Chengdu’s Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi, 宽窄巷子) are not only a feast for the eyes with their charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere, but they also offer an incredible culinary journey. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to savor some local flavors, these alleys are home to numerous eateries that serve authentic Sichuan snacks. From traditional street foods to cozy restaurants, here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best places to eat in Kuanzhai Alley, along with recommendations to satisfy your taste buds without breaking the bank.
Dianbing Dianjiang (点兵点将) – Traditional Sichuan Snack Collection
- A one-stop shop for traditional Sichuan snacks, Dianbing Dianjiang offers an array of delicious options at an average cost of just 36 RMB per person. Must-try dishes include the crispy potato and rice crust (guoba tudou, 锅巴土豆), perfectly seasoned crispy tofu (cuipi baojiang doufu, 脆皮包浆豆腐), and the flavorful dandan noodles (dandan mian, 担担面).
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Address: No. 30 Xiatongren Road, Building 22 (下同仁路30号附22号)
Huangniang Sweet and Spicy (黄孃甜不辣)
- A late-night favorite, this small shop often has long queues, indicating its popularity among locals. Here, you can enjoy a meal for about 35 RMB. Their signature dishes include tender five-spice pork (wuhua rou, 五花肉), refreshing rice jelly (mi liangfen, 米凉粉), and the delightful zhangzhongbao (掌中宝, palm-sized dumplings).
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Address: No. 23 Jixiang Street, Building 3 (吉祥街23号附3号) (820 meters from Kuanzhai Alley Station, Line 4)
Chengdu Chik (成都吃客) – Authentic Sichuan Cuisine
- With nine years of serving genuine Sichuan flavors, Chengdu Chik is a must-visit for anyone craving local dishes. Expect to spend around 51 RMB per person. Highlights include the naked shrimp (luoban tuotuo xia, 裸奔坨坨虾) and their signature grilled fish slices (te se kao yu pian, 特色烤鱼片).
- Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Address: No. 10 Kuixing Building, Building 3 (奎星楼街10号附3号) (850 meters from Kuanzhai Alley Station, Line 4)
Yilao Da Egg Pancakes (易老大蛋烘糕)
- If you’re looking for a budget-friendly snack, Yilao Da offers delicious egg pancakes for just 5 RMB each. Their popular flavors include creamy custard (nàiróng, 奶油) and Oreo (ào lǐ ào, 奥利奥). Perfect for a quick bite while exploring the alleys!
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Address: No. 18 Kuixing Building, Building 4 (奎星楼街18号附4号) (640 meters from Kuanzhai Alley Station, Line 4)
Luo Ma Clay Pot (罗妈砂锅)
- Specializing in the hot and spicy maoxuewang (毛血旺, spicy duck blood hotpot), Luo Ma is highly recommended for its flavors at an average cost of 25 RMB. Other popular dishes include the oil-splashed ma po tofu (油泼麻婆豆腐, served in a clay pot).
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Address: No. 16 Kuixing Building, Building 18 (奎星楼街16号附18号)
Master Yang’s Sweet Rice Balls (杨师傅糖油果子)
- Known for their delicious tangyuan (糖油果子, sweet rice balls), Master Yang’s shop is perfect for a sweet treat. These chewy rice balls are a must-try when visiting the area.
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Address: No. 44 Jixiang Street, Building 1 (吉祥街44号附1号) (820 meters from Kuanzhai Alley Station, Line 4)
Chun Li’s Spicy Duck (春丽冒烤鸭)
- This eatery, known for its high cost-performance ratio, is a hidden gem offering the signature chun li spicy duck (春丽招牌冒烤鸭) and sweet wine ice tofu pudding (jiu niang bing douhua, 酒酿冰豆花) for around 40 RMB per person.
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Address: No. 25 Kuixing Building (奎星楼25号) (800 meters from Kuanzhai Alley Station, Line 4)
Old Lady Feng’s Pork Trotters (冯老太婆老妈蹄花)
- A classic Sichuan restaurant, Old Lady Feng’s is known for its non-spicy yet flavorful pork trotters (tihua, 蹄花). Expect to spend about 35 RMB. Popular items include the signature trotters (lao ma tihua, 老妈蹄花) and yundou (芸豆, green beans).
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Address: No. 82 Xiatongren Road, Building 3 (下同仁路82号附3号) (170 meters from Kuanzhai Alley Station, Line 4)
Old Sichuan Beef Jerky (老四川·四川特产牛肉干)
- For those who enjoy snacks on the go, Old Sichuan specializes in fragrant, chewy beef jerky (niurougan, 牛肉干). Average spending here is about 80 RMB. Must-try flavors include five-spice beef strips (wuxiang niurou tiao, 五香牛肉条) and air-dried five-spice beef jerky (fenggan wuxiang niurou gan, 风干五香牛肉干).
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Address: No. 5 Narrow Alley, Building 1 (窄巷子5号附1号) (460 meters from People’s Park Station, Line 2)