofu (): Silken tofu in a spicy sauce that will leave you craving more.
  • Twice-Cooked Pork (): A classic Sichuan dish with pork belly cooked twice to achieve tender perfection.

2. Wide and Narrow Alleys (铺街巷子)

This historic neighborhood is home to many street food stalls, including:

  • Kung Pao Chicken (): Stir-fried chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers in a savory sauce.
  • Dan Dan Noodles (): A classic Chengdu dish featuring noodles tossed in a spicy peanut sauce.

3. Tongzilin Night Market (桐梓林夜市)

This bustling night market offers a variety of street food options, including:

  • Grilled Fish (): Fresh fish grilled to perfection and seasoned with Sichuan spices.
  • Stinky Tofu (): A popular street snack in China, fermented tofu that’s surprisingly delicious.

Restaurant Recommendations

1. Xianglong Restaurant (祥龙餐厅)

Try their signature dishes:

  • Kung Pao Chicken (): A classic Sichuan dish done to perfection.
  • Boiled Fish in Chili Oil (): A must-try Sichuan dish featuring a fish boiled in a spicy chili oil broth.

2. Lao Ma Tou (老马头)

This casual eatery serves:

  • Chengdu Hot Pot (): A traditional hot pot experience with a variety of dipping options.
  • Sichuan Wontons (): Delicate wontons filled with pork and served in a spicy sauce.

3. Zhangliangfen Restaurant (张良粉餐厅)

This restaurant specializes in:

  • Chengdu Dan Dan Noodles (): A flavorful and spicy noodle dish that’s a staple of Chengdu cuisine.
  • Sichuan Pickled Mustard Greens (): A tangy and refreshing side dish.

Tips and Essentials

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular street food stalls and restaurants.
  • Try to avoid eating during peak hours (12 pm - 2 pm) when possible.
  • Don’t be afraid to try new things, but also don’t hesitate to ask for less spicy options if you’re not comfortable with the heat.
  • Chengdu is known for its tea culture; consider visiting a traditional teahouse to pair with your meals.

Embark on this culinary adventure and indulge in the bold flavors of Chengdu. With its rich street food scene and authentic restaurants, this city will leave you craving more of its signature “mala” goodness.