Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan cuisine, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. For the people of Chengdu, food is more than just sustenance; it’s a way of life. The city’s dining scene is highly developed, and no visit to Chengdu is complete without indulging in its famous dishes, known for their bold, spicy, and aromatic flavors.
Zhong Dumplings (钟水饺)
Zhong Dumplings, dating back to 1893, are a must-try delicacy in Chengdu. Unlike Northern dumplings, Zhong Dumplings are made entirely with minced pork, without any vegetables mixed in. The dumplings are served with a special red chili oil sauce, which adds a subtle sweetness, a hint of saltiness, and a kick of spiciness, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
Where to eat: Zhong Dumplings, inside People’s Park, Shaocheng Road
Long Chao Shou (龙抄手)
Long Chao Shou, another famous Chengdu snack, is known for its thin, delicate skin, tender filling, and savory broth. The wrapper is made from high-quality flour, kneaded and rolled until it becomes as thin as paper and almost translucent. The filling is a finely minced, flavorful pork mixture, and the broth is a rich, aromatic blend of chicken, duck, and pork, simmered to perfection.
Where to eat: Long Chao Shou, 63 Chengshou Street, Jinjiang District
Three Big Cannons (三大炮)
Three Big Cannons is a popular sweet snack with a unique preparation method. Made from glutinous rice, red sugar, sesame seeds, and soybeans, these sticky rice balls are sweet and fragrant, yet not overly sticky or greasy. The name comes from the sound they make when being prepared, as the rice balls are tossed into a metal tray with a loud “cannon-like” noise.
Where to eat: Three Big Cannons (Jinli Store), 10 Jiupin Street, Wuhou District
Lai Tang Yuan (赖汤圆)
With a history dating back to 1894, Lai Tang Yuan is a time-honored brand known for its traditional sweet rice dumplings. The glutinous rice balls are soft, chewy, and filled with a variety of sweet fillings like sesame paste or peanut butter. They are served in a light, sweet syrup, making for a delightful and satisfying dessert.
Where to eat: Lai Tang Yuan, 23 Zongfu Road, Jinjiang District
Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
Mapo Tofu is one of Sichuan’s most iconic dishes. The dish features soft tofu cubes cooked with minced beef or pork, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns. The numbing sensation from the peppercorns combined with the spiciness of the chilies creates the characteristic “mala” (numbing and spicy) flavor that defines Sichuan cuisine.
Where to eat: Chen Mapo Tofu, 51 Donghuamen Street, Qingyang District
Yipin Tianxia Food Street (一品天下美食商业街)
Yipin Tianxia Food Street is the epitome of Chengdu’s culinary culture, offering a diverse array of Sichuan dishes and other regional cuisines. This vibrant food street is home to several famous Sichuan restaurants, including Wenxin Restaurant, Hongxin Restaurant, and Grandma Zhou’s Sunset Red Boutique Sichuan Cuisine, each offering a unique taste of Chengdu’s rich food culture.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 or Line 7 to Yipin Tianxia Station
Old Mama Rabbit Head (老妈兔头)
Originating in Shuangliu District, Old Mama Rabbit Head is a signature Chengdu dish known for its spicy and aromatic flavor. The rabbit head is marinated in a rich blend of spices, making the meat tender and flavorful, with a lingering aftertaste. It’s a dish that truly embodies the essence of Sichuan’s bold flavors.
Where to eat: 25-Year Old Mama Rabbit Head, 85 Qingtai Road, Shuangliu District
Chengdu’s vibrant food scene is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Each dish tells a story, offering a taste of Chengdu’s unique culinary traditions. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or looking to try something new, Chengdu’s famous foods are sure to leave a lasting impression.